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Adult Ministry Seminar Descriptions
To schedule any of the following workshops and seminars, please contact Carol Krau at ckrau@gbod.org or by calling 1-877-899-2780, ext. 7171 (toll-free).
After the Example of Christ: Congregational Care Model (free brochure)
Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century: An Inquiry Approach
By Richard H. Gentzler Jr.
The church is in the hands of its elders. While the popular perception is that the aged are needy and infirm, Gentzler affirms the majority of older adults have plenty to give. The church needs to tap into their wisdom, energy, experience, and talents.
Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian: Adult Development and Christian Faith
James W. Fowler, Jossey-Bass, 1999. This revised edition of Fowler's classic text outlines developmental stages of adult thinking about faith and relates the theory to our Christian vocation.
Breaking & Mending: Divorce and God's Grace
by Mary Lou Redding. Upper Room Books.
In struggling to make sense of her own painful divorce, Redding looked to the Bible where she found guidance and hope.
Family: The Forming Center, Revised Edition
by Marjorie Thompson (The Upper Room, 1997).
Thompson's book is one of the best books for stating the case for family as a center of faith.
Forgiving Your Family: A Journey to Healing
By Kathleen Fischer (Upper Room Books).
Why is it that the closest people to us often cause the deepest, most wrenching pain? Family can either provide restful refuge or prompt you to find it elsewhere. A quick channel-surf through daytime television illustrates that! From the petty irritation to the grievous wrong, forgiving is one of the hardest tasks families face.
Forty-Sixty: A Study for Midlife Adults Who Want to Make a Difference
By Richard H. Gentzler and Craig Kennet Miller. Discipleship Resources, 2001.
Designed to be used individually or in a small group, Forty-Sixty identifies 10 significant issues many people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s face as they experience midlife.
Job Descriptions & Leadership Training for Local Church Leaders 2009-2012
By Betsey Heavner (Discipleship Resources, 2009)
In addition to individual positions within congregational life, the book explores biblical roots and dimensions of leader development. It includes new thinking based on field research and training leaders in a variety of settings.
Keeping in Touch: Christian Formation and Teaching
By Carol F. Krau
Krau explores five critical processes for teachers and small-group leaders. These processes enable leaders to teach for formation and transformation, as well as for information.
Loving God With All Your Mind: Equipping the Community of Faith for Theological Thinking
By Thomas R. Hawkins
This resource synthesizes current brain research and explores how this information impacts cognitive development, moral development, and faith development.
The Pulse of United Methodist Baby Boomers
By Richard H. Gentzler, Jr. and Carolyn S. Poole
An online book in html and pdf formats.
Recommended Resources Related to Older Adult Ministries
Start Here: Teaching and Learning with Adults
by Barbara Bruce. Discipleship Resources, 2000.
Based on some of the newest information on faith development and adult learning, Start Here helps teachers of adult Sunday school classes and other small groups create learning environments where adults can grow in faith.
The Thoughtful Christian, Faithful Living in a Complex World
The Thoughtful Christian is a Web-based resource center filled with studies ranging from one to four sessions each for adult groups and individuals. You can obtain an annual subscription to these studies or purchase study packs. You can also receive a free electronic newsletter that provides information about new studies or studies relevant to the church year.
Triangular Teaching: A New Way of Teaching the Bible to Adults
Barbara Bruce, Abingdon Press, 2007.
This resource provides practical guidance and concrete examples for utilizing critical thinking, multiple intelligences, and current brain research in settings for adult learning.
Toward an Adult Church: A Vision of Faith Formation
Jane E. Regan, Loyola Press, 2002.
This resource is a comprehensive guide to adult faith formation through congregations.
UMC -- Four Areas of Focus
Explore how The United Methodist Church is focusing on four key areas of ministry in a free, self-directed online course from United Methodist Communications. The four foci include:
- Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world
- Creating new places for new people and revitalizing existing congregations
- Engaging in ministry with the poor
- Combating the diseases of poverty by improving health globally.
This online course is available now. To participate, visit moodle.umcom.org and select "Four Areas of Focus" under the United Methodist Basics category. There are also postcards with information about this online course and brochures about the four areas of focus available from United Methodist Communications.
Working for a Just and Lasting Peace for Israelis and Palestinians (pdf)
The renewed conflict in Gaza is a source of concern for persons of faith. This advocacy guide is available through the General Board of Church and Society and may be used in Sunday school classes or other small-group settings.
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