The Teaching Ministry of Congregations

by Richard Robert Osmer

In this important and groundbreaking book, Richard Osmer develops a practical theology of the teaching ministry. He begins by exploring the teaching ministry of the apostle Paul, identifying in Paul's letters to his congregations the core tasks of the teaching ministry: catechesis, exhortation, and discernment. Next he presents case studies of the teaching ministries of three contemporary congregations--one in the United States, one in Korea, and one in South Africa--developing interpretive perspectives on the teaching ministry. Finally he focuses on the development of action-guiding models and guidelines and explores helpful methods for guiding the teaching ministries of one's own particular congregation.

Genres: Theology

360 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2005

About the author

Richard Robert Osmer is Thomas W. Synnott Professor of Christian Education and Director of the School of Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. An ordained Presbyterian minister, he is the author of Confirmation: Presbyterian Practices in Ecumenical Perspective, Teaching for Faith, and A Teachable Spirit.

Reviews

[Doug Browne · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is some good material here, useful to people who actually work in congregations. Unfortunately, we are clearly not the intended audience for this book.

The useful material regarding local Christian educational programs is nearly completely obscured by so much academic jargon that I suspect most people who might otherwise benefit from this book give up before they get to the good stuff. I have an academic master's degree and formerly held a provisional teaching license, and I was using a dictionary at points to try to figure out what Professor Osmer was saying.

I wonder if Professor Osmer would be offended if someone published a Dummy's version...