The course is a basic introduction to the field of Christian education. Christian education has its foundations in two primary areas: (1) Christian theology and (2) education. Therefore, we will be exploring the theological roots (both in the Bible and history) of Christian education and the education principles and practices that enable our efforts to be effective and relevant. The primary context in which Christian education takes place is the community of faith, which is most often expressed in the local church. So our study will focus primarily on Christian education in the local church and the various types of educational settings and structures present there.
At the completion of the course, the students and teacher will have a clearer understanding of how Christian faith is nurtured in persons and communities. They will be equipped with some basic skills to create strong educational structures, materials, and practices for use in their own settings. They will also have a growing passion to see children, youth, and adults become Christians and be nurtured in Christian faith.
This module contributes to the development of the following abilities as defined in the U.S. Sourcebook for Ministerial Development.
CP4—Ability to write an integrative philosophy of ministry that will answer “why I do what I do when I do it”
CP5—Ability to provide oversight of one’s ministry using management skills including servant leadership, conflict resolution, and administration
CP6—Ability to manage the resources of one’s ministry (time, human, financial, etc.) in a way consistent with a church’s size and characteristics
CP7—Ability to conceive and articulate purpose, mission, and vision, and to develop strategic plans in ways that strengthen a unified vision
CP8—Ability to develop team building skills, identify and cultivate spiritual gifts, recruit volunteers, diagnose and intervene in problems
CP17—Ability to lead in discipling and assimilating new converts into the church
CP19—Ability to describe the stages of human development and to apply that knowledge in leading people to Christian maturity
CP20—Ability to envision Christian education most appropriate for a local church and to assure the development and empowerment of those serving in it
CP25(Christian Education)—Ability to prepare, organize and deliver a biblically sound basic scheme of teaching and discipleship formation using age-appropriate techniques and skills in culturally appropriate ways
CP26(Christian Education)—Ability to develop and utilize existing age-appropriate ministry forms by which individuals, families, and congregations may be formed into Christlikeness
CP27(Christian Education)—Ability to assess and implement emerging age-appropriate ministry approaches in light of enduring theological (Bible, doctrine, philosophy) and contextual (history, psychology, sociological) perspectives
CH1—Ability to apply basic understanding of ethical theories to teach and nurture ethical behavior in the Christian community
CX2—Ability to analyze and describe congregations and communities
CX3—Ability to describe socialization and to apply its dynamics to the life of the Christian community