Christian Education Ministry Philosophy

What You Believe about Christian Education Ministry Affects What You Do

We all have a philosophy by which we do ministry. We may not be able to verbalize it. We may not have it written on paper. But, key elements of belief tend to drive us to serve the way we do.

A person or ministry could have a philosophy written down on paper yet operate from a different set of beliefs. That which is in the heart and mind tends to preempt that which is on paper unless the person or ministry comes under strict accountability to abide by the written code. Even then, hints of what is truly inside will surface in subtle and sometimes not so subtle ways. The source of many conflicts in ministry stem from an incongruence between philosophies.

Core Values Forming the Basis of a Christian Education Ministry Philosophy

Some of the key elements or core values at the basis of a philosophy for the Christian Education ministry of the church include the following. People involved in that ministry will fall somewhere on a spectrum within these elements. The effects will become evident in the way tasks are approached and the way people are treated.

Overall Purpose:

Spectrum: from the acquisition of knowledge to the application of knowledge; from adherence of traditions to the pursuit of transformation; from outward conformity to inward change

Role of the Word:

Spectrum: from unimportant to central; from truth that is relative to truth that is absolute

Also Read: Example of the Effect of What we Believe about The Role of God's Word

Teaching-Learning Process:

Spectrum: from teacher-centered to student-centered; from passive learners to active learners

Role of the Holy Spirit:

Spectrum: from no emphasis to excessive emphasis

Role of Spiritual Gifts:

Spectrum: from no emphasis to a strong emphasis

Leadership Style:

Spectrum: from laissez-faire to autocratic

Standard of Excellence:

Spectrum: from an "anything goes" attitude to perfectionism

Church / Home Relations:

Spectrum: from no involvement to high involvement

The potential for coming into the same heart and mind on these matters increases when a philosophy of ministry is developed from a biblical or theological basis. God's Word is the standard, not tradition or a certain leader's bent. The Spirit of God works through Scripture to convict and equip, not through man-made reasoning. If a ministry's philosophy is truly based on the Bible, the Spirit has what He needs to unify pliable hearts.

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Phil. 2:1-4)
In addition to this content, the Christian Education Ministry Manual mentions some effects of what you believe about each of the above elements. It also helps you gain a big picture perspective of the Church from God's Word and then guides you in developing your own philosophy for Christian education ministry. You will also find help for moving a philosophy that is on paper into being the operative philosophy in your ministry.
 
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Christian Education Ministry Resources

Need a big picture perspective and biblical principles for coordinating the Christian Education ministry in the church? Order the Christian Education Ministry Manual.
 
Want to work at getting your Christian Education leadership team on the same page? Order the Christian Education Leadership Team Training.
 
Looking for some guidelines and resources to administrate the Christian Education ministry of your church? Order the Christian Education Files.

Better yet, order the Christian Education Ministry Bundle which includes all three of these resources.