About the Book
Book ReviewsRoberta Owens has produced a truly wondrous book. If we learn best from stories, and I think we do, then Faith in Children is a wonderful place to start learning. These are touching stories from faith-based centers all over the country. You will be moved by them and you will learn from them. I highly recommend this book.
Larry Rood
Gryphon House
Faith in Children is an invitation to churches, synagogues and other religious institutions to offer quality programs that allow young children, their families and communities to move out into what James Fowler terms the "force field of life." The rich stories shared by persons who know, support, affirm, and advocate for the best that communities of faith can offer young children are a mission of hope so needed in what for many is a scary world. Daniel Goleman, through his study of emotional intelligence, tells us that such hope is "more than the sunny view that everything will turn out all right" but rather is "believing you have the will and the way to accomplish your goals."
Persons met within the book's accessible and informative pages provide ideas that help individuals think about and groups discuss ways they might put their shared faith into action. This book is a resource for many who value faith foundations for all of our children. It resonates with stories from the real world of early childhood practice. The stories, ideas for discussion and action, and an annotated bibliography of relevant pictures books are sure to engage the hearts and minds of adults who care for children.
Barbara Kimes Myers, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
DePaul University
Roberta Owens skillfully writes for the child care professional, the church professional, and the volunteer who cares about children. The stories are real. The learnings are true. The themes are clear and inspiring. The theological concepts are easy to understand and apply in the real world. Side boxes provide helpful information and questions at the end of a section provide learning opportunities for the reader. "Faith in Children" is a must read for every person from a faith-based community who cares about children. Thank you, Roberta Owens, for writing this transformational book.
Mary Alice Gran,
Director of Children's Ministries
General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church
In Faith in Children: Stories from Faith-Based Children's Centers, Roberta Owens has captured the substance and spirit of a substantial portion of preschool child care in America. In every instance, she listens well and draws important lessons from each encounter. Every congregation that opens its doors to young children in weekday settings should have this book in hand. This is not only an excellent "how to" book for church-housed child care, but an inspirational record of the thousands of churches that minister to the most vulnerable in our society.
Rev. Eileen W. Lindner, Ph.D,
Deputy General Secretary
National Council of Churches of Christ, USA
What a great resource! Faith in Children provides practical and thoughtful insights from directors of dozens of faith-based children's centers from 14 different denominations on fulfilling a spiritual commitment though all aspects of an early childhood program. The wide range of topics includes caring for children with special needs, advocating peace, celebrations, involving parents and volunteers, applying faith in the curriculum and diversity. A must read for any faith-based center administrator.
Roger Neugebauer
Publisher
Exchange - the early childhood leaders magazine since 1978
"Kudos to Roberta Owens. Faith in Children's stories kept me engaged from beginning to end and
provided wonderful models for successful church-based programs. Several chapters are written by
current and former ELEA members, along with colleagues from many of our faith partners. Early
childhood administrators and pastors shouldn't miss this one!"
Gayle Denny
Executive Director
Evangelical Lutheran Education Association
Book Excerpts
Click here to read experts from the book.