INDICATORS OF MATURE FAITH 1990 Effective Christian Education: A National Study of Protestant Congregations ( Search Institute) 1.Trusts and believes 2.Experiences the fruits of faith 3.Integrates faith and life 4.Seeks spiritual growth 5.Experiences and nurtures faith in community 6.Holds life-affirming values 7.Advocates social change 8.Acts and serves

Local church as teacher 1. Only 40% of teachers are mature in their faith; and only one third know educational theory Relatively few teachers receive training in theology and tradition 2. The pastor must be highly committed to the educational program, devote significant time to it, and know educational theory and practice 3. The greatest weakness is in youth ministry activities; only one half of pastors are involved; approximately 60% participate in adult educational activities

Local church as teacher 4. Topics for adult programs: biblical knowledge and understanding multicultural awareness global awareness and understanding moral decision making

Local church as teacher 4. Topics for Youth Bible core theological concepts emphasis on good friendship skills education about sexuality, alcohol and other drugs values and decision making responsibility regarding hunger and poverty 6. Set clear learning objectives for both adults and teenagers 7. Other factors: Warm and thinking climate, excellence in worship, care and concern for others, service (40% of youth involved)

Pastors as Teachers Altar, pulpit and classroom linked The one who feeds ought to teach Ephesians 4: “pastors and teachers”-one gift Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the whole armor Not an audience, but an army It’s difficult out there

Family Ministry Family religiousness is a powerful indicator of growth in faith Psychologists list most pressing problems Infidelity and jealousy Conflicts over everyday responsibilities Conflicting values in child rearing Alcoholism Intergenerational conflict Sex Single parenting Divorce Teenage pregnancies Family violence incest

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Teach them diligently Parents should talk with their children about the faith – both mother and father Family devotions, prayer or bible reading at home Family projects that help others Place the Kingdom of God first in their lives Nurturing close parental ties - when mother and father get along Marriage retreats Using good communication workshop Understanding diverse family dynamics one half of all children have lived with a single parent before 18 years old/blended families

Divisive Family Dynamics Young people’s attitudes toward parents and authority figures Involvement in at-risk behavior Personal values School performance

Congregational Parenting Extended family of faith Most men between experience undeveloped faith (only 8% demonstrated mature faith vs. 43% of women) Most men cannot give spiritual leadership Engage men in bible study, men’s retreats and conferences National Center for Fathering fathers.com Teach moral values Why certain behavior violates inner needs and disrupt relationships with others Encourage close relationships with parents and grandparents Mentoring Helping parents establish clear rules and a flexible stance blended with good judgment Participating in more helping activities Sharing one’s faith in the home

African American Christian Education Ella Mitchell Contextual model – carried on in relation to ongoing experiences basic pattern of oral communication and learning rooted in African origins not African American Oral process of learning is a legitimate system of teaching and retention Included slave cabin life, slave field conversations, mealtime table talk, secret church meetings, plantation churches, storytelling, music, dancing, and proverbial sayings

African American Christian Education Joseph Crockett Teaching and learning Scripture among African Americans Story-telling – integrating identity and vocation Exile strategy focuses on heritage, tradition and God’s loving care and call to Christian community Exodus strategy focuses on unique missional, justice, and social engagement responsibility of the Black church Sanctuary strategy acknowledges the central role of the church in AA life, especially in its worship

African American Christian Education Bishop Desmond Tutu Ubuntu The unified self struggle to live into the vision of the Beloved community Does not take sides Moves beyond liberation and black theology toward reconciliaton

African American Christian Education Fred Smith, Wesley Theological Seminary Create coherence in the face of incoherence Develop in persons the capacities for liberation from oppression, reconciliation with God and the human family participation with God in the transformation of the world being the Kingdom of God - human communities imbued with love as their conscience

Missional Framework for Christian Education Delores Carpenter Purpose “to guide Christian through a nurturing, maturing, and increasingly self-initiating spiritual journey toward God, in Jesus Christ and on behalf of others.” The Holy Spirit is the internal standard and lens which deciphers God’s message and God’s meaning Each believer/lover of the Lord becomes obedient to an action plan which God reveals to him or her or which he or she discerns A disciples’ vocation revolves around a mission that contributes to the ultimate mission of bringing the reign of God to earth Common understandings and interpretations will lead the community to advocate for social justice

African American Christian Education Delores Carpenter FOUR DIMENSIONS OF CONGREGATIONAL EDUCATION 1. Climate/Relational 2. Biblical/Theological 3. Cognitive/Thinking 4. Interpersonal/Group Process