What is Christian Education?

My definition of Christian Education begins with my affirming what others have said, including the late professor of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, that is, "Christian Education is a ministry and it supports and under girds all other ministry."  Christian Education is the ministry that engages people in the understanding of Jesus’ commandments to love God and to love neighbor.  It is any activity that has the goal of edifying the church.  It attempts to help persons experience life in Christ and as a result persons transmit to the world a witness of love to the world. 

Christian Education addresses the whole human being.  Christian Education involves body, spirit and mind.  It involves not only the whole person, but also all of God’s creation as it moves people to learn how to relate to God, neighbor and all of God’s creation.  Specifically, in the local church I think of Christian Education as encompassing every activity, which attempts to spiritually uplift the members of the congregation. 

Christian Education involves events that form and transform.  A primary Christian education tool has been the church school or Sunday school, but it has not been able to provide total Christian education. 

My definition of Christian education expands to include activities and events that call together communities for the purpose of strengthening the church through the strengthening of individuals and groups spiritually and in their daily walk with Christ.  Small groups are a way of calling together communities.  Inherent with our Wesleyan heritage are many opportunities for Christian Education.

Christian Education first and foremost for me includes helping people to be biblically informed.  This can take on many characteristics, but most important in my mind is the ability to appropriate the Bible in such a way that it comes alive in the contemporary settings of person’s lives.  Thus, the need for trained clergy and laity leaders who teach others.   Secondly, Christian education involves helping people to participate in the life of the Christian community as informed worshipping and caring Disciples of Christ, thus, it involves teaching about Discipleship.  Thirdly, Christian education involves equipping people for living responsibly in the world.  Fourthly, it involves under girding other ministries of the church by equipping people of the church for effective leadership.   Lastly, Christian education in my mind is enabling persons to grow as maturing Christians in the journey of faith, which is why Spiritual Formation is critical to Christian Education. 

The General Secretary and Staff’s goal is to produce and provide to the connection resources that meet the needs of the people.  Input is always welcome and needed as we seek to make disciples through events that form and transform.