Local Church, Local School
Practical ways for Churches to serve local Primary Schools
by Margaret Withers
Paperback
Price: £8.99
Publisher:BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship)
Published:Spring 2010
ISBN:978-1-841-01586-6
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!
Reviewer: Victoria Hill (29/06/10)
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!
Reviewer: Victoria Hill (29/06/10)
