Interview: Theology Professor tells about cell groups and Sunday schools in Southern Baptist Church
by Peter Menkin
We talked by phone of the design of the Southern Baptist Church, and I note that it is comprised of more classroom and educational setting than worship space. That isn’t to say worship space is small. We also talked about cell groups, a recent phenomenon of Sunday school where people gather to study scripture and other related Church matters in a small group, sometimes in a home setting.
Will you tell me something of the beginnings of this “movement” in the Southern Baptist Church, and how it has grasped the imagination of Church goers?
Southern Baptists were formed in 1845 around values of winning souls, educating and training members for effective Christian living and service in the US and around the world. In 1909, a man named Arthur Flake was recruited from Mississippi to work for the Baptist Sunday School Board in Nashville. At that time, there were about a million persons in Southern Baptist Sunday schools. In forty years, that number would grow to six million and well beyond. Some of this growth was due to a book Flake wrote entitled How to Build a Standard Sunday School, which was studied by over a million Southern Baptist workers. This book taught Flake’s famous five-fold formula for Sunday school growth:
1) Know the possibilities,
2) Enlarge the organization,
3) Enlist and train leaders,
4) Expand the space, and
5) Go after the people. Southern Baptist pastors often recited the Flake mantra that “the formula works only if you work the formula!”
Who came up with the Cell Sunday School, or small group, and how have Sunday School students of various ages responded to this?
Can you tell us where in the Bay Area or even California or the U.S. where this is more popular, and something of the character of the Southern Baptist Church that takes this methodology of direction.
(I know, methodology is a big word, so if you want to provide an example to help take it out of the professional level that only the Sunday School teacher really grasps, please do. Or do most Southern Baptists grasp this Small Group or Cell Group Sunday School method today?)
Southern Baptist innovative pastor Ralph Neighbour Jr. first brought cell groups to the attention of SBC churches. He studied the tremendous growth of cell group churches in Korean and published a book called “Where Do we Go from Here?” He later backed away from the argumentative tone of the book, which really argued that cell groups and Sunday school were incompatible in the same church. His book lays out the principles and best practices for starting and multiplying cell churches.
The attraction for Southern Baptists for the cell or small group method has been fourfold. First, Southern Baptists are pragmatists and love to look into if not imitate what’s successful. It’s hard to argue with the success of the Yoida Full Gospel Church in Seoul, Korea with its near 800,000 well disciple members.
That church is based on cell groups.
Second, Baptists love what’s biblical. They want to be “New Testament churches.” The cell group or house church appears to be the norm for the spread of Christianity in the first century through the ministry of the apostles and other early missionaries.
Cell groups look more like those New Testament house churches than do Sunday School classes on church property, so many SBC churches are moving in that direction.
Third, buildings cost so it is more cost effective and less limiting to growth to simply have cells meet in homes.
Fourth, people wanting to explore Christianity are thought to be more comfortable in a home of a friend as opposed to a classroom on church property. So many SBC leaders believe that cell or small groups meeting in homes is the better way of reaching new people with the gospel.
The education of a Southern Baptist starts in the baby years, and goes through childhood to adulthood, a Discipleship program of some magnitude in conception, and thought out in a curriculum and almost systematic consideration for periods of human development. So I understand in my conversations with various people in the Church who are knowledgeable in the training and education of members, including the education of ministers. You educate ministers at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary located just north of San Francisco in Mill Valley.
As one knowledgeable in such, will you talk a little in this email correspondence about how this helps to make Southern Baptists the “Sunday School Church,” and talk a little of the emphasis for each age range in what they study or look to learn about. Please say something of the Biblical imperative, and the evangelical imperative of the Southern Baptist, if you will.
Southern Baptists (SBs) made their Sunday Schools a center for both evangelism and discipleship and built their campuses accordingly with educational space for all ages equal to or greater than worship space.
To assist this focus of the churches, the Baptist Sunday School Board (now called LifeWay Resources) publishes age-graded Bible teaching literature organized around a cyclical curriculum to cover the sixty-six books of the Bible over a five year period.
SBs were and are serious about sharing the gospel and its implications through the Sunday school and small groups. Most Sunday school leaders are trained to be aware of developmental issues at the formative stages of human development and how the gospel and knowledge of Scripture is best acquired and applied at that stage.
Churches receive coaching and training from their local or state networks called associations at the area level and conventions of churches at the state level. Most of these training events are led by women and men trained in education ministry and human development at one of the many Southern Baptist colleges or six Southern Baptist seminaries for graduate theological education and ministry training.
Most Southern Baptist pastors have a “heart for souls” meaning that they believe God’s Spirit works in the hearts of persons who receive a clear presentation of God’s love and so are drawn into a personal and enduring walk with God.
SBs believe that the mission of Jesus as God’s Son was to remove any barrier to relationship with the holy and loving God through His sacrifice on the cross outside Jerusalem 2000 years ago. It is the Spirit’s work to make that event current as conviction and commitment in lives today.
Southern Baptists are the most self-critical when it comes to whether or not people are being baptized and new churches are being started.
How can a baby go to Sunday School, or a small child? What does this mean for the baby or child?
Infants and young children go to Sunday School as brought by their parents. They learn experientially that church is a safe, loving and interesting environment. They hear music and songs of Jesus and this lays down a rich positive affective memory for their later development as they become more abstract thinkers and are able to read and learn in primary school.
The Sunday school is a large part of Christian life in the Southern Baptist Church. Please let us know why is there so much time spent on Biblical study, and how does a child get to be introduced to the Bible? Can you tell us what you tell the Sunday school Ministers what it is in Christian formation that is key to Sunday school for adult disciples and young people. Tell us, too, what is new in the life of young people in their Christian education. I understand from what I’ve been told this can mean going into the world in a missionary way to help others. What is the lesson here, and what is the need for this for a member in his religious life as a member of the Church?
One of the more interesting changes that is occurring in Sunday School and small group ministry among SBs is the movement, from students to adults, to practice “what we preach” by going on mission locally, regionally, nationally or internationally to show and share the good news.
Teenagers, college students and committed adult adults in many SBC churches regularly build homes and churches, aid at disaster relief sites, conduct training conferences related to health, life and Scripture, and conduct soccer and basketball camps.
This has become so effective that 80% of all meals cooked at Red Cross Disaster Sites are cooked by Southern Baptist volunteers. In preparation for these mission events, the volunteers are trained in personal spiritual formation.
Often called “having a quiet time,” SBs are taught and exhorted to spend time with and for God each day. Many practice the spiritual rule of well known SB evangelist, Billy Graham, “fifteen minutes a day to listen to God (read the Bible), fifteen minutes to talk with God (prayer) and fifteen minutes a day to talk with people about God (gospel evangelism).
Because SBs believe in regenerate church membership (you must have been converted to be a member) and in priesthood of the believers (all members are ministers together), pew sitting in not enough. And the key instrument for mobilizing the members into ministry has been the Sunday school.
What is the role of the Sunday School teacher or staff member in the experience of practicing what is preached?
Church leaders, whether Sunday School teachers or staff members, are the early adapters and eager interpreters of the Sunday sermons. Sometimes the subject of discussion during Sunday School is the sermon. In those instances the teacher leads the members in thinking through the implications and applications from the morning message.
About Rick Durst, who answered the questions in this interview:
Director of eCampus
Professor of Historical Theology
Ph.D. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary
M.Div. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary
B.A. California Baptist College
Dr. Rodrick Durst has served as faculty and administration at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary since 1991. He served eleven years as the Vice President of Academic Affairs and, prior to that, three years as the Director of the Southern California Campus.
Dr. Durst loves the classroom. He teaches theology and history from a leadership formation perspective. His passion is for developing life-changing ways of communicating and teaching Christian truth for transformation, retention and rapid reproduction.
His current research includes study of emerging church movements, ecclesiology for rapid cell and simple church multiplication, research into a biblical doctrine of the Trinity, and faith and film.
Dr. Durst tests what he teaches in his local church and in interim pastorates.
He loves cooking, hiking, and art. He and his wife, Kristi, belong and serve at BayMarin Community Church (SBC), San Rafael. The Dursts have three children and one grandson, Donovan.
(These notations are taken from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary website.)
Showing posts with label Sunday School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunday School. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Interview: LifeWay Southern Baptist teacher David Francis about Sunday school, the strong program
by Peter Menkin
In a letter via email, LifeWay’sDavid Francis, Director, Sunday school, Discipleship, Church & Network Partnerships, LifeWay Church Resources, supplies a response to this writer’s inquiry regarding Southern Baptists, the Sunday School Church.
He responds in part to questions asked of Sharon Ely Pearson of the Episcopal Church in her earlier interview. The answers themselves provide a context for his statement. But note his email carries this quotation: “As God works through us . . . We will help people--through churches--know Jesus Christ and seek His Kingdom by providing biblical solutions that spiritually transform individuals and cultures.”
The questions with answers are found below this email letter, an informative and full reply that has the mark of inspiration and spontaneity:
The email letter:
Sunday school remains a strong program of ministry in Southern Baptist churches. On a typical Sunday in our denomination, about 6 million people will gather for worship in SBC congregations. About 4 million will attend Sunday school, or two out of three worshipers. My estimate is that these folks will attend one of more than 400,000 Sunday school classes. Well over half of those who attend one of these classes, typically meeting on Sunday mornings before or after a worship service, will be adults.
In an analysis I conducted with Eric Geiger, co-author with LifeWay President Thom Rainer of the popular book Simple Church, we found that in a sample of the SBC's most vibrant churches, over 87% operated Sunday school--or its functional equivalent by another name--as the critical "second step" in their church's discipleship process. 50% of these groups simply called the program "Sunday School." The rest used a different term, although I would agree with one of the comments made in response to the Episcopalian article that most of the folks still just call it "Sunday School" regardless of any new, official, cool name!
The other 12.5%? Those churches' primary "Step 2" strategy was off-campus small groups--at least for the adults. This is a shift in Southern Baptist church practice, to be sure. Nevertheless, Sunday school remains very strong. You can find a copy of a summary of that project here.
In terms of broader "faith formation," the term preferred by your Episcopal source, Sharon Ely Pearson, Southern Baptist churches have traditionally operated another program ministry to help members grow more deeply in their faith, defend its doctrines, and equip themselves for ministry and missions.
This program is typically called "Discipleship" or "Discipleship Training." That name has evolved more than "Sunday School." It was originally "Baptist Young People's Union," then "Training Union," then "Church Training," then "Discipleship Training," and now typically just "Discipleship" or some name that includes the word, such as "University of Discipleship."
Typically, the occasion for "Discipleship" offers a variety of elective options. That occasion has typically been on Sunday evenings, before an evening service. In some churches, the occasion is Wednesday evenings. In others, these elective courses are offered at various times throughout the week.
The important thing to note is that in terms of "faith formation," this program ministry represents sort of a "third step" in a discipleship process where worship attendance is step 1 and a Sunday school class or small group is step 2. Hope that makes sense! Or provides you some ammo for a probing question!
Part of our assignment at LifeWay is to provide curriculum materials for both Sunday school and Discipleship groups. Our full name is LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, and we are governed by a Board elected by the convention, and are therefore an SBC entity. We enjoy a broad base of customers from many denominations, however.
LifeWay also operates a chain of LifeWay Christian Stores and produces Bibles and trade books through our B&H Publishing Division, along with the products and services offered through the division where I work, LifeWay Church Resources.
The Interview:
Is salvation individual, and if it is how the congregational or Church experience does enter into the experience and faith formation process? In what way does LifeWay introduce a concept of individual salvation and the salvation of the congregation and Church?
Salvation is individual for Baptists over against a "covenant" understanding of salvation held by those in some faith walks (such as the Presbyterian Church in which I was raised!). Here is a link to the article on "Salvation" from the Baptist Faith & Message, a statement generally agreed to (but not a creed that is binding on) by Southern Baptists: http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfm2000.asp#iv.
Jerry Vogel, Director of Childhood Ministry Publishing at LifeWay, wrote: "Salvation is definitely an individual response/decision. The church experience for children should include some type of small group learning experience. LifeWay resources begin at birth to lay the foundation upon which God's Spirit can work and draw each child unto Himself in a personal relationship.
These concepts from birth through Preteen are represented in our Levels of Biblical Learning document showing the natural progression of learning precept upon precept by children. Significant adults in the church congregation provide the environment of unconditional love and trust building needed for children to begin their faith journey.
A well-planned scope and sequence provided in LifeWay childhood resources (continued throughout all of LifeSpan, providing foundations for salvation for all focus age groups beyond childhood) helps guide teachers along a balanced journey of creating learning environments for children to "hear, know and do" God's Word.)"
Note: The Levels of Biblical Learning document Vogel refers to is quite impressive, and is a great visual depiction of how LifeWay approaches 10 basic biblical concepts from a developmental view.
Here's a link to an online version:
It has a sister document, Levels of Bible Skills:.
Together, these documents illustrate our approach to "Faith Development." We have similar guidelines that guide our approach to students (youth) and adults: http://www.lifeway.com/studentstrategy/
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/mainpage/0%2C1701%2CM%25253D200730%2C00.html?cid=RDR-Adults (click on "Connect Grow Serve Grow" handout in toolbar on right if interested)
How is Sunday school Christian oriented? That is student and teacher?
Sunday school teachers must be Christians. The students need not be. That includes adults. We promote Sunday school as "open groups practicing open enrollment."
I have coined a five-word definition of an open group: "Expects new people every week." An open group is an intentional mixture of believers and unbelievers, Baptists and non-Baptists, veteran and "rookie" church-goers. In fact, any person can enroll in any Sunday school class at any time, without making any obligation--to become a church member or even a Christ follower.
The way I say it is "Enrolling in Sunday School does not make you a church member or obligate you to become one." I also have a five-word definition of this concept of "open enrollment:" You can belong before you believe." Even if you never choose to believe. These principles are two of the distinctive of how Sunday school is practiced in many Southern Baptist churches.
What new directions are taken with students, re previous decades? Please speak to the new wave experience of Cell Groups.
I actually "debated" LifeWay's small groups specialist, Rick Howerton, in a live on-line format recently on the topic "Sunday School vs. Small Groups." This "debate" is still available for viewing online here. .
The number one challenge for the small group movement is the question, "What do you do with the kids?" Or, more seriously, at least from the standpoint of faith development, "What do you do meaningfully with the kids?" LifeWay has a brand new resource, Small Group Life that attempts to address that question.
In addition to inexpensive Bible study guides for each participant, who are flexible enough to be used either every week or every other week, free online helps are available for Bible-centered activities with the kids--written in such a way that a teenager can execute the plans--that connect conceptually to the material being studied by the parents. Samples available here.
Does praise of God enter into the equation of Sunday school? What component does this hold in the formal Curriculum?
Music has historically been an important element of Southern Baptist Sunday Schools. Back in the pioneer days of the Sunday school movement, when Sunday Schools met many places where there was no organized church or formal worship/preaching experience, Sunday Schools conducted "opening assemblies," where participants gathered together before going to their individual age-group classes. Singing was an important part of this "general assembly."
Fewer and fewer churches continue this practice today, but some do. In terms of curriculum, all of LifeWay's Sunday school materials for preschoolers and students include music as an important element. Preschool music is available as a separate resource, a CD-ROM that includes additional teaching materials as well as music.
My wife and I teach pre-K kids in our church. Yesterday, we began a unit on prayer. I put the CD in the player and set it to repeat a song about thanking God. After hearing it all morning, the kids were ready to sing it when we gathered for "large group time" to hear the Bible story. In LifeWay's curriculum materials for elementary children, the music CD is included in the Leader Pack. Words to all songs on the CDs are printed in the back of the leader guides. LifeWay's innovative curriculum for youth, KNOWN, includes an mp3 playlist:
http://www.lifeway.com/known. Music as well as serial dramas are a feature of LifeWay's DVD-driven youth curriculum, called Fuel.
What is the prime difference in approach between youth and children, and where does it break? Will you tell us something of the "care and feeding of babies" in the Sunday school experience and approach? This seems unusual, that babies get religious education.
LifeWay is one of the few--if not the only--publisher that produces a line of Sunday school curriculum especially for babies. We believe strongly that that the preschool years are the most important in spiritual as well as physical, emotional, and intellectual development. If nothing else, babies can learn that church is a safe place to go and that people who care for me there love me and love Jesus. One of the Levels of Biblical Learning documents focuses on babies and what we believe they can learn about 8 basic biblical concepts.
What music do you use?
Think I answered that above. We have actually been pleasantly surprised at the success of the new Baptist Hymnal (also published under the name Worship Hymnal) which LifeWay Worship published just last year as the "hard goods" part of an ambitious next generation online platform called The Worship Project. http://www.lifeway.com/worship if you're interested in learning more. This project promises to put great musical accompaniment at the fingertips of even the smallest church.
Why do you think Sunday school practice, that is the Sunday school itself as educational entity in the individual church is so high in the Southern Baptist church? I note the Wall Street Journal article says Sunday Schools are on the decline:
"Why Sunday Schools are Closing," by Charlotte Hays says, "Fewer children are having that experience, though. Like West Olive United Methodist, many churches have drastically curtailed or given up entirely on Sunday school for children. Two years ago, Bruce Morrison, an official with the Missouri Baptist Convention, wrote about attending a "ministry conference where several denominations were represented." During a break, he recalled, "I overheard a discussion between several of the attendees about the value of Sunday school in today's culture. The implication was that Sunday school ministry in the local church is obsolete."
Two responses, not in order: (1) I would recommend that a careful reader of the cited article read the comments posted in response to the online article. Some challenge the accuracy of the reporter's conclusions. Enough said. (2) Sunday School--or more broadly, Bible study in age/life-stage appropriate groups--is just important to Southern Baptists.
Maybe it's a cultural thing. A historical thing. And it is typically year-round. No summer break. Not just for kids while mom and dad go to worship. For the typical Southern Baptist church, the first two steps of its disciple-making process are worship and assimilation/foundational discipleship/fellowship/ministry through small group Bible study. As I note in the conclusion to an analysis conducted as a follow-up to the popular book Simple Church, "What could be simpler? Accomplishing the first two steps of your discipleship process, with every member of the family, on one trip to the church?!?" (Just Google "Sunday School in Simple Church" if you'd like to see the entire paper.)
I was interested to hear you say the worship experience is number one in the Sunday school experience. Will you say more about that and something of the role of the Sermon?
I think my point is the same as above: The worship service is the primary/first step in the discipleship process for most churches today. Sunday school used to be. In fact, Southern Baptist churches were not asked to report worship attendance until 1990, at which time average annual Sunday school attendance was 85% of reported worship attendance. That ratio has steadily declined to a about 2/3, with a typical Sunday finding 4 million people in Southern Baptist Sunday Schools and 6 million people in worship (including preschoolers being cared for during worship, children's worship, any separate youth worship services, etc.).
That is still strong versus the same ratio in other denominations. (Assemblies of God and Nazarenes may give us a run for the money!)
Images: (1) Man at prayer. (2) Dramatic Praise "Chef" Chantéa Kirkwood and the LifeWay choir, led by LifeWay Worship Director Mike Harland, perform in "The Joy of Christmas," LifeWay's 2007 Christmas program. Photo by Kent Harville. (3) Quiet white Snow creates a peaceful scene around Holcomb Auditorium at LifeWay's Glorieta Conference Center outside Santa Fe, N.M. Photo by Kent Harville. (4) The preacher Billy Graham, April 4, 1966. This is a representational and popular photograph of the Reverend (Wikipedia has photo). He is currently 91 years old. (5) Gathered Dozens of men come forward to commit and rededicate their lives to Jesus Christ during an invitation offered at the Be the Man conference May 8-9, at LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center. Photo by Kent Harville. Photographs courtesy LifeWay. Slideshow photographs, courtesy LifeWay (Southern Baptist Church).
by Peter Menkin
In a letter via email, LifeWay’sDavid Francis, Director, Sunday school, Discipleship, Church & Network Partnerships, LifeWay Church Resources, supplies a response to this writer’s inquiry regarding Southern Baptists, the Sunday School Church.
He responds in part to questions asked of Sharon Ely Pearson of the Episcopal Church in her earlier interview. The answers themselves provide a context for his statement. But note his email carries this quotation: “As God works through us . . . We will help people--through churches--know Jesus Christ and seek His Kingdom by providing biblical solutions that spiritually transform individuals and cultures.”
The questions with answers are found below this email letter, an informative and full reply that has the mark of inspiration and spontaneity:
The email letter:
Sunday school remains a strong program of ministry in Southern Baptist churches. On a typical Sunday in our denomination, about 6 million people will gather for worship in SBC congregations. About 4 million will attend Sunday school, or two out of three worshipers. My estimate is that these folks will attend one of more than 400,000 Sunday school classes. Well over half of those who attend one of these classes, typically meeting on Sunday mornings before or after a worship service, will be adults.
In an analysis I conducted with Eric Geiger, co-author with LifeWay President Thom Rainer of the popular book Simple Church, we found that in a sample of the SBC's most vibrant churches, over 87% operated Sunday school--or its functional equivalent by another name--as the critical "second step" in their church's discipleship process. 50% of these groups simply called the program "Sunday School." The rest used a different term, although I would agree with one of the comments made in response to the Episcopalian article that most of the folks still just call it "Sunday School" regardless of any new, official, cool name!
The other 12.5%? Those churches' primary "Step 2" strategy was off-campus small groups--at least for the adults. This is a shift in Southern Baptist church practice, to be sure. Nevertheless, Sunday school remains very strong. You can find a copy of a summary of that project here.
In terms of broader "faith formation," the term preferred by your Episcopal source, Sharon Ely Pearson, Southern Baptist churches have traditionally operated another program ministry to help members grow more deeply in their faith, defend its doctrines, and equip themselves for ministry and missions.
This program is typically called "Discipleship" or "Discipleship Training." That name has evolved more than "Sunday School." It was originally "Baptist Young People's Union," then "Training Union," then "Church Training," then "Discipleship Training," and now typically just "Discipleship" or some name that includes the word, such as "University of Discipleship."
Typically, the occasion for "Discipleship" offers a variety of elective options. That occasion has typically been on Sunday evenings, before an evening service. In some churches, the occasion is Wednesday evenings. In others, these elective courses are offered at various times throughout the week.
The important thing to note is that in terms of "faith formation," this program ministry represents sort of a "third step" in a discipleship process where worship attendance is step 1 and a Sunday school class or small group is step 2. Hope that makes sense! Or provides you some ammo for a probing question!
Part of our assignment at LifeWay is to provide curriculum materials for both Sunday school and Discipleship groups. Our full name is LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, and we are governed by a Board elected by the convention, and are therefore an SBC entity. We enjoy a broad base of customers from many denominations, however.
LifeWay also operates a chain of LifeWay Christian Stores and produces Bibles and trade books through our B&H Publishing Division, along with the products and services offered through the division where I work, LifeWay Church Resources.
The Interview:
Is salvation individual, and if it is how the congregational or Church experience does enter into the experience and faith formation process? In what way does LifeWay introduce a concept of individual salvation and the salvation of the congregation and Church?
Salvation is individual for Baptists over against a "covenant" understanding of salvation held by those in some faith walks (such as the Presbyterian Church in which I was raised!). Here is a link to the article on "Salvation" from the Baptist Faith & Message, a statement generally agreed to (but not a creed that is binding on) by Southern Baptists: http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfm2000.asp#iv.
Jerry Vogel, Director of Childhood Ministry Publishing at LifeWay, wrote: "Salvation is definitely an individual response/decision. The church experience for children should include some type of small group learning experience. LifeWay resources begin at birth to lay the foundation upon which God's Spirit can work and draw each child unto Himself in a personal relationship.
These concepts from birth through Preteen are represented in our Levels of Biblical Learning document showing the natural progression of learning precept upon precept by children. Significant adults in the church congregation provide the environment of unconditional love and trust building needed for children to begin their faith journey.
A well-planned scope and sequence provided in LifeWay childhood resources (continued throughout all of LifeSpan, providing foundations for salvation for all focus age groups beyond childhood) helps guide teachers along a balanced journey of creating learning environments for children to "hear, know and do" God's Word.)"
Note: The Levels of Biblical Learning document Vogel refers to is quite impressive, and is a great visual depiction of how LifeWay approaches 10 basic biblical concepts from a developmental view.
Here's a link to an online version:
It has a sister document, Levels of Bible Skills:.
Together, these documents illustrate our approach to "Faith Development." We have similar guidelines that guide our approach to students (youth) and adults: http://www.lifeway.com/studentstrategy/
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/mainpage/0%2C1701%2CM%25253D200730%2C00.html?cid=RDR-Adults (click on "Connect Grow Serve Grow" handout in toolbar on right if interested)
How is Sunday school Christian oriented? That is student and teacher?
Sunday school teachers must be Christians. The students need not be. That includes adults. We promote Sunday school as "open groups practicing open enrollment."
I have coined a five-word definition of an open group: "Expects new people every week." An open group is an intentional mixture of believers and unbelievers, Baptists and non-Baptists, veteran and "rookie" church-goers. In fact, any person can enroll in any Sunday school class at any time, without making any obligation--to become a church member or even a Christ follower.
The way I say it is "Enrolling in Sunday School does not make you a church member or obligate you to become one." I also have a five-word definition of this concept of "open enrollment:" You can belong before you believe." Even if you never choose to believe. These principles are two of the distinctive of how Sunday school is practiced in many Southern Baptist churches.
What new directions are taken with students, re previous decades? Please speak to the new wave experience of Cell Groups.
I actually "debated" LifeWay's small groups specialist, Rick Howerton, in a live on-line format recently on the topic "Sunday School vs. Small Groups." This "debate" is still available for viewing online here. .
The number one challenge for the small group movement is the question, "What do you do with the kids?" Or, more seriously, at least from the standpoint of faith development, "What do you do meaningfully with the kids?" LifeWay has a brand new resource, Small Group Life that attempts to address that question.
In addition to inexpensive Bible study guides for each participant, who are flexible enough to be used either every week or every other week, free online helps are available for Bible-centered activities with the kids--written in such a way that a teenager can execute the plans--that connect conceptually to the material being studied by the parents. Samples available here.
Does praise of God enter into the equation of Sunday school? What component does this hold in the formal Curriculum?
Music has historically been an important element of Southern Baptist Sunday Schools. Back in the pioneer days of the Sunday school movement, when Sunday Schools met many places where there was no organized church or formal worship/preaching experience, Sunday Schools conducted "opening assemblies," where participants gathered together before going to their individual age-group classes. Singing was an important part of this "general assembly."
Fewer and fewer churches continue this practice today, but some do. In terms of curriculum, all of LifeWay's Sunday school materials for preschoolers and students include music as an important element. Preschool music is available as a separate resource, a CD-ROM that includes additional teaching materials as well as music.
My wife and I teach pre-K kids in our church. Yesterday, we began a unit on prayer. I put the CD in the player and set it to repeat a song about thanking God. After hearing it all morning, the kids were ready to sing it when we gathered for "large group time" to hear the Bible story. In LifeWay's curriculum materials for elementary children, the music CD is included in the Leader Pack. Words to all songs on the CDs are printed in the back of the leader guides. LifeWay's innovative curriculum for youth, KNOWN, includes an mp3 playlist:
http://www.lifeway.com/known. Music as well as serial dramas are a feature of LifeWay's DVD-driven youth curriculum, called Fuel.
What is the prime difference in approach between youth and children, and where does it break? Will you tell us something of the "care and feeding of babies" in the Sunday school experience and approach? This seems unusual, that babies get religious education.
LifeWay is one of the few--if not the only--publisher that produces a line of Sunday school curriculum especially for babies. We believe strongly that that the preschool years are the most important in spiritual as well as physical, emotional, and intellectual development. If nothing else, babies can learn that church is a safe place to go and that people who care for me there love me and love Jesus. One of the Levels of Biblical Learning documents focuses on babies and what we believe they can learn about 8 basic biblical concepts.
What music do you use?
Think I answered that above. We have actually been pleasantly surprised at the success of the new Baptist Hymnal (also published under the name Worship Hymnal) which LifeWay Worship published just last year as the "hard goods" part of an ambitious next generation online platform called The Worship Project. http://www.lifeway.com/worship if you're interested in learning more. This project promises to put great musical accompaniment at the fingertips of even the smallest church.
Why do you think Sunday school practice, that is the Sunday school itself as educational entity in the individual church is so high in the Southern Baptist church? I note the Wall Street Journal article says Sunday Schools are on the decline:
"Why Sunday Schools are Closing," by Charlotte Hays says, "Fewer children are having that experience, though. Like West Olive United Methodist, many churches have drastically curtailed or given up entirely on Sunday school for children. Two years ago, Bruce Morrison, an official with the Missouri Baptist Convention, wrote about attending a "ministry conference where several denominations were represented." During a break, he recalled, "I overheard a discussion between several of the attendees about the value of Sunday school in today's culture. The implication was that Sunday school ministry in the local church is obsolete."
Two responses, not in order: (1) I would recommend that a careful reader of the cited article read the comments posted in response to the online article. Some challenge the accuracy of the reporter's conclusions. Enough said. (2) Sunday School--or more broadly, Bible study in age/life-stage appropriate groups--is just important to Southern Baptists.
Maybe it's a cultural thing. A historical thing. And it is typically year-round. No summer break. Not just for kids while mom and dad go to worship. For the typical Southern Baptist church, the first two steps of its disciple-making process are worship and assimilation/foundational discipleship/fellowship/ministry through small group Bible study. As I note in the conclusion to an analysis conducted as a follow-up to the popular book Simple Church, "What could be simpler? Accomplishing the first two steps of your discipleship process, with every member of the family, on one trip to the church?!?" (Just Google "Sunday School in Simple Church" if you'd like to see the entire paper.)
I was interested to hear you say the worship experience is number one in the Sunday school experience. Will you say more about that and something of the role of the Sermon?
I think my point is the same as above: The worship service is the primary/first step in the discipleship process for most churches today. Sunday school used to be. In fact, Southern Baptist churches were not asked to report worship attendance until 1990, at which time average annual Sunday school attendance was 85% of reported worship attendance. That ratio has steadily declined to a about 2/3, with a typical Sunday finding 4 million people in Southern Baptist Sunday Schools and 6 million people in worship (including preschoolers being cared for during worship, children's worship, any separate youth worship services, etc.).
That is still strong versus the same ratio in other denominations. (Assemblies of God and Nazarenes may give us a run for the money!)
Images: (1) Man at prayer. (2) Dramatic Praise "Chef" Chantéa Kirkwood and the LifeWay choir, led by LifeWay Worship Director Mike Harland, perform in "The Joy of Christmas," LifeWay's 2007 Christmas program. Photo by Kent Harville. (3) Quiet white Snow creates a peaceful scene around Holcomb Auditorium at LifeWay's Glorieta Conference Center outside Santa Fe, N.M. Photo by Kent Harville. (4) The preacher Billy Graham, April 4, 1966. This is a representational and popular photograph of the Reverend (Wikipedia has photo). He is currently 91 years old. (5) Gathered Dozens of men come forward to commit and rededicate their lives to Jesus Christ during an invitation offered at the Be the Man conference May 8-9, at LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center. Photo by Kent Harville. Photographs courtesy LifeWay. Slideshow photographs, courtesy LifeWay (Southern Baptist Church).
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Interview: Christian formation, No longer your grandmother's Sunday school
June 23, 10:34 AM
By Peter Menkin
Readers will note that this interview with Sharon Ely Pearson is the result of several questions, answers, and responses over a period of separate days. The title for this piece on “Sunday School,” suggested by Sharon, says a great deal about where 2009 brings us in formation of members of The Episcopal Church in the United States, part of the worldwide Anglican communion of 77 million. Her title for the interview is contained in this email response by her:
Tell us then, is Christian Formation or what was called Sunday school, for children only?
Christian formation is life long, so it includes all ages. This is occurring across denominational lines, and is not new to Christianity. It is reclaiming the understanding of how Christians were “formed” in the early Church.
Sunday school is no longer seen as a separate component of education just for children. We like to use the term, “Christian formation” to describe the continual lifelong process of deepening one’s understanding of his or her faith.
In the Episcopal Church it involves all aspects of our life together – worship, service to others, mission, pastoral care, evangelism, fellowship, AND education. Education is comprised of learning and reflecting, integrating holistically all of our experiences with God’s Word, connecting faith and daily life.
Where did the term “Sunday school” originate?
The term “Sunday school” originated with Robert Raikes, a devout Anglican layman, (1736-1811) who started a movement of prison reform and education of offenders and poor children. The purpose of the school was to teach poor children (in “Soot Alley”) the rudiments of learning on Sunday, their free day. Of course the Bible was their textbook, and from the movement the idea of Sunday schools spread to the Baptist, Congregational, and Methodist churches throughout England. In 1803 the London Sunday School Union was created. It was also brought to America, and in 1824 the American Sunday School Union was formed in Philadelphia. It was, and is still today, characterized by strong missionary and evangelistic zeal. There continues to be a Unified Lessons Series curriculum, though this is not usually used in Episcopal Churches.
So, what is the official curriculum used for Christian Formation for Episcopalians?
The Episcopal Church does not have a “mandatory” or endorsed curriculum for all to use. Holy Scripture (The Old and New Testaments) and “The Book of Common Prayer” ground us in study. We are the curriculum – individually and our congregations together in all that we say and do as well as what is implicitly stated in how we shape our environment and provide hospitality.
And remember, Christian Formation is not just about memorizing doctrine, Bible verses, a Catechism, and certain prayers. It is about developing a relationship with God, and living out Jesus’ commandments in the world, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul, and with all your mind, and all your strength …You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12: 30-31)
Episcopalians are called to live out The Baptismal Covenant (http://www.diocesemo.org/whatwedo/ministriesandprograms/campusministry/washingtonuniversity/ourmission/thebaptismalcovenant.htm
And http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_100155_ENG_HTM.htm),
what many consider the foundation of our lives together and which guides us to live out our ministry in the world.
All churches are called to use this as a foundation for our life together, including our educational programs.
How do you offer teachings on Baptism as part of Christian formation?
This Covenant takes seriously our call to be Christ’s ministers in the world at the moment of our Baptism. We understand that we are not empty vessels to be filled with knowledge, but are known by God and already have a relationship with God, no matter what age.
By virtue of our Baptism, in the Episcopal Church, we believe we are full members of the Body of Christ. God was present with us at birth, and at Baptism we are filled with the Holy Spirit, that continues to remain with us, being “marked as Christ’s own forever” with the sign of the Cross on our forehead, one of the outward and visible signs, with water that is exhibited at Baptism – no matter what age we are.
Will you give an example?
An excellent example of how this is experienced in a church setting with children is through a program called Godly Play (www.godlyplay.org).
This Montessori-approach to children’s formation was developed by The Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman, understanding that children have a desire to learn liturgical language while exploring their relationship with God and Jesus on their own terms. While learning the lessons of the Old and New Testaments, children learn to fall in
love with God all over again and again.
The program is child-centered and is story-based, using beautiful materials and open-ended wondering questions to allow the child to place themselves in the various stories of God’s people. It is a program used in a growing number of churches of many denominations.
So Christian formation is just for children? It seems so many parents come to a church for the moral, spiritual, and religious education of their children. They want their child to have a firm sense of right and wrong:
But Christian formation is not just for children. It is a lifelong process in which all of us are continually learning and growing in our relationship with God.
At the Episcopal Church’s triennial gathering this July in Anaheim, one of the pieces of legislation will include a Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation (www.formationcharter.com). Patterned after The Children’s Charter for the Church passed in 1998 (www.episcopalchurch.org/49485_6119_ENG_HTM.htm), this document will highlight the importance of education and formation for all ages.
There is a hunger in Episcopal Churches to better understand how to read scripture and apply it to today’s world. There is a hunger to learn spiritual practices to keep one grounded in the midst of a busy lifestyle. There is a desire for intergenerational methods of engaging each other, understanding that elders have much wisdom to share, children are often prophets calling us to see God in the world, and all ages in between make up the whole people of God.
Many adults in our society today were not brought up in a religious tradition, or had a bad experience as a child with the institutional church. So when their own children start asking existential questions about God, Jesus, and the meaning of life, they turn back to the Church for assistance.
While many are looking for “education” for their children, they too are hungry for a deeper spiritual life and connection to the holy.
Our world today is very fragmented, and our lives are like a gerbil running on a wheel. The Church provides a community of faith in which one can slow down, be renewed, and fed.
And the Episcopal Church is open to all people. Our doors are open to any seeker. As many would say, you do not need to leave your questions at the door before you enter. We embrace Scripture, the Traditions of the past, as well as Reason—our ability to make up our own minds and personal decisions as to where we believe God is calling us.
As we end this part of our article-interview, tell us something of your title and who you work for, as well as something about what published materials are offered by Church Publishing on Christian formation:
My title is as the Christian Formation Specialist for Church Publishing Incorporated (CPI) (www.churchpublishing.org), the publisher for the Episcopal Church.
CPI publishes books on prayer, faith in the world, and other topics of interest to those lay and ordained. We publish “The Book of Common Prayer,” various Episcopal hymnals, and many resources.
(I) also work closely with one of its divisions, Morehouse Education Resources (www.morehouseeducation.org), which publishes curricula and educational materials for The Episcopal Church and other denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church.
These include the original lectionary-based curriculum, Living the Good News, as well as Godly Play books and materials, All Things New, and many more. Confirm not Conform (www.confirmnotconform.com) a groundbreaking confirmation program for youth that was developed by St. John’s Episcopal Church in Oakland, CA is also part of their resources.
Some basic questions of Sharon:
Morehouse Education Resources www.morehouseeducaiton.org is a division of Church Publishing Incorporated www.churchpublishing.org , located in Denver. Church Publishing’s main office is in New York City, along with its parent company the Church Pension Fund www.cprg.org , which serves all (7,500) Episcopal congregations in the United States and beyond (many countries in the Caribbean and Latin America): www.churchpublishing.org and www.morehouseeducation.org Church Publishing publishes all liturgical materials as stipulated by General Convention.
We also are partners with The Godly Play Foundation www.godlyplay.org and the founders of Confirm not Conform www.confirmnotconform.com – both are used in the San Francisco Bay area.
These two programs exemplify the ‘cutting edge’ in the area of Christian formation and education in the Episcopal Church (and beyond).
Are all the people you help Episcopalians? If others, give me a couple of examples, please.
Morehouse Education Resources publishes curricula and sacramental resources used by many denominations. I participate with APCE, the Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators www.apce.net , the National Association for Episcopal Christian Education Directors www.naeced.org as well as many educators from the United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), and Roman Catholic Church.
Will you name five people around the country who you consider "partners" in your work and in its direction? Notable ones are good, with Church name. Is there anyone in specific in the San Francisco Bay Area you can name? This is not to contact or interview, but as a kind of list of endorsers and people who are prominently involved in Christian Formation and Sunday school.
• Julia McCray-Goldsmith, Director of Ministry Development, Episcopal Diocese of California (located in San Francisco);
• Melissa Neofes Mischak, Director of Christian Formation, Christ Episcopal Church (Alameda, CA);
• Carol Campbell, Resource Center Director, Episcopal Dioceses of El Camino Real and California (located in Sunnyvale);
• Wendy Cliff, Director of Christian Formation, St. Paul’s’ Episcopal Church, Oakland, CA; and
• The Rev. Beth Foote, Rector, Holy Trinity, Menlo Park, CA
How many Churches do you serve?
7,500 Episcopal churches (a membership of over 2 million) and many from other denominations.
Are all the people you help Episcopalians? If others, give a couple of examples, please.
I participate with APCE, the Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators as well as many folks from the United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), and Roman Catholic Church. Morehouse Education Resources publishes curricula and sacramental resources used by many denominations.
Note: Sharon says she:
This YouTube is a very good one on Godly Play. Chip Lewis, its producer, says in an email: "'Introduction to Godly Play' gives an overview of the Godly Play program. Godly Play trainers Linda Clapp and Fr. Leander Harding illustrate how the program is presented to children and talk about the benefit to the child's spiritual foundation." Credit: St. John's Episcopal Church - Stamford, CT, with thanks for the video.
Father Matthew is on YouTube. He talks about Episcopal Church subjects. Father Matthew comments in an email, "A presentation of the Godly Play lesson 'The Great Family,' given by the Director of Christian Education at Christ's Church (Episcopal) in Rye, New York, Tami Burks. Christ's Church has hosted Godly Play classes during Sunday School for three years, now."
June 23, 10:34 AM
By Peter Menkin
Readers will note that this interview with Sharon Ely Pearson is the result of several questions, answers, and responses over a period of separate days. The title for this piece on “Sunday School,” suggested by Sharon, says a great deal about where 2009 brings us in formation of members of The Episcopal Church in the United States, part of the worldwide Anglican communion of 77 million. Her title for the interview is contained in this email response by her:
As far as title (suggested by me), "Sunday School with Sharon" (you reply that it) is rather demeaning to the ministry of Christian formation and I prefer you not use it. A title such as "Christian Formation: No Longer Your Grandmother's Sunday school" if you need to use the term Sunday school (which is not used in the Episcopal Church very often anymore). It is LIFE LONG formation and education into living out one's baptismal promises.
Tell us then, is Christian Formation or what was called Sunday school, for children only?
Christian formation is life long, so it includes all ages. This is occurring across denominational lines, and is not new to Christianity. It is reclaiming the understanding of how Christians were “formed” in the early Church.
Sunday school is no longer seen as a separate component of education just for children. We like to use the term, “Christian formation” to describe the continual lifelong process of deepening one’s understanding of his or her faith.In the Episcopal Church it involves all aspects of our life together – worship, service to others, mission, pastoral care, evangelism, fellowship, AND education. Education is comprised of learning and reflecting, integrating holistically all of our experiences with God’s Word, connecting faith and daily life.
Where did the term “Sunday school” originate?
The term “Sunday school” originated with Robert Raikes, a devout Anglican layman, (1736-1811) who started a movement of prison reform and education of offenders and poor children. The purpose of the school was to teach poor children (in “Soot Alley”) the rudiments of learning on Sunday, their free day. Of course the Bible was their textbook, and from the movement the idea of Sunday schools spread to the Baptist, Congregational, and Methodist churches throughout England. In 1803 the London Sunday School Union was created. It was also brought to America, and in 1824 the American Sunday School Union was formed in Philadelphia. It was, and is still today, characterized by strong missionary and evangelistic zeal. There continues to be a Unified Lessons Series curriculum, though this is not usually used in Episcopal Churches.
So, what is the official curriculum used for Christian Formation for Episcopalians?
The Episcopal Church does not have a “mandatory” or endorsed curriculum for all to use. Holy Scripture (The Old and New Testaments) and “The Book of Common Prayer” ground us in study. We are the curriculum – individually and our congregations together in all that we say and do as well as what is implicitly stated in how we shape our environment and provide hospitality.
And remember, Christian Formation is not just about memorizing doctrine, Bible verses, a Catechism, and certain prayers. It is about developing a relationship with God, and living out Jesus’ commandments in the world, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul, and with all your mind, and all your strength …You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12: 30-31)
Episcopalians are called to live out The Baptismal Covenant (http://www.diocesemo.org/whatwedo/ministriesandprograms/campusministry/washingtonuniversity/ourmission/thebaptismalcovenant.htm
And http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_100155_ENG_HTM.htm),
what many consider the foundation of our lives together and which guides us to live out our ministry in the world.
All churches are called to use this as a foundation for our life together, including our educational programs.
How do you offer teachings on Baptism as part of Christian formation?
This Covenant takes seriously our call to be Christ’s ministers in the world at the moment of our Baptism. We understand that we are not empty vessels to be filled with knowledge, but are known by God and already have a relationship with God, no matter what age.
By virtue of our Baptism, in the Episcopal Church, we believe we are full members of the Body of Christ. God was present with us at birth, and at Baptism we are filled with the Holy Spirit, that continues to remain with us, being “marked as Christ’s own forever” with the sign of the Cross on our forehead, one of the outward and visible signs, with water that is exhibited at Baptism – no matter what age we are.
Will you give an example?
An excellent example of how this is experienced in a church setting with children is through a program called Godly Play (www.godlyplay.org).
This Montessori-approach to children’s formation was developed by The Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman, understanding that children have a desire to learn liturgical language while exploring their relationship with God and Jesus on their own terms. While learning the lessons of the Old and New Testaments, children learn to fall in
love with God all over again and again.
The program is child-centered and is story-based, using beautiful materials and open-ended wondering questions to allow the child to place themselves in the various stories of God’s people. It is a program used in a growing number of churches of many denominations.
So Christian formation is just for children? It seems so many parents come to a church for the moral, spiritual, and religious education of their children. They want their child to have a firm sense of right and wrong:
But Christian formation is not just for children. It is a lifelong process in which all of us are continually learning and growing in our relationship with God.
At the Episcopal Church’s triennial gathering this July in Anaheim, one of the pieces of legislation will include a Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation (www.formationcharter.com). Patterned after The Children’s Charter for the Church passed in 1998 (www.episcopalchurch.org/49485_6119_ENG_HTM.htm), this document will highlight the importance of education and formation for all ages.
There is a hunger in Episcopal Churches to better understand how to read scripture and apply it to today’s world. There is a hunger to learn spiritual practices to keep one grounded in the midst of a busy lifestyle. There is a desire for intergenerational methods of engaging each other, understanding that elders have much wisdom to share, children are often prophets calling us to see God in the world, and all ages in between make up the whole people of God.
Many adults in our society today were not brought up in a religious tradition, or had a bad experience as a child with the institutional church. So when their own children start asking existential questions about God, Jesus, and the meaning of life, they turn back to the Church for assistance.
While many are looking for “education” for their children, they too are hungry for a deeper spiritual life and connection to the holy.
Our world today is very fragmented, and our lives are like a gerbil running on a wheel. The Church provides a community of faith in which one can slow down, be renewed, and fed.
And the Episcopal Church is open to all people. Our doors are open to any seeker. As many would say, you do not need to leave your questions at the door before you enter. We embrace Scripture, the Traditions of the past, as well as Reason—our ability to make up our own minds and personal decisions as to where we believe God is calling us.
As we end this part of our article-interview, tell us something of your title and who you work for, as well as something about what published materials are offered by Church Publishing on Christian formation:
My title is as the Christian Formation Specialist for Church Publishing Incorporated (CPI) (www.churchpublishing.org), the publisher for the Episcopal Church.
CPI publishes books on prayer, faith in the world, and other topics of interest to those lay and ordained. We publish “The Book of Common Prayer,” various Episcopal hymnals, and many resources.
(I) also work closely with one of its divisions, Morehouse Education Resources (www.morehouseeducation.org), which publishes curricula and educational materials for The Episcopal Church and other denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church.
These include the original lectionary-based curriculum, Living the Good News, as well as Godly Play books and materials, All Things New, and many more. Confirm not Conform (www.confirmnotconform.com) a groundbreaking confirmation program for youth that was developed by St. John’s Episcopal Church in Oakland, CA is also part of their resources.
Some basic questions of Sharon:
Morehouse Education Resources www.morehouseeducaiton.org is a division of Church Publishing Incorporated www.churchpublishing.org , located in Denver. Church Publishing’s main office is in New York City, along with its parent company the Church Pension Fund www.cprg.org , which serves all (7,500) Episcopal congregations in the United States and beyond (many countries in the Caribbean and Latin America): www.churchpublishing.org and www.morehouseeducation.org Church Publishing publishes all liturgical materials as stipulated by General Convention.
We also are partners with The Godly Play Foundation www.godlyplay.org and the founders of Confirm not Conform www.confirmnotconform.com – both are used in the San Francisco Bay area.
These two programs exemplify the ‘cutting edge’ in the area of Christian formation and education in the Episcopal Church (and beyond).
Are all the people you help Episcopalians? If others, give me a couple of examples, please.
Morehouse Education Resources publishes curricula and sacramental resources used by many denominations. I participate with APCE, the Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators www.apce.net , the National Association for Episcopal Christian Education Directors www.naeced.org as well as many educators from the United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), and Roman Catholic Church.
Will you name five people around the country who you consider "partners" in your work and in its direction? Notable ones are good, with Church name. Is there anyone in specific in the San Francisco Bay Area you can name? This is not to contact or interview, but as a kind of list of endorsers and people who are prominently involved in Christian Formation and Sunday school.
• Julia McCray-Goldsmith, Director of Ministry Development, Episcopal Diocese of California (located in San Francisco);
• Melissa Neofes Mischak, Director of Christian Formation, Christ Episcopal Church (Alameda, CA);
• Carol Campbell, Resource Center Director, Episcopal Dioceses of El Camino Real and California (located in Sunnyvale);
• Wendy Cliff, Director of Christian Formation, St. Paul’s’ Episcopal Church, Oakland, CA; and
• The Rev. Beth Foote, Rector, Holy Trinity, Menlo Park, CA
How many Churches do you serve?
7,500 Episcopal churches (a membership of over 2 million) and many from other denominations.
Are all the people you help Episcopalians? If others, give a couple of examples, please.
I participate with APCE, the Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators as well as many folks from the United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), and Roman Catholic Church. Morehouse Education Resources publishes curricula and sacramental resources used by many denominations.
Note: Sharon says she:
travels extensively, offering workshops and consultations to congregations in need of training and program planning support.
produces a free, monthly e-newsletter, Living IN-Formation as well as maintains an on-line Resource Room (www.morehouseeducation.org/Resource-Room) of support materials for the Christian educator.
Readers may write Sharon: Sharon Ely Pearson, Christian Formation Specialist Church Publishing Incorporated/Morehouse Education Resources Mailing address:17 Pumpkin Lane - Norwalk, CT 06851
Images: (1) Godly Play class. Photo courtesy Church Publishing. (2) Sharon Ely Pearson. Photo courtesy of Church Publishing.
This YouTube is a very good one on Godly Play. Chip Lewis, its producer, says in an email: "'Introduction to Godly Play' gives an overview of the Godly Play program. Godly Play trainers Linda Clapp and Fr. Leander Harding illustrate how the program is presented to children and talk about the benefit to the child's spiritual foundation." Credit: St. John's Episcopal Church - Stamford, CT, with thanks for the video.
Father Matthew is on YouTube. He talks about Episcopal Church subjects. Father Matthew comments in an email, "A presentation of the Godly Play lesson 'The Great Family,' given by the Director of Christian Education at Christ's Church (Episcopal) in Rye, New York, Tami Burks. Christ's Church has hosted Godly Play classes during Sunday School for three years, now."
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