Story, Formation, and Culture

“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