Growing Up Christian is a wise, practical, and highly readable book. Ellis Nelson explains with remarkable clarity why current strategies for nurturing disciples are inadequate and examines with keen insight the influence of parents and congregations in the development of the idea of God among children and youth and their roles in nurturing young people as disciples of Jesus Christ. This is an important book for pastors, Christian educators, parents, and congregational leaders concerned about the future of the faith of our children and the vitality of the faith of our congregations. I especially recommend they read it together.
— Charles R. Foster
Professor of Religion and Education Emeritus
Candler School of Theology
Emory University
Drawing on a lifetime of experience, research, and parish ministry, Ellis Nelson offers a new model for youth ministry. It is based on a systemic view that incorporates not only the various dimensions of human personhood and maturation, but also those of family, congregational life, and our culture in general. Building first a solid philosophical, sociological, psychological, and theological foundation, Nelson describes for churches, ministers, and parents both the "what to do" and the "how to" of a ministry that will nurture youth from childhood toward mature Christian adulthood.
— Ronnie Prevost
Professor of Church Ministry
Logsdon School of Theology and Seminary
Hardin-Simmons University
Combining theory and practice, Elllis Nelson has provided an outstanding guide for congregations to plan a comprehensive strategy for educational ministry. Forty years ago Ellis led us in reclaiming the community of faith as the primary setting for the formation of faith. Since that time, his work has inspired us to consider the faithfulness of the church and its commitment to ministry. This book fulfills the promises of that research guiding us to embody Christian education fully in life of faithful congregations.
— Jack L. Seymour
Professor of Religious Education
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Editor, Religious Education
