Beyond the Pew: Empowering Adults in Growth and Service
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 180
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 180
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The development of this book on adult ministry in the church is driven by a recognition of the pressing need resulting from demographic shifts occurring both domestically in the United States and globally. With the adult population, particularly seniors, steadily increasing, churches are faced with the critical challenge of effectively ministering to diverse age groups within this demographic. This challenge underscores the necessity for a dedicated textbook focused on equipping church leaders to engage, disciple, and empower adults for lifelong growth and service.
This comprehensive guide aims to serve as a vital tool for pastors, church leaders, and ministry practitioners, addressing a notable gap in available resources. By providing practical insights, tools, and strategies, the book will empower church leaders to design and implement effective adult ministry programs. It will equip them to meet the spiritual, social, and emotional needs of adults within their congregations by fostering comprehensive and impactful initiatives. Ultimately, this resource will help build thriving church communities while strengthening connections with adults across all age groups.
Preface
Unit I: Foundations for Adult Ministries
Chapter 1 – The Landscape of Adulthood
Norma Hedin
Chapter 2 – Foundations for Adult Ministry
J.Jonathan Kim
Chapter 3 – Adult Educational Psychology
Mike Cunningham
Chapter 4 – Adult Learning Styles and Methods
Kevin Gandy
Unit II: Age-Groups for Adult Ministries
Chapter 5 – Zoomers
Don Ashley and Mark Goodman
Chapter 6 – Millennials
David Admas
Chapter 7 – Busters
Lance Crowell
Chapter 8 – Baby Boomers and Beyond
Wayne Davis
Unit III: The Family and Adult Ministries
Chapter 9 – Single Life
Jody Dean
Chapter 10 – Family Life
Scott Floyd
Chapter 11 – Parenthood
Rusty Wheelington
Chapter 12 – Raising Children
J. Jonathan Kim
Unit IV: Programming for Adult Ministries
Chapter 13 – Cooperative Learning
Robert DeVargas
Chapter 14 – Sunday Bible Study and Small Groups
Wayne Davis
Chapter 15 – Curriculum Development and Evaluation
Blanton Feaster
Chapter 16 – Adult Ministry Design
Pierre Cannings
Epilogue
Selected Bibliography
Contributors
Name/Subject Index
Scripture Index
Dr. Jonghwan Jonathan Kim is a Professor of Christian Education and Associate Dean of the Mary C. Crowley College of Christian Faith at Dallas Baptist University. He also serves as president of Jura International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing servant leaders for Asia. He earned his degrees from Southwest Baptist University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Previously, he was a faculty and staff member at Southwestern Seminary. He is an active member of New Song Church in Carrollton, Texas.