Book Review of "Christian Education Foundations For The Future".

Book title: Christian Education Foundations For The Future Chicago : Moody Press, 1991, 636 pp. (SGD 58.00). Robert E. Clark, Lin Johnson, and Allyn K. Sloat (eds.) I have just finished reading this book. It is a very good compilation of articles from 42 contributors represented by many of the best thinkers and writers of Christian education. The volume has 40 chapters appropriately divided into 5 units. While the book as a whole will benefit theological students and those primarily involved in the Christian education ministry, there are also specific units and chapters for pastors, church administrators, cell group leaders and parents.

Unit One (5 chapters) - The Definitive Nature of Christian Education focuses on Christian education from a biblical, theological and historical standpoint. It also examines its philosophical basis and its future trends.

Unit Two (9 chapters) - The Teaching-Learning Process in Christian Education examines Christ, the master teacher; the Holy Spirit in education, and the teaching and learning process.

Unit Three (10 chapters) – The Ministry is to People covers Christian education of children, youth, adults, families, couples, singles and cross-cultural groups. There is comprehensive coverage of infants upwards, whilst the section on adults is further developed into young adults, middle adults and seniors. This unit provides an in-depth understanding of managing various levels of education.

Unit Four (11 chapters) - The Church’s Strategies for Christian Education looks at the organization of Christian education in the local church. Pastors and cell group leaders will find the chapters here illuminating and convincing.

Unit Five (5 chapters) - The Church’s Allies for Christian Education shows the importance of family ministry in laying the foundation for Christian education. All parents are strongly encouraged to go through the chapters in this unit.

I was impressed by the harmony of the units even though the chapters were written by different authors. At times, writers in one unit seemed to be echoing the thoughts of writers in other units. This convergence of thoughts, strategies and methodologies by different writers is evidence of the role of the Holy Spirit as a teacher.

Some of the chapters may seem to be more suitable for Western culture. The chapters should not be skipped for this reason as the social changes taking place in the West (e.g., single parents, high divorce rates, teenage pregnancy, etc.) are becoming universal trends, especially in developed countries, and Singapore is no exception.

inally, the book is a tremendous resource for Christian education because many other resource books for further reading and research are included at the end of every chapter.