| |
|
||||||||||
Ever Conscious
Of
God -We Aspire, Build and Advanced
The pillar and ground of the truth. 1: Timothy 3:15 Defoe Road Community Centre London N16 0EH Church Service Day and Time Sunday: 11.30 am - 3.00 pm (Divine Worship) Tuesday: 7:30 pm - 9.00 pm (Bible Study)
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION What is christian education?- It is the process by which persons are confronted and controlled by the christian gospel. It is also the study of the educational ministry in the church, as such it permeates the entire body of christian fellowship which encompasses the pastor and members of the body of Jesus Christ. Distinctions: There are two great distinctions to make considering the above question. (1) The state (2) The church The state has to do with morality on a prudential level as a matter of public safety and well being. The state is for this life only. In the past the church was interwoven with the state and was in fact the source of political authority. Today the church is a separate entity, with the state taking over one of the spiritual functions of the early church-that of education. The doctrine of separation of church and state does not mark the origin of religious or christian education. The church has always taught , even in the dark ages when its educational programme was limited to the monastries. It however denotes a sharp separation of religious and public education-and point out the necessity of maintaining a significant and effectual programme of education under the auspices of the church. Paul -" the church is the body of Christ." By this is meant the Holy Spirit dwelling in the hearts of the believers, constitutes in humanity. The teaching ministry of Christ which is carried on among men in his incarnation. Just as Jesus Christ had come to reveal God as the father, so the Holy Spirit would come into the hearts of men to reveal by the written word and the witnessing and teaching of the saints, Jesus Christ as the saviour and hope of the world. The written word is the bible The Holy Spirit is the Author. The salvation of mankind depends upon their knowledge of the written word with the presentation of God as the loving Father. This knowledge comes to men through :-- (A) proclaiming/ preaching (B) Instruction / Teaching Teaching is not the total mission of the church.) The church is a community, and one of the church's functions is fellowship ............. Worship and Evangelism. Christian Education represents a ladder of learning: -- Beginning with the home, it reaches the church, the denominational college, the theological seminary, and other types of vocational schools. The educational programme of the local church is a costly one in time, and money, for it is universal in its purpose, reaching around the world, and including in its classes all ages. Public education has its ladder, but beyond the public school level it leaves the great body of adult without the opportunity of free schools. The church however, knows no age limits. The scope of the aim of Christian education includes: , not only this present life but all eternity. Basically, Christian Education is preparing people to live the life that now is to the glory of God, and the blessing of the world, and the triumphant life beyond the grave. Education can save one. It is only one of the functions of the church, but as such includes the church's many teaching activities. Why Christian Education? The evangelical aim is to provide a learning experience which will lead to a christian experience of Christ as saviour and Lord; and to promote the growth of the christian character and effective christian living. Christian culture and effectiveness in christian services. What are the aims of Christian Education? The ultimate aim: -- Christian workers in education in the local church are enabling the Holy Spirit to carry on the teaching ministry of Christ. Since the church is carrying the teaching ministry of Christ, the answer to the question of what is the purpose of christian education may be found in the purposes of Christ as teacher:-- The restoration of the kingdom of God. For men to become citizens of the kingdom of God they must know about his righteousness and holiness. They must have knowledge concerning the constitution of his kingdom, the rules which govern it. Men must be brought to see how in their depraved state they come so far short of the goodness of God. This means both proclamation and teaching. The Holy Spirit saves men from their sins and by his words and the godly influence of the body of believers restrain evil from the world. Once men see their sinfulness and realize their need for righteousness they become concerned about the remedy for sin. Mankind must know the divine plan of redemption. Man's need and desire to know about eternity necessitates the teaching ministry of the church. Thus, the ultimate aim of christian education is to make the person as aliving and growing human being- a Christ governed person.- "To generate a realisation of god through christian experience." "To foster the relationship of fellowship with him." Christian education is the activity- In which the bible is taught as the written revelation of God through Jesus Christ His son, obedience to the Holy spirit is encouraged, the ethical standards of the kingdom of God are made known and emphasized and personalitities are enriched and nurtured in accordance with the mind of Christ. Christian education deals with the eternal value and outcomes. |
