From the Desk of Christian Education
When the words Christian Education are spoken, the average person equates them to mean Sunday School. Then when Sunday School is spoken, that phrase translates to children. Allow me, to take this opportunity to expose you to a deeper meaning of the words and a startling implication to the church and its members and attendees.
Karen B. Tye writes in the Basics of Christian Education: "If we are unclear abut what it is or what we are looking for in the process (of Christian Education), the best we can hope for is to get where we are going part of the time by accident. I would suggest both our people and our God are entitled to expect more of us than that." (Tye, 9) This statement challenges each person who stands before God's people to be intentional about the task of Christian Education that is set before them.
As a definition: Christian education involves those tasks and expressions of ministry that enable people (1) to learn the Christian story, both ancient and present; (2) to develop the skills they need to act out their faith; (3) to reflect on that story in order to live self-aware to its truth; and (4) to nurture the sensitivities they need to live together as a covenant community. (Tye, 14) This definition gives direct implication on the broad range of areas that Christian Education must meet in order to be effective.
At St. James, we have intentionally put in place various studies to effectively reach the whole person. For those who are serious about the God they serve and about their personal spiritual growth, we invite you to come. In addition to Sunday School, there are studies specifically for men, women, children (to include the college student) and a combined Wednesday evening study where men and women can learn together. St. James is committed to the learning of God's people.
We take this opportunity to invite you to visit us and share this time of fellowship and growth.
Dr. Frank Ray states: "A church that does not show up for Sunday School, Monday or Wednesday bible study and only attends on Sunday morning is a worldly church". It is our desire that we, at St. James, influence the world through well-equipped Saints of God.
Faithfully Serving,
Jacqueline Blue
Minister - Christian Education
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