There are many books on Christian education, but few consider pedagogy with a biblical focus on formation, and a grounding in varied related disciplines. This book seeks to recapture the term pedagogy and place it at the center of the teacher’s role—not as a pseudonym for other things, but as the critical foundation for the orchestration of classroom life. This is a view of pedagogy that accepts that children come to classrooms as inhabitants of multiple and varied communities. Some are known and shared with teachers, but many are not.

Children cannot be left to find their way in the world, for as they encounter competing and contradictory worlds, their hopes, dreams, and intentions are shaped. Teachers play a key role in students’ formation by “shaping” classroom life, for all of life is used by God to reveal himself. The things taught, the priorities set and activities planned, the experiences structured and books shared—indeed, everything in and outside school acts upon and shapes our students. Pedagogy is the vehicle for shaping the life of the school. Learning requires more than subject content and good teaching. The central task of teachers is the development of a pedagogy that shapes “life.” This book offers challenge and guidance as teachers engage in this noble task.

Endorsements

“What is authentic Christian pedagogy? Trevor Cairney calls us to a broader view of education that covers all of life, not simply cognition about facts. He explains the important of learning in community, and the formation of the whole person. Our ultimate purpose in Christian education means a more radical transformation than just believing in a different worldview—rather, we are called together—heart, mind and strength—to grow as disciples of Christ.” – James Dalziel, Dean of Education, Morling College, Australia



“Amid a wider renewal of interest in the formational dimensions of faith-informed education, Cairney brings long experience and a welcome focus on pedagogy as the whole way of life of a classroom.” – David I. Smith, Director, Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning, Calvin College



“Trevor Cairney has made an important and innovative contribution to Christian education in writing this book. Most importantly, he has focused on offering a practical, theologically rigorous understanding of pedagogy, which surely must be the prime, but oft-ignored, responsibility of Christian schools. In a culture that is increasingly focused on compliance and knowledge transmission, Cairney offers an inspiring, alternative vision of Christian formation.” – Trevor Cooling, National Institute for Christian Education Research, Canterbury Christ Church University



“A study of Trevor Cairney’s book will engage you in a profound discussion with a practitioner and thinker about education. In particular you will be challenged to embrace a pedagogy which involves the shaping power of a community having as its end goal the kingdom of God. It should be read by all who want to advance the cause of education that is Christian.” – Peter F. Jensen, Former Archbishop of Sydney

“Trevor Cairney’s book on Christian pedagogy is a highly significant contribution to one of the most important debates of our time. In a context in which Christian foundations are being dismantled at an alarming rate, it is critical that we explore how we might effectively prepare future generations to live out their faith with confidence, clarity, and compassion. There is hardly a more urgent need in our time. Cairney’s emphasis on cultivation, formation, the ‘transformation of habits of body and mind’, on the critical role of ‘the whole life of a community’, and on a proper biblical emphasis on the coming kingdom of God is refreshing. How he fills all this out with careful thought that is deeply informed by a serious engagement with the teaching of the Bible lifts this to the front rank of recent books on the subject.” – Mark D. Thompson, Principal, Moore Theological College, Sydney