FOR LEADERS IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND FORMATION MINISTRY

Below are some resources from The General Board of Discipleship that provide guidance and ideas for those leading the ministries of formation and education.

FOUNDATIONS: Shaping the Ministry of Christian Education in Your Congregation provides broad scope of the elements that make for an effective ministry of education and its role in the faith formation process.

Planning for Christian Education and Formation helps churches keep the ‘big picture’ in mind and consider how all the teaching ministries contribute to the formation of a disciple.

Assess Your Facilities and Equipment will guide you through examining the best allocations of space in the church and the readiness of equipment for the ministries.

Recruiting, Nurturing, and Supporting Effective Teachers helps churches move beyond ‘filling slots’ to developing those persons who will be vital in the formational ministry of teaching persons of all ages for growth in discipleship.

Teachers as Spiritual Leaders and Theologians addresses the role of teachers and small group leaders as they help people experience God’s transforming presence.

Teachers Know Their Place in the Faith Story traces the role of the teacher throughout the development of Christian heritage.

Teachers Live the Faith explores the inner life of the teacher through various means.

Choosing Curriculum Resources offers guidance for the important decisions of what to teach.

Classroom Environment shares ideas for making the physical space inviting and supportive of learning.

MORE

For All Teachers – listing of resources to assist all who are in the teaching ministries of the church

Christian Educators Fellowship – organization of Christian educators that provides resources and learning opportunities

Understanding and Using the Bible – a PDF file that offers basic background information on the Bible. It describes the major divisions of the writings, key stories and personalities, and suggestions for a basic pattern of study.

The People of God – basic overview of the generations in our churches, various ways people learn, and group dynamics

Development Through the Lifespan – a 2-page color PDF chart depicting the development of 12 critical factors across 9 age segments from birth to older age. Those factors are: Faith Development, Physical Development, Brain Development, Mental and Intellectual Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Values and Ethics, Sexuality, Family, Needs of Age, Gifts to Share, Vocation, and Expectations of the Church.

Rotation Sunday School Model – What is it? How do I use it? Check this link for information and ideas shared by people using this model of church education.