The spiritual growth (formation) of a child is not an overnight task. That’s really true for anyone of any age. Spiritual growth, like physical growth, is a gradual process. As parents and teachers, we need to recognize that fostering spiritual growth in our kids requires discipline and time on our part as well as a …
Articles by Rick Edwards
The articles below have been written by Rick Edwards. Rick is a publishing veteran with more than 40 years of experience in ministry, curriculum development, and magazine publishing. He is currently involved as a speaker, author, and Bible teacher while managing a Christian publishing business. He is the owner and publisher of SundaySchoolZone.com.
Happy Birthday, Mom! (August 4, 2018)
So yes, this is a bit of self indulgence for me as I wish happy birthday to my mom, Fondanell Edwards, who was born on August 4, 1922. We lost my mom in September of 2011, but she lived a good, long life and was able to live at home and care for herself until the last day of her life. It was a good life and a good death. I …
What Is Contemplative Christianity?
Sometimes words or phrases pick up "baggage" along the way so a particular word may begin to mean one thing to one person or one group of people while the same word means something entirely different to someone else. The word "contemplative," when associated with "Christianity" is one such word or phrase. The phrase …
“Beautifully Broken” Delivers Hope and Insight
When it comes to contemporary Christian music, Plumb (Tiffany Lee) has been at it longer than many and that's a testimony to the quality of her work. She’s still making great music and with Beautifully Broken she seems to be honing in on a consistent (and powerful) message that she’s communicating through her music as well …
Dad, “Be” Before You “Do”
Father's Day should be a time of reflection for those who love and honor their dads, but it should be a time of reflection for Fathers as well. Speaking as a dad who has more than his share of failures, I'd like to encourage all dads out there to focus their energies on BEING before concentrating on DOING for Father's Day. …
Are We Fablizing the Stories of the Bible?
Most of us are familiar with fables. A fable is typically a short story, often (but not always) involving animals as characters, that conveys a moral lesson. Aesop’s Fables* are among the most familiar. Who isn’t familiar with the tale of The Tortoise and the Hare? Steady perseverance can overcome impetuous speed. Such …
Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman
The fun title and light-hearted cover design of Parenting in the Pew disguise both the breadth and substance of its wonderful content. So don’t be fooled into thinking it’s only relevant to you if you have young (school-aged) children. And certainly don’t be fooled into thinking it’s not worth every penny you invest in …
Sustainable Children’s Ministry by Mark DeVries and Annette Safstrom
Are you responsible for leading the children’s ministry in your church? Yes? Then read Sustainable Children's Ministry. It will change your ministry and your life, unless you’re the “rare bird” out there who has it all together and feels there’s no room for improvement in your ministry. (Even then it’s likely that things …
Intergenerational Christian Formation by Holly Allen and Christine Ross
Intergenerational Christian Formation: Bringing the Whole Church Together in Ministry, Community and Worship by Holly Catterton Allen and Christine Lawton Ross is an important book. Anyone with an interest in helping people of ANY age grow in Christ should read it. The typical church in North America today with its …
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday is the day when many Christians remember and celebrate Jesus' final meal (the Last Supper or Lord's Supper). Many church traditions do not use the term or do anything particular to recognize the day. Consequently, many inside and outside the church are unfamiliar with "Maundy Thursday." Note: A printable PDF …
