Monthly Archives: June 2007

Galli’s “The Cost of Christian Education”

Last week I received an e-mail from a theology student at a seminary in Brazil. He’s taking a class in apologetics and wanted me to share my thoughts on, “How can I prove God historically?” I found the question vague … Continue reading

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Quarterlies

This past week I received an e-mail from one of our adult Sunday School Classes. The facilitator had e-mailed the class about the possibility of using new literature – one that had quarterlies. Reading that word, “quarterlies” did something to … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Education, Sunday school, teaching | 4 Comments

Levels of adult C.E. programming

Someone asked me for a list of congregations who had “strong adult education ministries.” I knew what he was asking, but the more I thought about it, the less able I was to compile a list. I got stuck on … Continue reading

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Knowing when to fold ’em

Congregational staff who occupy the “second chair” often find themselves in a precarious position related to the prospects of their tenure. Sometimes circumstances dictate this, but also, the relationship with the senior pastor can be a big determinative factor. One … Continue reading

Posted in leadership, personal growth, second chair | 3 Comments

Shameless self-promotion

An article by Israel Galindo titled “Perspectives on Educational Planning” appears in this month’s issue of Baptists Today (Vol. 25, No. 6, June 2007). You can download the article at their “The Resource Page” section. Be sure to check out … Continue reading

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Developmental Christian education formation programming

Developmental Christian education formation program planning is an approach that seeks to shape the educational programs in a congregation around the faith development needs of the members. While it appears to use an “age-graded” structure to programs, planning also incorporates … Continue reading

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Communion rant

I attended worship recently at an out-of-town congregation during a consultation trip. As it happened it was a communion Sunday. I’m always interested in observing how congregations perform the two Ordinances–Communion (Lord’s Supper) and baptism. Especially in congregations of the … Continue reading

Posted in theology, worship | 11 Comments

Was it a dove and does it matter?

A church member sent me this question: “I have a question that has come up in our Sunday school classes and wanted a professional educator’s opinion. This past week we were studying the passage where John the Baptist baptizes Jesus … Continue reading

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A Suggestion for Effective Enlistment

In discussions about church enlistment we’ve often heard the statement, “we enlist our own problems!” How many nominating committee processes have you experienced that were exercises in filling slots without giving intentional consideration to the passions and gifts of leaders … Continue reading

Posted in Christian Education, leadership | 2 Comments

Almost my generation

The “new middle age” currently is said to begin at 65. That’s good news for those of us watching the dusk approaching. It’s all in the attitude, I say. A reminder to the young ‘uns, WE invented rock and roll.

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