Christian Education

I recently had a conversation with a seminary friend of mine about what we would do if we ever "made it big." We both ruled out starting megachurches (we like our churches just fine, thank you very much), but we also both agreed we could easily start a seminary. Christian education is a shared passion of ours -- and it should be for you, too. I'm not saying we should all attend seminary (or open your own); I'm saying each of us is called to be a disciple and to make more disciples, and part of that discipleship is education, commonly called catechesis.

Part of the Great Commission, after all, is "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). We're told by Paul the Bible is "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). The ability to teach is a spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11). Our children are to be taught the faith (Deuteronomy 11:18-19; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4). Adults also must graduate from basic truths and learn the deep things of the Way (Hebrews 5:13-6:2). We are to be a people who are life-long learners, always growing in knowledge about God, always growing closer to Him through the knowing. It is thus our duty to teach and to learn.

How and where can we do this? Sunday School is the biggest way. Everyone should get involved in a Sunday School class, a place you can ask questions, have discussions, and learn with other believers. Bible study is another way, whether that means youth group or an adult class. The same goes for small groups. Finally, worship itself is a great teacher. Our hymns, our prayers, our sermons, our rites and rituals, all tell us the story of Jesus. (That's one reason children should be involved in "adult" worship.)

Get involved in one of our Sunday School classes. Join us on Wednesday evenings for youth group and Bible study. Connect with a small group (once we get them going again). Learn about your faith and teach it to others. God wants us to know Him -- and that's good news!