Churches and Schools Together - Softcover

Margaret Withers

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1841015865 ISBN 13: 9781841015866

Publisher: BRF (The Bible Reading Fellowship), 2010

Synopsis

Encourages churches to see engagement with their local schools as part of their service in the community. This book provides practical ideas and information on various aspects of engagement, including theological considerations, identifying opportunities and skills, getting involved, and the creative use of respective buildings.

About this title

About the Author

Margaret Withers taught music in primary and secondary schools in Inner London for 20 years before becoming a Diocesan Children's Adviser, serving in this role in both Rochester and Chelmsford dioceses. She is author of several books published by Barnabas, including Welcome to the Lord's Table and Where are the children? and joint author of Creative Communion.

Review

From The Good Bookstall - June 2010 This useful book is intended to be a guide for members of churches interested in becoming involved in their local primary school(s) as a form of Christian service. While mainly written from a Church of England perspective, most of what is written is applicable to any denomination. The author starts off by firmly establishing the biblical basis for churches working in local schools. She discusses the subject of Christian vocation to work in schools, and briefly covers the history of Christianity's influence in education. The book then covers more practical issues. An overview of educational legislation is given, followed by chapters detailing different areas of school life where Christians may be able to get involved, for example collective worship, religious education, school visits, clubs, and becoming a voluntary helper or school governor. This book will be a valuable resource for a church considering making contact with local schools. I have only one word of criticism: I feel that the author overstates the need to be cautious in school. As a teacher, I invited children to church events, and was encouraged to do so, as it was a way of demonstrating that the school was involved with the local community. And my advice would be, when seeking to talk to children about your beliefs, always use the phrase 'Christians believe...', and then state the truth. By doing this, you are not preaching, you are teaching, and that is what school is all about! Reviewed by Victoria Hill Local Church, Local School Practical ways for Churches to serve local Primary Schools by Margaret Withers GoodBookStall Review: This useful book is intended to be a guide for members of churches interested in becoming involved in their local primary school(s) as a form of Christian service. While mainly written from a Church of England perspective, most of what is written is applicable to any denomination. The author starts off by firmly establishing the biblical basis for churches working in local schools. She discusses the subject of Christian vocation to work in schools, and briefly covers the history of Christianity's influence in education. The book then covers more practical issues. An overview of educational legislation is given, followed by chapters detailing different areas of school life where Christians may be able to get involved, for example collective worship, religious education, school visits, clubs, and becoming a voluntary helper or school governor. This book will be a valuable resource for a church considering making contact with local schools. I have only one word of criticism: I feel that the author overstates the need to be cautious in school. As a teacher, I invited children to church events, and was encouraged to do so, as it was a way of demonstrating that the school was involved with the local community. And my advice would be, when seeking to talk to children about your beliefs, always use the phrase "Christians believe...", and then state the truth. By doing this, you are not preaching, you are teaching, and that is what school is all about! -- Victoria Hill The Goodbookstall

Edition details

• Publisher: BRF (The Bible Reading Fellowship)
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1841015865
• ISBN 13: 9781841015866
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 200