The United Theological College, Bangalore
CM 129: Introduction to Christian Education
Topic: Critical Essay on impact of Christian education ministry of your own
church.
Submitted To: Prof. Rev. Dr. Bethel Krupa Victor
Submitted By: G. Vinith Bharath, BD – 2 Submitted on: 28th. Sep.2023
Introduction:
Christian education is a form of education that is centred around Christian
beliefs, values, and principles. It typically takes place in churches, schools,
colleges, or homeschooling environments where the curriculum and teaching
methods are influenced by Christian theology and ethics.
Scripture Basis:
Christian education, when viewed through the perspective of the Holy
Bible, is grounded in the belief that God’s Word provides the ultimate source of
truth and guidance for all aspects of life, including education. The Bible
contains principles and teachings that shape the philosophy and goals of
Christian education.
The Bible is considered the foundation and ultimate authority for
Christian education. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it is written: “All Scripture is God-
breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every
good work.” Christian education seeks to teach and apply the teachings of the
Bible in all subjects and activities.
Christian education places a strong emphasis on the development of
moral and ethical character in students. Biblical passages such as Galatians
5:22-23, which speak of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control), guide the
cultivation of virtues in students.
My own Church:
My church has a set of educating programs which enables all to get
educate. Some of them are, Sunday school, youth fellowship, teen fellowship,
young couples fellowship, men’s fellowship, women’s fellowship, elders
fellowship. With all this, the church’s pastor and administration educate all
people apart from the age.
Sunday School:
The Sunday school is for the age group of 4 to 15. The Sunday school of
us is follows our diocese education board syllabus. It teaches about all the
ethical values of the Bible in which the important persons and event were
taught. And also, the syllabus contains the details and history of all the
missionary organisation and missionaries. The student was taught about the
forefathers of the Bible, kings, prophets, healing and teaching of the Jesus
Christ. Missionary organisation such LMS, Scottish mission are taught and the
missionaries those who served in our places are taught.
This will make the young students to know the ethical and spiritual life of
the characters in the Bible and the self-dedicated life of the missionaries from
foreign countries. This kindles the student mind to how to live in this world with
ethics and also with self-sacrificing life for the beneficiary of others.
Teen Fellowship:
A teen fellowship in our church is typically a student-oriented program or
group within a Christian church that is specifically designed for teenagers.
These fellowships are often created to provide young people with a safe and
supportive environment where they can grow in their faith, build meaningful
relationships with their peers, and engage in various activities and discussions
relevant to their age group. The students are taught about how a Christian teen
to develop in the growing world and also teach the love, infatuation and mind
problems which they face.
Youth Fellowship:
Youth fellowships in our churches are programs or groups specifically
designed for young people. These fellowships aim to provide a supportive and
engaging environment where young individuals can come together to grow in
their faith, build community, and engage in various activities and discussions.
Mostly, all the church works have been done by the church youth people. Every
week they will have fellowship meeting in which they sing, share the word of
God and discuss any other important issues. Our youth fellowship makes the
students to get engaged in the village, hospital and prison ministry. This
fellowship members will get participate in the other church youth meeting
competitions.
This all-kinds engagement of the youth members makes them to learn
about the pain of the other people in the society and makes one to get to know
how to address any issue in the society. The social service characteristics were
designed in the youth by the teaching and practical sections.
Young Couples Fellowship:
This fellowship is for the newly married couples. It teaches the problems
and struggles which the young couple undergoes. In present time the divorce
rate in the churches is increasing. It is because of the absence of knowledge in
handling the problems. This fellowship engages the couple in faith and
responsibility workshops so as to make them to clear the unwanted problem
which leads to separation of the couples.
Men’s and Women’s Fellowship:
Men’s and women’s fellowship in our churches refers to a group or
ministry within a church community that is specifically geared towards men and
women. These fellowships are organized to provide support, encouragement,
and spiritual growth opportunities for men within the church. Here are some
common features and purposes of men’s fellowships in churches: Spiritual
Growth, Fellowship and Community, Accountability, Service and Outreach,
Mentorship, Family and Marriage Support, Physical Activities, Leadership
Development, Social Events and Practical Support.
Elders Fellowship:
The elder fellowship in our church engages the retired people in our
congregation to get involve in the church activities to stop the age problems and
emotional needs. This makes the elder people to get rid of the Alzheimer which
is also an age issue.
Conclusion:
These are the some of the education programs in our church which is
specially designed for all the age groups and genders to live spiritual and ethical
life to support themselves, others and the society.
