Essay on "Christian Education"

Quoted Instructions for "Christian Education" Assignment:

Write a theology of ministry paper. It needs to provide a clearly articulated discussion of the nature and purpose of Christian ministry by responding to the following questions:

1. How do you define ministry?

2. What does it mean to be Christian (be sure to incorporate a Christian understanding of the person and passion of Christ)?

3. What is your view of God, truth (is all truth God*****s truth), and

Scripture?

4. What is your view of the nature of persons (determined vs. free;

depraved vs. image of God; holistic vs. atomistic;)?

5. What is your view of the church (nature, purpose, mission)?

6. What is your view of education (how do people learn and grow)?

7. What is the relationship between your response to the questions above

and the practice of ministry?

8. In light of your views and your context of ministry (or anticipated

context of ministry) what are people*****s needs?

9. What practices are needed to meet those needs?

** You may also incorporate insight from additional published

literature. Academic APA form and style including footnotes and

bibliography are required.

Grading Criteria:

*****¢ Critical and informed engagement with the foundational issues

*****¢ Significance of biblical/theological understandings

*****¢ Grasp of relevant social science insights

*****¢ Congruence between foundational beliefs and suggested ministry

practices

*****¢ Meaningful articulation of your theology of ministry in context

*****¢ Quality and quantity of incorporation of course concepts

*****¢ Quality of the writing ***** Clarity, organization, concision

Note: My context of ministry: An old African-American UMC congregation where it is extremely difficult to implement any kind of change. The surrounding community is mixed in terms of races, family structure and economics. yet the congregation has made no efforts to engage the community. There is a need for discipleship among the children and youth but there isn*****'t any being done. There is regular Bible Study which is poorly attended. The congregation is historically conflicted.

My view of the nature of humans: FREE, Image of God

I believe that all humans beings were created in the image of God as stated in Genesis 1. I believe that all human beings now need to be in a salvivic relationship with Jesus the Christ (Romans 3:23). I believe that all human beings can be in such a relationship with Christ (John 3:16). I believe that human beings also have the ability and will to accept or reject the grace that Christ offers to everyone. Because of God*****'s great love for humans, His grace is at work in our lives even before we realize it. As a matter of fact, it is this grace that prompts us and allows us to know that God is reaching out to us. Some choose to reject this gift but it should not deter us from sharing it with them as God shared with us while we were yet sinners. Therefore, in attempting to educate anyone about God*****'s gift, we should take into consideration their history and their larger story to help us to know how to relate and share.

My view of truth:

John 17:17 says: *****"Thy word is truth*****". The opening verses of John*****'s account of the Gospel story teaches that God Himself is the Word (the Bible). However, the Bible itself as we have it, can seem to say different things about the same issue as is noted in the synoptic Gospels. *****'Truth*****' therefore, may seem to be subjective. On closer look, the truth is not necessarily a word for word account of anything but rather a principle. Therefore, my belief that Scripture is true is based on the story that is told throughout; that of God*****'s redemptive grace offered to all people. Because I believe this, I approach ministry with a heart that reaches for the places that I can share God*****'s love in spite of what my eyes see or my ears hear. This has served me well in ministry because it has prevented me from giving in to the judgemental mode that kicks in so easily when I love with my eyes or ears only. My belief that the Bible is true is based not simply on the premise that it is the *****'word of God*****' but more on the Bible*****'s interaction with humanity. (PLEASE DO NOT USE THE WORD *****'INFALLIBLE*****' TO DESCRIBE SCRIPTURE*****')

My view of church and education:

The Church is made up of those who have responded to God*****'s gift of salvation and are growing relationship with God. The church should resemble Christ in work, study and life. Almost every time I share devotions at one of my church meetings, I read Acts 2:42-47 and invite the members to participate in holy conferencing.

One of the main tasks of the church is to disciple/educate. This is done in various ways depending on culture, style and expected outcomes. Discipleship is not about theoretical instruction only - it actually takes place as it is modeled. I think of Deuteronomy 6 and how God informs us this should take place. I always feel myself drawn to vs. 6 over and over because it says to me that in order for me to disciple, God must first be in my heart; I cannot effectively teach what I have not embodied. *****