A church’s Christian education program is a large part of its overall ministry. It involves more people and more programs than any other part of a church’s life. How can a pastor effectively organize and coordinate the different parts of the Christian education program? By utilizing a Christian Education Committee. In this issue of Faith Pulpit Don Anderson, professor of Christian Education at Faith Baptist Bible College, explains the value and function of the Christian Education Committee.
Christian education is an important part of a church’s ministry. Our Lord included it as an integral part of the Great Commission. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy …show more content…
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine [teaching] and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42).
Paul carried on an active teaching ministry. “For a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people” (Acts 11:26). “And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them” (Acts 18:11).
Teaching is one of the spiritual gifts given to people in the church (Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28). One of the qualifications of a pastor is that he must be “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2). Paul instructed Timothy to take what others had taught him and “commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). The New Testament clearly portrays the important role of Christian education in a local church.
Christian Education Ministries in a Church
Usually a church has several Christian education ministries. Almost every church conducts a Sunday School. Many churches also add children’s church, VBS, youth ministries, weekday clubs, and small group Bible studies. Each ministry is important and provides a needed component for the church’s total Christian education …show more content…
The Purpose of Each Christian Education Ministry
Before examining how to coordinate the different teaching ministries, first consider the purpose of Christian education and the special role each program plays in accomplishing that purpose. Understanding these concepts will help achieve greater coordination.
Overall Purpose — According to Matthew 28:19 and 20, the overall purpose of a church is to “make disciples of all the nations.” This process of discipleship involves leading people to Christ and helping them mature in their Christian lives. Since Christian education is part of the church program, its purpose likewise is discipleship.
Specific Roles — Each program has a specific role to play in accomplishing the purpose of discipleship.
• Sunday School-intensive, systematic, age-graded Bible teaching focusing on evangelism, discipleship, assimilation, and service
• Children’s Church-worship and instruction on a child’s level and preparation for a lifetime of
Christian education is an important part of a church’s ministry. Our Lord included it as an integral part of the Great Commission. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy …show more content…
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine [teaching] and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:42).
Paul carried on an active teaching ministry. “For a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people” (Acts 11:26). “And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them” (Acts 18:11).
Teaching is one of the spiritual gifts given to people in the church (Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28). One of the qualifications of a pastor is that he must be “able to teach” (1 Tim. 3:2). Paul instructed Timothy to take what others had taught him and “commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). The New Testament clearly portrays the important role of Christian education in a local church.
Christian Education Ministries in a Church
Usually a church has several Christian education ministries. Almost every church conducts a Sunday School. Many churches also add children’s church, VBS, youth ministries, weekday clubs, and small group Bible studies. Each ministry is important and provides a needed component for the church’s total Christian education …show more content…
The Purpose of Each Christian Education Ministry
Before examining how to coordinate the different teaching ministries, first consider the purpose of Christian education and the special role each program plays in accomplishing that purpose. Understanding these concepts will help achieve greater coordination.
Overall Purpose — According to Matthew 28:19 and 20, the overall purpose of a church is to “make disciples of all the nations.” This process of discipleship involves leading people to Christ and helping them mature in their Christian lives. Since Christian education is part of the church program, its purpose likewise is discipleship.
Specific Roles — Each program has a specific role to play in accomplishing the purpose of discipleship.
• Sunday School-intensive, systematic, age-graded Bible teaching focusing on evangelism, discipleship, assimilation, and service
• Children’s Church-worship and instruction on a child’s level and preparation for a lifetime of