Misconceptions about Christian Education

Based on lectures given by

Dr. Gary Parrett, MDiv, EdD, Professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

 

 

I.  Christian Education is primarily the "church's" job.

 We rely on the ‘church’ to educate us and our children, and we forget that we are the church, and it is our job to instruct (katecheo).

II.  Christian Education equals Sunday School.

 When you ask about Christian Education, you usually get directed to the Sunday School program. Sunday school is a tool used in education, but its not the only one.

III.  Christian Education is exclusively for children.

 For some reason, we think everything about our lives requires constant instruction, except out Christianity. We think that providing a K-8 education program is discipleship, and those that become Christians as adults are somehow exempt from the need for any ‘formal’ education.

IV.  Christian Education is a secondary task.

 In the Great Commission we are called to spread the Good News of Christ, and there are two methods given, with equal importance. Baptizing, which is equated with evangelizing and repentance, and teaching the commands of Jesus.

V.  Anybody can do Christian Education.

 In no other ministry is it accepted that anyone, even those lacking in desire, training, aptitude, skill, or gift can perform the task of ministry.

VI.  Christian Education is only the pastor's work.

 Jesus’ command was not for pastor’s to do the work of the church, it is every Christian’s duty to both evangelize and teach.

VII.  Christian Education is not the pastor's job.

 The lay-movement of the modern Sunday school is a wonderful thing, but those that are involved in ‘professional’ ministry shouldn’t ignore Christian Education ministry. They are usually the most well trained members of the local church, shouldn’t they be involved in educating their sheep?

VIII.  Christian Education is simply about passing on knowledge.

 It is an impossible task to teach the entirety of the bible, and even if it were, it’s not the knowledge that is the goal. The goal is the lead people to Christ-likeness.

IX.  Instant Christianity

 

I heard a story about a new pastor at a church who put together a Discipleship course for the church, and announced it during the worship service. After the service ended, he was approached by a member of the church, who told the pastor they didn’t need a Discipleship class, since they had done that already. As if a 6 week class had made everyone a disciple, and they would never need instruction again.