Synopses & Reviews
From the Introduction This book is about passing on the faith from generation to generation, throughout the milestones of a person's life. Faith is created and nurtured by the Holy Spirit through the Gospels. The vision underlying the RADICAL model was developed in light of the theological principle that faith is formed by the Holy Spirit through personal, trusted relationships, often, but not always, in our own homes. A youth and family ministry for the 21st century connects all the generations in the total ministry of the congregation and, through the cross of Christ, recognizes the work of the Holy Spirit shaping faith in all the circles of relationships.
This revised edition expands on the authors' original model in an all-new chapter on the circle of creation. This edition has also been updated throughout in light of new ideas and research that have emerged during the past decade.
Synopsis
Hardel and Strommen present in this book a radically new (yet ancient) model for faith formation of young people. They place the family at the very center of the faith growth process, with the congregation and community as integral, active partners. Not just theory, the model is based on the extensive research of Search Institute and the Youth & Family Institute of Augsburg College.
Here theory has been given flesh by the authors' pastoral experiences. With its helpful chapter notes, comprehensive bibliography, list of resource sites, and handy index, the book is an excellent text for college and seminary courses in youth and family ministry, and a useful reference book for both community and school libraries. With its narrative style, ideas, anecdotes, illustrations, and activities, this book also is an excellent resource for pastors, youth ministers, family ministers and community leaders.