Standards for Christian Education - part 1

       Where did we take a wrong turn? When did the church set its standard of Christian education as “We want to teach our people about Jesus”? I know there are those who automatically say “What’s wrong with that?” What’s wrong is the vagueness of that statement. What exactly does that mean? How do you know when you’ve accomplished the goal? How do you measure success? Even in public/government-run schools there are standards of education for each grade level. These standards dictate what a student should master for each grade level. Although there are many loop holes that allow students to bypass the standard requirements and progress through the system without mastering the required standards, they are there, none the less, with the goal of guiding students through a systematic regimen of instruction that should lead to mastery of subject matter with ever-increasing depth of knowledge and understanding.
       Why don’t we now look at where we desire for our people to go, where they are, and what it would take to make the two merge? Why can we not design a system of standards for age level instruction that would take children from point A to point B, in such a way that is measurable and goal oriented? Then design a system of instruction that takes adults through Biblical studies that are goal-oriented and systematic, while remaining enjoyable.
       As I see the dilemma that faces us now, the majority of Christians have little real knowledge of what’s in the Bible. Many, but not all, know most of the popular Bible stories, but their knowledge usually ends there. We then take these “Biblically-illiterate” people and ask them to teach a Sunday school class and expect that they can lead their students to a greater and deeper knowledge of all things Biblical. This is not to say that all teachers are unknowledgeable but, historically, we beg for teachers and grab any warm body that volunteers and seldom take the time to provide them with the tools to succeed. The first tool that they need is subject knowledge. We expect school teachers to complete 4 years of college with a specific program in education before we allow them to teach our children subjects that should lead to success in life, so why do we require less of teachers who have been entrusted with building a foundation of learning that will help lead them to success beyond life.
       Can we stop everything in order to revamp the entire system? Probably would not be a good idea. That would be tantamount to emptying out all the cupboards in order to buy groceries. I would suggest continuing to use what’s in the cabinets until the new groceries are purchased and then use both until the overall quality improves.
       Why does it seem that we expect that when kids grow too old for the youth group and enter the adult population, they will suddenly receive enlightenment and know how to lead in the church? We have no organized children’s music program and no teen instruction in choir, but expect that when they reach the age of 18 they will join the choir and know what they are doing. Is this one of the reasons why we lose so many at that age?
       Maybe I should have started with the question “How is the way that we’ve been doing things working for us? Not too good, huh?” It seems as if people may be of the mindset that says “God will bring people into the church. We don’t have to try to be so business-like. We just need anointing.” There is usually a bit of truth in any misdirection. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit will draw people to God. The Holy Spirit anoints those who submit themselves to be used as God’s voice, hands, and feet. It also sets an example by allowing us to see that the disciples of the Christ followed Jesus, earning their 3-year ministerial degree. Does this mean that everyone who works in Christian education need have a college degree? No, that isn’t necessary, but they do need enough training to ensure they are able to fulfill their calling. What precedence can we find for not preparing someone for the job we have asked them to excel in?