Faculty Publications

Our Christian Formation and Ministry faculty are both passionate about ministry and academically engaged, producing a variety of literature.

Neuroscience of Connection

How Supportive Relationships Grow Our Brains (Birth Through College Years)

by Olga R. Dietlin, Kathryn Maslowe and Linda Hahn

Neuroscience of Connection cover.Dr. Dietlin and her co-authors discuss recent discoveries that underscore the power of encouragement and positive engagement. This chapter will increase your awareness of and sensitivity to the neurobiological processes typical in the development of students. 

Puritanism and Emotion in the Early Modern World

by Alec Ryrie and Tom Schwanda

This collection of essays edited by Dr. Alec Ryrie from Durham University and Dr. Tom Schwanda examines various dimensions of Puritan piety including chapters on meditation, longing for happiness, the dynamics of assurance, aridity and the perceived absence of God. Schwanda’s chapter explores the Puritan understanding of the beatific vision and enjoyment of God.

Spiritual Formation in Emerging Adulthood: A Practical Theology for College and Young Adult Ministry

by David Setran and Chris Kiesling

This book offers a Christian perspective on what it means to be spiritually formed into adulthood. They provide a "practical theology" for emerging adult ministry and offer insight into the key developmental issues of this stage of life, including identity, intimacy and sexuality, morality, church involvement, spiritual formation, vocation, and mentoring. The book bridges the gap between academic and popular literature on emerging adulthood and offers concrete ways to facilitate spiritual formation among emerging adults.

Children Matter

by Catherine Stonehouse and Scottie May

Speaking from their experience with children's ministry in a range of Protestant traditions, the authors draw on the Bible, history, and psychology to lay good foundations for such ministry. Discussing the specific content and contexts of faith formation, they also offer wise and practical advice on putting together effective ministries.

Listening to Children on Their Spiritual Journey

by Catherine Stonehouse and Scottie May

Throughout more than a decade of field research, children's spirituality experts Catherine Stonehouse and Scottie May listened to children talk about their relationships with God, observed children and their parents in learning and worship settings, and interviewed adults about their childhood faith experiences. This accessibly written book weaves together their findings to offer a glimpse of the spiritual responsiveness and potential of children.

The College “Y:” Student Religion in the Era of Secularization

by David Setran

In this groundbreaking history of the intercollegiate YMCA, David Setran details the critical role of this organization on American campuses in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. By examining the YMCA's influence on student piety and campus life during the era of collegiate secularization, he explores the evolving place of Protestant Christianity in American higher education. This important study is essential reading for those interested in American history, education, and religious studies.

Celebrating God’s Presence: The Transforming Power of Public Worship

by Tom Schwanda

Discover how the things we do in worship -- hearing the Word, singing, giving, participating in the sacraments -- can carry over into our daily living and help us grow spiritually.