Story, Formation, and Culture

Story, Formation, and Culture brings together a myriad of scholars, researchers, and ministry leaders into conversation about how we can effectively nurture the spirituality of children. Built around the three themes of story, formation, and culture, this volume blends cutting-edge research and insights with attention to how we can bring theory into practice in our ministries with children. The work of children's spiritual formation is often a marginalized component in the church's overall ministry. This volume seeks to equip pastors, leaders, and scholars with cutting-edge research and practices that effectively strengthen their ministries with children.


""There are few resources available for Christian educators, professors, teachers, students, and practitioners that are as instructive and valuable as Story, Formation, and Culture! In this volume, Ben Espinoza, James Estep, and Shirley Morgenthaler have compiled some of the best research on children's spiritual formation in the field today . . . Studies on spiritual, moral, intellectual, and intergenerational formation fortify pedagogical methodology. The value of cultural awareness within a theological framework as we engage parents, children, 'tweens, and teens is underscored to sharpen the educator's sensitivity to new ideas and approaches without abandoning best practices . . . Story, Formation, and Culture is well organized and exceptionally readable . . . What a gift to those of us in the field! Whether you are a parent, pastor, practitioner, or student/scholar, you are invited to explore the possibilities and join the conversation!""
--La Verne Tolbert, President, Teaching Like Jesus Ministries, Inc.

""This work is replete with wisdom and strategies, grounded in a genuine love of children and a desire to empower us to nurture their faith. The authors each wrestle with questions from their own contexts and offer resources based on in-depth research. From the rich analysis of the power of story to the reminders that our tweens are embedded in technologically rich (and sometimes scary) worlds, the authors share from the wellsprings of their experiences innovative ways forward in ministry with children.""
--Almeda M. Wright, Yale Divinity School


Benjamin D. Espinoza, is a PhD student and research assistant in the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) program at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. He has written for journals such as the International Journal of Christianity and Education, Bulletin of Ecclesial Theology, Christian Education Journal, and Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies.

James Riley Estep, Jr., serves as equipping pastor at Heritage Christian Church in Peachtree, Georgia.

Shirley Morgenthaler is Distinguished Professor of Education at Concordia University-Chicago, and as part of her duties, she serves as editor of the Lutheran Education Journal.