What Should We Do in Our Christian Education Program?
by Diana L. Hynson

Some Prior Questions

Have you been in planning sessions that began with the question, "What should we do?" or a similar question? Typically, that question refers to specifics: programs, curriculum, opening exercises, group or age-level events, and so on. These can be very good things, but we need to have a plan.

Consider these questions as the underpinnings of whatever you decide to do.

What is the biblical/theological basis of what you are suggesting?
This is the "Why?" question.

Every event that a church does should have a biblical/theological basis that at least the leaders can articulate and that applies equally to the new venture and to the long-standing annual events. The Bible, of course, records centuries of the comings and goings of the faith community, and that record can be very "daily." (Look at the specificity of the laws on day-to-day activity in Leviticus!)

Does the youth ministry program have an annual dinner and talent show, for example? What is the purpose? A primary purpose probably is to raise funds and to have some entertaining fellowship. Does that have biblical/theological validity? Yes, the Bible gives ample evidence that the people bring themselves and their tithes together for celebration and provision for the community to carry on. But, if in some minds, the (perhaps unconscious) purpose is to give the talented youth a place to show off and a means to marginalize those who are gifted in other ways, then something is wrong.

You may find it easy to discover a sound theological and biblical reason to do whatever you do and then assume that the reason is obvious. It isn't obvious to everyone. Clearly articulating the reason will help ensure that everyone understands that reason and can move out in love from that point. Biblical and theological clarity offer another way to structure the event so that it is transformational and builds up the body of Christ.

Is the plan God-centered?
This question is closely related to the first. It is the "Who?" or — more appropriately — the "Whose?" question.

In what ways does (or can) your plan draw people toward a relationship with God, whose children we are? Is there some acknowledgement in that talent show, for example, that gives God thanks for making each person unique with his or her own gifts and talents? Is your plan — and the way it is carried out — something that Jesus would be proud of and that brings glory to God?

Suppose your Christian education and formation ministry decides to begin an after-school program for elementary children who have a different (or no) religious affiliation. Could you provide the signs or symbols that are sensitive to the many expressions of God? Should you hide or display uniquely Christian symbols that could lead to interreligious or interfaith dialogue? How could you equip leaders to be God-centered in their own approach to the program and to its potential participants?

Does the plan support the primary task of the congregation?
This is the "What?" question. In what way will you be an authentic church?

The United Methodist Church has as its primary task (the main thing it does) a four-fold mandate: to reach out and receive people, to engage them in an active relationship with God, to train and nurture those people as Christian disciples, and to send them forth to be Christians in the world. Each congregation has its own opportunity to craft a vision statement of its own, which should be aligned with the primary task of The United Methodist Church.

Does your plan have an obvious place in the primary task? Which of the four mandates does it help fulfill? How can you lift that up so that all the people who participate or who are affected by it will understand that they are in solidarity with the mission of the whole church?

How is the plan connected to the whole community — both the local church community and the neighborhood?
This is the "How?" question. How will the plan show your congregation to be the body of Christ?

The church-affiliated daycare center, the adult membership class, the youth mission trip, and the older-adult mentoring teams may all have distinct "audiences," but they are nonetheless part of the whole; and their reach and influence can extend far beyond the immediate age group or situation to which it is addressed. Likewise, a Christian formation small group that has met for years could be ingrown and insular, but also exert a widely-felt influence on the whole congregation.

How does your plan help people understand the furthest possible level of influence it could have? Who might be affected? Who are the major "stakeholders"? How open is this plan to the local church and to the local community? Is that level of openness exclusive? inclusive? healthy?

Whatever any group plans — even if it is addressed to a small audience — is still part of the comprehensive ministry of the church. Has the plan been presented to the church council so that at least the council knows about it? Has it been scheduled so that it fits with the church calendar and program as a whole? Is your plan a well-conceived part of the priorities of the whole church, or might it conflict with or contradict efforts by another ministry group? Will your plan help people understand that they are disciples within the local church and wider community?

(Thank you for visiting our web site and giving us the opportunity to serve you. You may direct comments or questions to Diana L. Hynson at dhynson@gbod.org.)

    Diana L. Hynson is the Director of Learning and Teaching Ministries in the Congregation for the General Board of Discipleship.

Posted 5-7-02

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