Welcome to Equip for Ministry. We are particularly excited about this issue. It deals with our favorite topic of Christian Education. The feature on Christian Education is written by Teaching Elder Dennis Bennett who is now back on staff after having served as the academic dean at South Africa Bible College in Capetown, South Africa. Dennis is assuming the role of coordinator of training for CE&P, having served with us a number of years before going to South Africa. He and his wife Cindy, their children Dustin, Benadette, and Innocent, hopefully soon to join them, assumed his role March 5, 2006.

Dennis’ knowledge and passion for Christian Education will be evident in his feature article and it will challenge your thinking. I encourage pastors, sessions, and Christian education committees especially to read this article and discuss it. The heart of the church’s discipleship ministry is a teaching ministry. That was Jesus’ command before his ascension into heaven. That is what he expects his church to be doing in “teaching all things whatsoever I have commanded.”

Also in this issue will be what was intended to be a book review, but due to several questions about the book Revolution by George Barna, I decided to make it into an “In Case You’re Asked” topic and expand on it. It deals with the growing disconnect between spirituality and the church, a timely topic that some are not even aware is taking place in the church but very important for church leaders to be familiar with. This follows the pattern of consciously or unconsciously embracing a dualistic philosophy that divides reality into two spheres.

I am often in a dilemma as to what to encourage church leaders and others to read. Certainly, what you do or do not read is your choice, but part of Equip for Ministry’s purpose is to keep you aware of what we think are good and important books. We have generally chosen not to highlight books if we do not support its content, though at times such would be appropriate. One of our staff members had a conversation with a pastor who saw a questionable book reviewed in Equip, but did not see that we emphasized that the book should be read extremely carefully and with much discernment. Some of its ideas would not produce good results, but it was a book that was being discussed in many different circles and it was important to be knowledgeable about its content. We would also like you to keep this in mind with the review of Revolution. We often use “In Case You’re Asked” as an opportunity not only to answer theological questions but to review books that we are asked to evaluate and then make extensive comments often not found in the review section.

In “Buy the Book” you will find a review of Walt Mueller’s latest Engaging The Soul of Youth Culture. Mueller is known throughout the reformed and evangelical world as one of the foremost authorities on the youth generation. Walt, who happens to be in the PCA, has given us many insights and helpful understandings of the youth culture. As I read this book, I decided it would be a third in the triad of texts that I will use in the future when teaching Making Kingdom Disciples. It will be added to my book by that title and Nancy Pearcey’s Total Truth.

Dick Aeschliman reviews two books, The Answer by Randy Pope dealing with how to find the puzzle piece that gives meaning to life and Warfare Witness by Stan Gale. This book deals with the reality of warfare for those who are committed to extending the Kingdom of God. Sue Jakes our coordinator of children’s ministries reviews Grandpa’s Box by Starr Meade. She says that this is a great book for young readers, an umatched teaching tool for children’s Bible teacher, and a perfect family devotional book.

In this issue you will also meet two of our regional trainers. Connie Miller is one of the ten trainers for our WIC ministry. Dr. Allen Curry is a regional teacher trainer/consultant for CE&P. He is professor of Christian education at Reformed Theological Seminary. Prior to that, he was with Great Commission Publications.

There are other items and advertisements that we trust will make this edition of Equip for Ministry a helpful one to you.

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