Christian Education? What's That?

   A question that you may not spend much time considering – what is Christian Education?  Our responses probably fall into two very broad categories: 1) Christian Education is “so last year.”  It’s not necessary or relevant any more.  Or 2) Christian Education is not my responsibility so I don’t really worry about it.  Unfortunately many United Methodist conferences are falling into that first category, and going so far as to eliminate the position entitled “Christian Education,” and putting responsibility on age related ministries.  Other conferences take the second position, and assume that Christian Education is important, and will ultimately take care of itself, because while it is not my job, it’s bound to be someone’s job. Well, if the job of the church is to make disciples for Christ, then one of the most important jobs of the church, for everyone, is the education and growth of those disciples.
    Christian Education is the ministry of the church that focuses on the growth and development of disciples.  The oversight of Christian education may be delegated to one person’s leadership, but it remains the responsibility of the entire church.  There are those that will serve as leaders in Christian Education, while other will be the recipients of that teaching.  Christian Education is for our youngest disciples, those we have baptized as infants and promised to provide them with leadership and examples to help them grow.  Christian Education is for those in the process of preparing to confirm their baptism by learning about what it means to be a disciple.  Christian Education is for our youth who need Christian mentors and adults to guide them through the challenges they face as they approach adulthood.  Christian Education is for adults to provide them with the guidance necessary to be disciples that can not only serve as models for younger disciples, but to serve the entire church in making and forming future disciples.  
    Christian Education is not age related. Christian Education is not just Sunday School.  Christian Education is not a program or series of programs.  Christian Education is the bones by which the flesh of faith is supported.  John Wesley called for Methodists to be intentional about furthering our discipleship.  What are you doing about Christian Education?  What are you doing for Christian Education? Together let’s make the Louisiana Conference one that revives Christian Education.  
    If you have any ideas to share about Christian Education I would love to hear them.  You can contact me at deacondawn@earthlink.net