Everyday Christian Teaching

“Almost everything I’ve learned about pedagogy I’ve learned from David Smith. This book is another gem from a master teacher of teachers. Attuned to the gritty particularity of classroom experiences, Smith invites teachers into habits of reflection about what they do every day, so that they may become increasingly attentive to how faith is carried in concrete practices. In this book, you will recognize the most mundane moments of your teaching day but see them in a new light—filled with possibility for faith formation.”
—James K. A. Smith, professor of philosophy, Calvin University
 
“David I. Smith’s Everyday Christian Teaching is a welcome transformative resource for all educators. As a prominent voice in Christian education across the globe, Smith challenges educators to examine how their practices reflect their convictions as followers of Christ. Through engaging narratives and examples, Smith offers a journey for the reader that not only inspires but also equips through practical prompts. It is an invitation for educators to reflect—then act—on how the biblical story must shape teaching and learning. It is an invitation to consider deeply our ‘everyday’ being. Everyday Christian Teaching is an essential addition to any educator’s library, and a must read for all involved in Christian teacher formation.”
—Fiona Partridge, principal, National Institute for Christian Education, Australia
 
“There is something both ‘everyday’ and ‘once in a lifetime’ about this tremendous invitation from David Smith to look for wisdom in all of your pedagogical habits and learning encounters. Whether you are a young or well-seasoned educator, walk with Smith and reflect intentionally on the way of wisdom in your classroom; you won’t regret taking those first steps.”
—Beth Green, provost and chief academic officer, Tyndale University, Canada
 
“Everyday Christian Teaching meets the desperate need to help Christians teach faithfully in pluralistic institutions by offering thoughtful, winsome, and practical reflections rooted deeply in the Christian tradition.”
—Daniel G. Hummel, director of the Lumen Center, Madison, Wisconsin
 
“David Smith’s On Christian Teaching called us to examine the intersections between our faith commitments and our teaching practices. Now, in Everyday Christian Teaching, Smith invites us to look more deeply at our classroom liturgies—the rhythms, exchanges, pauses, and engagements that shape the daily dance of teaching and learning. Through compelling narrative, real-life examples, and practical exercises, this worthy sequel activates our imagination around what is possible in our own practice. When it comes to connecting our faith and teaching more fully, Smith uses the metaphor of pilgrimage; it is the wise teacher who counts Smith as a guide for the journey.”
—Lynn Swaner, president, Cardus US
 
“Practical, provocative, and profound, this wise book invites readers to attend to what it looks like to hold faith and teaching together. It has already shaped the way I teach.”
—Ted A. Smith, director of the Theological Education between the Times project and author of The End of Theological Education
 
“Through reflective storytelling from his extensive experience, David Smith offers his readers profound insights into how Christian faith can be powerfully communicated through everyday teaching practices and habitual teacher behaviors. Every Christian teacher needs to read this book.”
—Trevor Cooling, emeritus professor of Christian education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
 
“David Smith is America’s foremost authority on thinking Christianly about pedagogy. In characteristically clear and engaging prose, Everyday Christian Teaching extends Smith’s analysis to particular actions and tactical decisions that make up the daily craft of the Christian teacher. The book is essential reading for anyone seeking to live and work faithfully as a Christian educator.”
—Rick Ostrander, executive director of the Michigan Christian Study Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan