The Purpose of Christian Education "The congregation's leaders in Christian education are responsible for the systematic and intentional effort to create, support, and provide resources for settings in which the ministry of teaching takes place" (Foundations for Teaching and Learning, page 3). As you think about learning in your congregation, reflect on the ways in which your educational ministry has focused on creating a sense of community and on knowing something of the diverse nature of the congregation, even if it is a culturally homogeneous one.

"Everyone has a place at this table" is an affirmation spoken each week as my congregation communes. More than that, everyone has a place at the church. This shared value is of paramount importance in learning settings, especially ones that are racially, culturally, socially, and economically diverse.<

Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, life has taken on a previously under-appreciated dimension: the need to understand our neighbors. U.S. citizens received a civics and religion lesson — like it or not — in Islam. Christians discovered that many of us didn't realize there was any difference between what went on in the mosque of the Muslim and the activities of the Hindu temple. Many people just knew they were all "foreigners." The upside of this heightened awareness is that we have a greater understanding of people who share Abraham as "father" — Jews, Christians, and Muslims — in the great monotheistic religions of the world.

A potential danger is that others of us may be concentrating on our sameness; "circling the wagons," as it were, against the influence of people we may irrationally fear or fail to understand. Yet we have an added opportunity to recognize that even those of us who seem the same have significant differences among us.

This diversity places a special obligation on the learning arenas of the congregation. How do we help all participants in the life of the church see themselves enough in what we do and what we profess to allow them to feel comfortable about being there, yet challenged to grow? How do we gather an eclectic group of people from different cultural, social, and denominational experiences and serve them through the church's resources? While The United Methodist Church offers a wide variety of materials, some attention and adaptation will be very helpful in meeting persons where they are to lead them to what they may become.

This Christian Education Week resource features an article, "Practical Ideas for Adapting Study Resources," and workshop that will help you focus on how to use and adapt materials to raise cultural awareness. All participants can see themselves not only in the biblical story, but also as vital members within your church community.

Diana L. Hynson is the Director of Learning and Teaching Ministries in the Congregation at the General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, Tennessee.