Casey Church Reihenfolge der Bücher

The Christian message and discipleship training have often come with the cultural baggage of the non-native Christians who have worked among Native populations. While spiritual formation is the ultimate goal of presenting Christ's message, the message has often been rejected as the White Man's Gospel. This study examines traditional Native Amerian rituals and demonstrates how these rituals can deepen Native American identity and help Native Christians grow in Christ. The study is presented within the context of two Native American ministries: The Brethren in Christ Alcohol Overcomers program and Wiconi International and its Family Camp. These contextual ministries have started to help Native Americans see how their own forms can have new meaning in helping them become stronger Christians. When accompanied by the contextual use of Native rites such as the Sweat Lodge Ceremony, the Pipe Ceremony, Powwow dancing, and singing with the drum, participants who go through these rites of passage experience an increased sense of spiritual well-being and self- esteem through the authentic Native expression of their Christian faith. This revised version of Church's doctoral dissertation will benefit anyone who has a serious commitment to making disciples in Native American communities.

"Casey Church argues that discipleship among Native peoples is best undertaken as a spiritual journey that has at its core biblical instruction and mentoring by individuals and families that model a lifestyle that reflects transformation in Jesus Christ. When accompanied by the 'contextual' use of Native rites such as the Sweat Lodge Ceremony, the Pipe Ceremony, and Powwow dancing and singing with the drum, participants who go through these 'rites of passage' experience an increased sense of spiritual well-being and self-esteem through this authentic Native expression of their Christian faith. The book illustrates deep reflection and integration of biblical teaching in the preparation and practice of these Native rites, transforming the old embedded meanings of these rites, while retaining their distinctive familiarity for participants. Church shows how the integration of biblical instruction, the practice of a biblical lifestyle, and contextual sacred and ceremonial rites in alcohol recovery and family camp ministries have together led to recovery and spiritual development in Christ."--Back cover