Ms. Verna Dozier was devoted to biblical study and the ministry of the laity. Author of “The Authority of the Laity” and “Equipping the Saints: A Method of Bible Study,” she was an inspiration and supporter of teachers, storytelling and knowledge of the Bible calling the Church to “The Dream of God.” She told the story of faith as if she knew all the saints.
>> Verna Dozier’s biography by Fredrica Harris Thompsett

The Reverend Joseph P. Russell was known for his special gift of using storytelling to shape a sense of identity and the power of worship to form Christians in every generation. He served in the Diocese of Oregon and was Canon of Education & Program in the Diocese of Ohio. Among his many books were “Sharing Our Biblical Story,” “The New Prayer Book Guide to Christian Education,” the study guide for “Called to Teach and Learn” and the popular “Aslan on the Move” curriculum.

Ms. Flower Ross, M.R.E., retired Professor at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary was one of the creators of the Education for Ministry program. Now in the Diocese of Western North Carolina, she has provided educational expertise for the Diocese of Alabama, The Episcopal Church, Loyola Institute for Ministry and the Diocese of Atlanta for raising up new Christian educators for the Church.

The Reverend Robyn Szoke is currently Assistant Rector at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Carlisle, PA. One of the founders of “The Children’s Charter for the Church” she is a trained Catechist and teacher at Moravian Theological Seminary. From 1999-2003 she was Staff Officer for Children’s Ministries & Christian Education for The Episcopal Church, advocating for lifelong formation.

The Reverend Dr. John H. Westerhoff III is known for his passion for catechetical teaching and formation in The Episcopal Church. Noted author of “Will Our Children Have Faith?” & “Bringing Up Children in the Christian Faith” he was a key contributor to “Called to Teach and Learn.” He continues to proclaim the ministry of all by virtue of our baptism through his teaching and editorial work on an enculturation model he called “catechesis” or Christian formation – a term that is part of our language today.
>> Read full biography by Paul Bramer

Dr. Dora P. Chaplin, who was educated in England, taught at General Seminary from 1953 until retiring in 1971. In 1964 she was named a full professor, the first woman to become a full professor at the Episcopal seminary. Before that she was affiliated with the National Council of the Episcopal Church. She was a well-known writer of articles on religion and spirituality and was the author of several books, including ''The Privilege of Teaching'' (Morehouse-Barlow, 1962) and ''Children and Religion'' (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1948). She stated, “Christian Educators are called to be candlelighters – not bucket loaders.”

David Ng used his gifts as an educator to cross the boundaries of seminary & church, denominations & congregations and diverse theological traditions. He emphasized that Christian education is the work of the whole congregation. Ng understood education in the church to take place in multiple ways, not only through the Sunday school. Its purpose is to educate persons of all ages for discipleship. And he was passionate about helping seminary students and pastors in the church realize their vocations as teachers. Ng frequently used Maria Harris’ book “Fashion Me a People” as a primary textbook for his courses, with her assertion that the church does not have a curriculum so much as it is a curriculum.
>> David Ng’s biography by Joyce Ann Mercer

Do you know someone who is an exceptional Christian Educator?

The Christian Educators of the 20th Century web-based database (http://www.talbot.edu/ce20/)provides access to information about the people who have shaped the field of Christian education in North America throughout the 20th Century. The database covers Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox religious education leaders. It is overseen by an editorial board consisting of Christian education scholars from a variety of denominational backgrounds. When completed, the database will contain entries on approximately 160 persons. Those included in this project are deceased, retired or past age 70. Further nominations are welcome.

Who would you nominate for “Christian Educator of the 21st Century?”

Recently named by members of The National Association for Episcopal Christian Educators, in addition to those listed above who were overwhelmingly named.

• The Rev. Ann Fontaine, Diocese of Wyoming
• Sharon Ely Pearson, Diocese of Connecticut
• The Rev. Eric Law, Diocese of Los Angeles
• Michael Cunningham, Diocese of Los Angeles
• The Rev. Henri Nouwen
• Susannah Wesley
• The Rev. Linda Grenz, founder of Leader Resources
• Shelly Vescovo, Diocese of Dallas
• The Rev. Howard Hanchey, former professor at VTS
• The Rev. Dr. Locke Bowman, former professor at VTS
• The year old boy who listened about Christ as the Light of the World and said, “Sometimes I have to be that light”
• My grandmother who told me the story of the Bible and then said, “Those are your people.”
• The Rev. Dr. Howard Anderson, Dean of The Cathedral College, Washington, DC
• The Rev. Rol Haverstock, Diocese of Colorado