Brothers and Sisters,

How would you rate Christian education in our churches? What good things do we do? What needs improvement? How well does the connection support Christian education down to the local churches, and what things are clearly lacking that must be accomplished? Thoughts?

In His Service,

-- Anonymous, July 22, 2004

Answers

Ron - The most underappreciated component of the AMEC is the Ministries of Christian Education (MCE). This was the inspiration of Kenneth Hill, the outgoing Director of Christian Education for the AMEC. Many good products are found in the MCE like the Fellowship of Christian Educators, Scouting, Church Music Educators and The Journal of Christian Education. Unfortuantely, most of our AME members do not view Christian Education as a priority. Many of our members choose not to be involved in either Church School, Mid-Week Bible Study or Christian Ed Institutes. It's interesting we enjoy reading fictional works authored by E. Lynn Harris, Bebe Campbell or Toni Morrison. However, try forming a Christian Book Club at your local church and see the response by those who are asked to read scholarly books by leading theological thinkers past and present (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, C.S. Lewis, James Cone, Elaine Pagels or Karen Armstrong). We are perfectly content in being theologically and biblically illiterate, yet we are always armed and ready to offer criticism about pastoral leadership and church goals. We wouldn't tolerate this form of illiteracy in our so-called secular world yet we do so in our spiritual activities without remorse. QED

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2004

Amen Professor!

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2004

Preach it Brother!

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2004

Soooooooooo, what are you doing to reverse this problem? I'm listening for ideas - after all - Eternity is at stake!

In Christ,

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2004

The next time you happen to be in Tallahassee, FL stop by Bethel AMEC and ask for the Lay Director of Public Relations and the Church School Superintendent. Anyone can tell you what "he" is doing to promote Christian Ed at the local level :-) QED

-- Anonymous, July 30, 2004

Bill, I believe strongly that if local churches do not have strong christian education programs the church dies. So Christian ed. has to be a priorty.

Many of us are preparing for fall classes and themes for the fall. As a Christian Education Superintendant what suggestions do you have for local churches. What areas do you feel need special attention?

Perhaps Robert can weigh in on this also.

Perhaps you can share the model you use in your church. Thanks,

-- Anonymous, July 30, 2004

The improvement of Christian Education in our churches is highly needed and serves as that ministry, for all other ministries of the church. A special accolade is extended to Rev. Dr. Kenneth Hill, former general officer /Secretary /Treasurer for the Department of Christian Education for his level of spiritual and academic excellence in implementing a successful and rewarding program and to the newly elected Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Darryl Ingram, of Christian Education. However, unless each local pastor does not see the need to incorporate effective Christian Education in the local churches ministries does not have a chance of being successful. I will revisit the additional questions after having an interview with Dr. Ingram.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2005