Local Church, Local School
Practical and Creative Ways for Churches to Serve Local Primary Schools
Published on 19. February 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
200 pages
978-1-84101-586-6 (ISBN)
Description
This title explores the potential for getting involved and opportunities for working together in meaningful and dynamic ways. It uses a theological basis to determine ways for church members to serve their local schools. It provides practical ideas and well-founded information for engagement, including the theological basis, the spiritual needs of the school, identifying opportunities and skills, and creative use of buildings. It enables individuals and organizations to understand how the spiritual needs of the school fits into the legal requirements of the RE syllabus and the big picture of the school day. It is ideal for church leaders, lay leaders, and children's work. It is suitable for clergy, lay leaders, evangelists, children's leaders, members of governing boards and PTAs, christian parents and carers, tutors in theological institutions, CME course leaders and delegates, and education departments in Church colleges. "Local Church, Local School" examines the potential for churches to be able to help meet the spiritual needs of their local primary schools with full understanding of legal and educational requirements.
Starting from a theological basis, the book moves on to examine how sustainable relationships can be built and how schools can make best use of the wide range of resources that the church can offer. The material is interlaced with stories from individuals and organizations already involved in their local schools, and includes many practical and accessible worked examples of best practice.
Starting from a theological basis, the book moves on to examine how sustainable relationships can be built and how schools can make best use of the wide range of resources that the church can offer. The material is interlaced with stories from individuals and organizations already involved in their local schools, and includes many practical and accessible worked examples of best practice.
Reviews / Votes
From The Good Bookstall - June 2010 This useful book is intended to be a guide for members of churches interested in becoming involved in their local primary school(s) as a form of Christian service. While mainly written from a Church of England perspective, most of what is written is applicable to any denomination. The author starts off by firmly establishing the biblical basis for churches working in local schools. She discusses the subject of Christian vocation to work in schools, and briefly covers the history of Christianity's influence in education. The book then covers more practical issues. An overview of educational legislation is given, followed by chapters detailing different areas of school life where Christians may be able to get involved, for example collective worship, religious education, school visits, clubs, and becoming a voluntary helper or school governor. This book will be a valuable resource for a church considering making contact with local schools. I have only one word of criticism: I feel that the author overstates the need to be cautious in school. As a teacher, I invited children to church events, and was encouraged to do so, as it was a way of demonstrating that the school was involved with the local community. And my advice would be, when seeking to talk to children about your beliefs, always use the phrase 'Christians believe...', and then state the truth. By doing this, you are not preaching, you are teaching, and that is what school is all about! Reviewed by Victoria Hill Local Church, Local School Practical ways for Churches to serve local Primary Schools by Margaret Withers GoodBookStall Review: This useful book is intended to be a guide for members of churches interested in becoming involved in their local primary school(s) as a form of Christian service. While mainly written from a Church of England perspective, most of what is written is applicable to any denomination. The author starts off by firmly establishing the biblical basis for churches working in local schools. She discusses the subject of Christian vocation to work in schools, and briefly covers the history of Christianity's influence in education. The book then covers more practical issues. An overview of educational legislation is given, followed by chapters detailing different areas of school life where Christians may be able to get involved, for example collective worship, religious education, school visits, clubs, and becoming a voluntary helper or school governor. This book will be a valuable resource for a church considering making contact with local schools. I have only one word of criticism: I feel that the author overstates the need to be cautious in school. As a teacher, I invited children to church events, and was encouraged to do so, as it was a way of demonstrating that the school was involved with the local community. And my advice would be, when seeking to talk to children about your beliefs, always use the phrase "Christians believe...", and then state the truth. By doing this, you are not preaching, you are teaching, and that is what school is all about! -- Victoria Hill The GoodbookstallMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Publishing group
BRF (The Bible Reading Fellowship)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 130 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-84101-586-6 (9781841015866)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
Margaret Withers taught music in primary and secondary schools in Inner London for 20 years before becoming a Diocesan Children's Adviser, serving in this role in both Rochester and Chelmsford dioceses. She is author of several books published by Barnabas, including Welcome to the Lord's Table and Where are the children? and joint author of Creative Communion.