What is your philosophy on Christian Education?
Arguably, Christian education is one of the central lifelines of any local church. A church is only as vibrant, relevant, spiritual, missional, loving and faithful as its members, individually and corporately, commit to disciplined study of the Bible. Most regrettably, ten percent (10%) is the maximum proportion of any congregation, which obligates itself to weekly Christian education. Not surprisingly, the Church assumes the social mores and values of the dominant, secular and corporate culture. Its members are more acquainted with humanistic principles than they are with biblical and spiritual ones. Additionally, there are church members who are more conversant and loyal to tradition than the Word of God. They fight incessantly to preserve the wealth of their rich history. They prevent the children and youth from learning anything that conflicts with their legacy. Frankly, the increasing biblical illiteracy severely threatens the church’s mandate to offer an alternative lifestyle to the dominant culture.
Christian education over the lifespan is the most effective means to become a genuine disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. It combines with the practice of other spiritual disciplines to ascertain the will of the Lord. Most assuredly, the will of God never contradicts the Bible. Christian education enables discernment of the Holy Spirit. As a Pastor, I observe disciples who faithfully tithe are persons who fall under conviction of the Holy Spirit through sustained periods of Bible study. These believers more greatly obey the Word of God as it relates to marital fidelity, priestly duties at home, financial dealings, stewardship of time and talents and other ethical matters. Long-term study in the Bible empowers believers with mental, intellectual and spiritual willingness to emulate the character of Christ.
In conjunction with prayer, Christian education remains one of three priorities of any local church. It clarifies mission, purpose and vision for average congregants. Christian education further equips each believer to discover his spiritual gifts and participate in accomplishing The Great Commission.
I recommend the Christian education department research needs of the congregation and design materials relevant to stages of faith and milestones of life. Perhaps, they would offer sessions on a panorama of issues.
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I challenge Sunday School faculty “to break out of the box” and consider catering the lessons to their audience rather than rotely following proscribed lessons of standard literature. I devise possible lessons that address life circumstances of class members by age and experience. As an example, a class of mature adults who are in their fifties might have sessions concerning: dealing with adult children, defining vocational goals for the remainder their working lives, dealing with aging parents, planning for retirement, confronting personal failures and disappointments, dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses, etc. A class for senior members would include facing death and dying, leaving an enduring legacy, retrospective on life, etc. These lessons empower people with biblical answers and spiritual tools for daily challenges.
I suggest a congregational and community public relations campaign to market Christian education. Survey congregants and community residents to ascertain how Scripture and spiritual principles potentially equip them for victorious living. Use appealing brochures and flyers.
Summarily, Christian education is most vital to a local church’s authenticity as a community of providentially chosen and divinely sanctioned disciples with the exclusive purpose of perpetually knowing and doing the will of Almighty God.
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