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Curriculum, facilities, budget, policies, and scheduling are all an important part of a Christian Education ministry. These factors, however, should flow out of and be in congruence with other elements already determined such as:
- your philosophy of ministry
- the available and proper placement of staff, both paid or volunteer
- how many levels of ministry are happening simultaneously and what is happening at each of these levels
- what groups are needed to effectively meet needs
- what strategies or programs you will use to accomplish your objectives
- the model used within each of the programs
Once those factors are determined, then you are ready to:
- Choose curriculum that fits your plans. Try to look beyond individual programs or groups to the big picture. If people avail themselves of the growth opportunities you offer to them, will they, over the course of time, receive an adequate view of the whole counsel of God? For that to happen, a scope and sequence needs to be developed that coordinates the whole Christian Education ministry of the church. Other issues to consider are doctrinal soundness, developmental appropriateness, if learner involvement methodology is employed, and if the curriculum takes students beyond mere head knowledge. . . . more
- Evaluate your facilities for their best and most efficient use. Think in terms of age level, ambiance, and adaptability. The younger the age, the more physically active the methodology should be, and hence the larger the space that is needed. The purpose of the program or group may suggest that a certain mood be set. The particular model used within a program or the use of rooms by a number of different groups throughout the week, may require a room that gives you greater flexibility in arranging furniture, decorating, or setting up materials.
- Propose a budget to match your priorities and needs. How much better when planning controls the budget rather than the budget controlling the planning. Look to the future and not to the past in projecting needs. Trust God to provide for that which you sense He wants you to do.
- Develop policies to help promote the good of all. Prevent problems and preserve unity by working through possible situations before they occur. If you simply move from one crisis to another, you will fail to move forward. Policies that guard unity and provide safety and order for all give you the precedence for what to do. When everybody does what is right in their own eyes, you have a greater risk of hurts and division. At the same time, guard against legalism. Develop policies that protect and promote the good of all, not that are petty or political.
- Coordinate a master calendar to avert conflicts. Scheduling goes beyond filling in time slots for programs. Think of all the implications for facilities, people resources, and equipment use.
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