Passing on the Faith: A Radical New Model for Youth and Family Ministry

by Richard A. Hardel and Merton P. Strommen

Book Overview

What a radically new (yet ancient) model of faith formation: the family is restored to the center of the faith growth process, with the congregation and community as integral, active partners

The authors of Passing On the Faith present this new model, which is based on the extensive research of Search Institute and the Youth and Family Institute of Augsburg College, including the finding that only 10 percent of church families (both Protestant and Catholic) discuss their faith on a regular basis. In Passing On the Faith, Merton P. Strommen and Richard A. Hardel draw on their pastoral experiences to relate research and theory to Catholic daily life.

The book addresses topics including strengthening family relationships, congregations as family, creating a Christian youth subculture, and transforming today's culture. It also gives concrete advice for translating the strategies from vision into action.

With its helpful chapter notes, bibliography, list of resource contacts, and index, Passing On the Faith is an important text for college and seminary courses in youth and family ministry, and is a useful reference book for community and school libraries. With its narrative style, ideas, anecdotes, charts and graphs, and activities, it is also an essential resource for pastors, youth ministers, family ministers, and community leaders. This book will encourage dialogue about an essential tenet of Christian teachings--that the family is central to faith formation.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0884896064
• ISBN13: 9780884896067
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Saint Mary's Press
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Must have for Ministry

Passing on the Faith is a must have for ministry. The new model of children, youth and family ministry emphasizing the partnership between the home and the congregation has completely changed the way I "do" ministry. The Biblical model presented by the authors brings out the best of the Christian tradition and is solidly backed up by modern youth and family research. Passing on the Faith makes you think and gives you the tools to act to make a difference.

"Must" reading for all Christian parents!

In Passing On The Faith, Merton Stromen and Richard Hardel collaborate to address how, together, parents and the church can increase the likelihood that children will be committed to Jesus Christ and a life of service when they graduate from high school. The authors propose a new paradigm of intentional partnership between congregation and family in which the primary responsibility for faith development is assumed by parents. Passing On The Faith is a highly recommended addition to parish library collections and will prove of inestimable value for parents and parishioners seeking to instill lasting Christian values, behaviors, and allegiances in the children of the congregation.