The predominant method for ministry formation in the contemporary church consists of a course of study in a Bible college or seminary. While this has been and will continue to be an effective method for theological education, it does not work for everyone called to ministry. Some people for financial or practical reasons cannot follow this path.…

Although considerable attention has focused on the inclusion of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in school, work, and residential settings, less is known about their involvement in religious activities. This article focuses on supporting the presence and participation of people with disabilities and their families in…

Explores prevalent assumptions about what religious organizations are and do, how they fit into the independent or nonprofit sector, and what is reasonable to expect of or for them. Reviews basic facts about the nature, scope, operations, and support of religious organizations, examining their levels of independence. Focuses on the basic…

Churches, as educators, serve as agents of transformation for the individual, the group, and society. Religious adult education programs must speak to the issues, concerns, and aspirations of the surrounding community and establish links with other denominations and educational providers. (SK)

The Church and Synagogue Library Association was formed in 1967 to encourage and aid the development of improved religious library service. Objectives, activities, and publications of the organization are discussed. (Author/JS)

The best way to resolve the problems of the parish school board member is through inservice development or education. (Author/MF)

This paper presents a brief review of the ways in which a church has incorporated art activities, particularly drama, in its ministry. The contents of the paper include a discussion of the initiation of and planning for a church theater, a description of the activities offered as part of the drama program, an overview of the staffing of the drama…

This collection of essays on the campus ministry attempts to stimulate interest in developing an efficacious, contemporary role for religion in campus life. An introduction by Clement W. Welch states the place and relationship of the church in the academic community. A section of descriptive essays follows. John J. Kirvan, C.S.P., describes the…

Surveyed urban welfare-to-work programs to investigate the dilemma of faith-based and other nonprofit organizations having to choose between government funding and independence. Federal funding, though key to increasing an organization's impact and size significantly, also limits its independence. Proposes three steps toward resolution (e.g.,…

In 1984, the National Council of Churches adopted this policy statement on child day care which provides: (1) a social and theological rationale; (2) a discussion of the church internally as child care advocate; and (3) a view of the church as advocate for child care in society. Section I discusses the cresting tide of need for child day care in…

This booklet describes the refugee resettlement activities of Church World Service (CWS), and explains the process of refugee sponsorship that constitute a major CWS concern. CWS is a cooperative organization of churches that serve as the relief and development arm of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. The booklet reviews the…

This informal study of the religious uses of television, based on direct on-site discussions with religious television producers, was undertaken in order to provide a broader base of understanding of current developments in the field, and to assess the viability of a television broadcast ministry for the United Methodist Church. Discussions with…

Protestant approaches to church problems in rural areas are presented in this study guide for Catholics. The Protestant "town and country" movement is described in terms of the beginnings of the movement, early leaders, denominational programs, early theory and practice, the movement today, changes in rural America, dissatisfaction, and…

Notes that the congregation-based child care community is a dominant, diverse, vibrant, and growing segment of child care provision, and updates current state of these centers. Explores how congregations are expected to play an increasingly important role in the child care field. Includes overall child care statistics for 12 denominations in the…

Support provided by 69 local churches to individuals with disabilities was studied through a mail survey. Results indicate that 56 of the churches were attended by individuals with developmental disabilities, and support was provided by churches in the form of food, transportation, opportunities for service to the church and the community, and…