An overview of the faith development theory - Evaluating faith development theory - Faith development theory and ministry - Future in faith development studies.

How People Grow reveals why all growth is spiritual growth and how you can grow in ways you never thought possible. Our desire to grow runs deep. Yet the issues in our lives and relationships that we wish would change often stay the same, even with our best efforts at spiritual growth. What does it take to experience increasing strength and depth in our spiritual walk, our marriages and family lives and friendships, our personal development--in everything life is about? And how can we help others move into growth that is profound and lasting? Unpacking the practical and passionate theology that forms the backbone of their counseling, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend shatter popular misconceptions about how God operates to reveal how growth really happens. You'll discover: What the essential processes are that make people grow. How those processes fit into a biblical understanding of spiritual growth and theology. How spiritual growth and real-life issues are one and the same. What the responsibilities are of pastors, counselors, and others who assist people in growing What your own responsibilities are in your personal growth. Shining focused light on the great doctrines and themes of Christianity, How People Grow helps you understand the Bible in a way that will help you head with confidence down the high road of growth in Christ. Workbook also available.

Development on Purpose: Faith and Human Behavior in the Social Environment provides both students and seasoned professionals with a coherent framework for considering HBSE from a Christian perspective.Courses in human behavior and the social environment (HBSE) raise important questions about the nature of persons and our multi-layered social world. The Christian faith offers answers to these deep questions about human nature and our relationships with one another and the world. Also, Christianity provides a compelling purpose for human development. As social workers, this grand purpose can rightly inform the trajectory of our own lives and sustain our work on behalf of those at risk in the world. The first half of Development on Purpose outlines a purpose for human development, examining biological, psychological, and social theories through the lens of faith. This includes chapters on: Biblical Themes to Ground Us A Theological Model for Understanding Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE) The Perspectives of Social Work from the Lens of FaithThe Biological DimensionThe Psychological DimensionThe Social Dimension The second half of Development on Purpose then uses detailed case examples to illuminate the way that faith can relate to work with persons across the lifespan. This includes chapters on:Infancy: Early Growth toward God and OthersChildhood: Playing and Learning (ages 3-12)Adolescence: Leaning into Identity (ages 13-18)Emerging Adulthood: Feeling In-BetweenMiddle Adulthood: At the Intersection of Growth and DeclineOlder Adulthood: Finishing WellIn showing how a Christian understanding of humans can inform the study and practice of social work, the book's chapters can be used interchangeably, making this an excellent companion text for Human Behavior in the Social Environment and related courses in faith-based social work programs. Development On Purpose ccontains 12 chapters and more than 225 pages.

This book brings together, for the first time in one volume, key articles on faith development theory, originally published in religious and secular journals in America, Australia, and Europe. Written by internationally recognized scholars, the essays discuss faith development in relation to such things as interview data, pastoral care, and Christian education.

Psychologists speculate how midlife change affects an individual. This book seeks a Christian horizon for "life cyle theories". Contributors represent professional and theological diversity, but all pursue a spiritual dimension that counselors can apply to help people.

Guides for the Journey is an introduction to the lives and thoughts of three significant thinkers: John Macmurray, Bernard Lonergan, and James Fowler. The book shows how their work is helpful in interpreting our lives and the world in which we live. Written for the introductory student or reader, this book makes Macmurray, Lonergan, and Fowler's work more accessible and is the first book to actually compare the thought of the three. Throughout the book, quotations from their writings help the reader to absorb and appreciate the texture and meaning of their work. Readers are not presumed to be familiar with philosophy or the meaning of technical terms used. An index and a glossary of names and key terms provide easy reference tools. Endnotes and a bibliography will stimulate further reading on the subject. Guides for the Journey is highly appropriate for university courses in religion as well as religious workshops and lectures. Contents: List of Tables; Preface; Acknowledgments; Introduction; Endnotes; John Macmurray (1891-1976); Endnotes; Macmurray's Characterization of the Personal Life; Endnotes; Bernard Lonergan; Endnotes; Lonergan's Understanding of Understanding; Endnotes; James Fowler (b.1940); Endnotes; Fowler's Faith Development Theory; Endnotes; A Summing Up; Endnotes; Glossary; Bibliography; Index.