Philosophy of
Adult Christian Education and Programming
Purpose Statement
Because discipleship,
growing in faith and service of the Lord
Jesus Christ is a life-long journey,
Central’s Adult Christian Education Program
will provide opportunities for members to:
(1) explore and engage
the content of the Gospel message through
study and spiritual practices;
(2) become acquainted and
proficient with the language and concepts of
Christian belief;
(3) develop a Christian
worldview and value system;
(4) affirm and articulate
personal faith in relationship to the
theological heritage of the church;
(5) apply the faith to the everyday events
of their lives, the issues/concerns of our
community, and the wider world.
Values and Commitments
We affirm:
·
Bible study and
theological inquiry will be rooted in the
Presbyterian Tradition.
·
A relevant and formative
connection between faith and daily life.
·
Educational and
spiritual development will include
opportunities for parishioners to
become aware of human need and respond with mercy and justice.
·
An understanding of
other traditions, faiths, and cultures.
·
Learning that leads to
a greater care of the earth, God’s creation
and God’s people.
·
An environment where
communities of mutual companionship, support
and spiritual care can develop.
·
A well rounded program
that meets the needs and provides
opportunities for a diverse membership by
providing ongoing classes, seasonal and
short-term studies, small group
participation and retreats, speakers and
forums, and ongoing exploration of
public/civic issues.
Planning and
Leadership:
The Adult
Christian Education Program will be
developed by the Christian Education
Committee, consisting of members from the
congregation, the CE Director (Christian
Education and Youth Director), and the
Pastor. The chair of the committee will work
with the CE Director for planning meetings
and setting the agenda.
The Christian
Education Committee will coordinate its
activities, where there is overlap, with the
following committees: Evangelism,
Membership, World and Community Concerns and
Worship.
Community
Spotlight has its own planning committee of
which the CE Director is a member and acts
as communications coordinator.
A yearly
calendar will be planned and evaluated, as
needed. This calendar will be composed of
ongoing and regular components of the Adult
Ed. Program, priorities stated by the
strategic plan
Vision
and Mission: Creating a Future Together,
and other new or additional offerings as
offered and supported by committee or church
members.
The Christian Education Committee:
Lynda Pitts,
chair; Jim Asklof; Mike Bassett; Cynthia
Christy; Jeff Green; Bill King; Lynn Mankins;
Bill Nellans; Jackie Romp; Jan Stewart; Val
Smith, Siju Varghese; Mary Gordon, CE
Director; Jim Wallace, Pastor
