THE IMPACT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ON CHURCH FAMILY MINISTRY

THEME: CHURCH AND FAMILY MINISTRY IN THE END TIME

TOPIC: THE IMPACT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ON CHURCH FAMILY MINISTRY

TEXT: JOSHUA 24: 15 – “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” - Josh 24:15 (KJV).

I.            INTRODUCTION: A society is made up of families. Also, a Church is made up of various types of families. The family is a small unit-both of nuclear and extended. The Church is an extended family – the larger unit of both the nuclear and extended. The kind of families that constitute a Church will determine how healthy that Church will be. If members of a particular Church are from healthy families, definitely that Church will be healthy and fulfil divine mandate. But a Church with multitude of sick families will be a sick Church. Today, in our Churches, can we confidently say our members are from wholesome families? To answer this question, the education ministry of our Church needs to be evaluated. In other to have healthful families, especially in this end time, Christian education must become area of focus in our various churches. The focus of this lecture therefore is to examine the impact of Christian education on Church and family ministry.  

II.                        THE NATURE OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

            The education ministry of the Church has a pivotal role in its total growth. Education ministry is defined in various ways. It is called “information for transformation”. It is refers to as “faith formation” through spiritual practices. It is also considered as “dynamic ministry of passing on a living faith”; and to others it is called discipleship” – the acts of making more disciples. In a broader way, Christian education is defined as “a discipline with humanitarian aspect which teaches people about God and Christian life and develops those individual features given by God to each of us along with general virtues and knowledge to be transmitted from God to humans”. 

            Christian education is a lifelong process of learning, believing, growing and serving. It is a never-ending process that is enabled in Christian community, as Christians continue to study, worship, fellowship, and serve together. Some characteristics of Christian Education for Church Family Ministry are presented below.

            Five Characteristics of Christian Education for Church Family Ministry

1.      It is Bible Based – If there is anything to be discovered, transmitted or communicated on family matters, it must be the message of the Bible. The kind of education that produces Christ-likeness in the family is the one that is biblically inclined (Joshua 1:8). The local Church will have a vibrant and unique impact on Christian families by ensuring that scriptural precepts on family roles/responsibilities are taught, modelled and upheld.

2.      It is Divinely Ordered – Christian education ministry is a commission to every generation. It is an order to every Church of Christ. To give Christian education less than our best would be unfaithful to the life God has called us to live and to the world God has called us to serve. If there is a generation (a Church/family) somewhere, sometime that does not know the power of God’s love, it will be because some generation did not continue to teach and learn the way of the Lord. Christian education is a sacred responsibility – Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Judges 2:6-10.  The local Church should consistently challenge fathers (parents) to be godly and lead their families and train their children in godly ways.

3.      It is Christ-Centred – Christian education that focuses on family ministry is Christ’s centred. It seeks to magnify Christ in life and ensure total obedience to Him. It is not teaching of personal or denominational traditions or self acclaimed experiences. It must follow the examples of Jesus. Christian education supposes that Christ is central in education. As a result, our educational theory, tools, and methods should be built upon Christ as their cornerstone – I Corinthians 2:1-2; Philippians 3:10.

4.      It is Peoples’ (Family) Focused – Effective Christian education focuses on peoples’ development. Its purpose is to transform lives, families and not just to inform the mind. It aims at producing Christ-like people and godly families. Churches help individual knows what it means to be a Christian, guide people to tell God’s story in relation to their own story, and prepare members to hear God’s call to go and serve. Christian education is a people – intensive ministry. The people who form the Church are members of different families - therefore, Christian education must be deliberately planned toward families’ transformation. The family is the ideal setting for Christian education. It is a small group setting which allows a child to learn to live with a few people in such a way to learn to live in the larger community – the Church. When families are growing spiritually, it is the Church that is experiencing dynamic growth. The Church should provide an environment for families to be strengthened through worshipping together, interacting with other healthy and godly families, planning specific church-based training for children, couples and families.

5.      It is Holistic in Nature – The Christian education that is focused on Church family ministry must address every family matters. It must be structured to address every members of the family – the parents: father and mother, and their children. Individual’s roles must be spelled out clearly and purposefully. The Bible stated, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ (Eph 6:1-5. KJV). “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph 5:22, 25. KJV). These are the injunctions of God for the family that Christian education seeks to advance.

III.                        THE CHALLENGES OF CHURCH FAMILY MINISTRY TO CHRISTIAN       EDUCATION MINISTRY - There are seven observable challenges of Church         family ministry to Christian education ministry especially at this end time. They are    the       following.

1.                   The Challenge of Unfaithful Couples – Today there are many Ananias and Sapphiras in the house of God. Couples who are not faithful to themselves as husbands and wives. Those who could not open to each other on any issue. This is a challenge that must be combat with Christian education ministry in the Church.

2.                   The Challenge of Ungodly Families – Also there are many ungodly families, among the people of God who make up the body of Christ. Christian education ministry must face this challenge with sound biblical teachings. Families where parents and children fail to measure up to God’s standard. The family of Eli is an example of this (1 Samuel 2:12-37).

3.                   The Challenge of Unregenerated Family (Church) Members – Another challenge is the level of those who claim to be children of God but their daily living fails to justify their claim. Paul describes these people to Timothy as those “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth (2 Tim 3:5-7.KJV). These set of People are in the Church; they are members of one family or the other.

4.                   The Challenge of Uncultured Society – Our society does not help the situation. The society is badly morally decayed. The society is already dictating for the Church instead for the Church to stand by the truth, yet, the pressure from outside is very strong on the people. This is a society where parents fail to give moral education to their siblings. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (2 Tim 3:1-4. KJV). This is the kind of society we found ourselves. Hence, the Church must stand to combat the menace through Christian education, because all of these have effect on families.

5.                   The Challenge of Uncommon Gospel – These challenges would have been easier for the Church to fight, but unfortunately the global Church is with different versions of gospel. The Church, most denominations are fond of unbiblical gospel. The Scripture states, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Gal 1:6-9. KJV). The Church of God does not speak truth with one voice.

6.                   The Challenge of Unfaithful Leaders – Another disheartening challenge is of the leaders whose words do not match with their actions. This also poses threat to Christian education on family matters. However, the Church must not relent to forestall the unfortunate acts.

7.                   The Challenge of Unbiblical Churches – Finally, there are other churches whose foundation and the focus of the leaders are their belly. The congregations are always being fed with what their hearts desire and not what the Lord commands. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables”. (2 Tim 4:3-4. KJV).

                          IV.                        THE IMPACT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ON CHURCH FAMILY MINISTRY

                        Effective and planned biblical teachings on family matters will have an         indelible           impact on the family, the Church as well as on the society. Some of       tremendous effects      of this includes the under listed points.

1.    Christian Education Ensures Family Transformation – A biblical teaching that focuses on family will result in transformation of families. Personal human effort cannot bring about desired change that is expected of a godly family, but an undiluted seasoned word of God. The teaching of the early Church resulted in the transformation of society – Acts 28:30-31. “Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion” (Isaiah 8:18. KJV). The kind of family projected by Isaiah here can only be made possible through Christian education, because it is a reflection of a true Christian family.   

2.                   Christian Education Guaranteed Family Stability and Peaceful Co-existence among Family Members – There are cases of family instability in our society today. The menace is not limited to the unbelievers, but it also rampart among the believers. The commitment of a Church to Christian education will bring about total change to this menace. A holistic Bible teaching from the time of selection of partner to the point of solemnization in our churches will guarantee intended family stability and peaceful co-existence. Such family will be built on the rock. Matthew 7:21-24.   

3.                   Christian Education Ensures Godly and Sustainable Next Generation – Next generation is largely referred to the set of young adults ranging from babes and youths. In a community where families are built on the tenets of the scriptures, and the parents are godly, the future of such society is guaranteed. Judges 2:6-10 reinstates the outcome of a people who failed to teach the next generation the way of the Lord. That generation grew up without the knowledge of the God of their fathers. A sound biblical Christian teaching fills the generational gap.

4.                   Christian Education Fosters Unity in the Body of Christ - A concerted biblical doctrines that focuses of Jesus’ teachings on family will result in unity of purpose among the people of God. The lessons of Christian education on family ministry make it possible for us to practice love and to live as children of God. How well the children, youths and parents learn those godly lessons day by day will determine what kind of Church we are as we come together for worship. Example of this is stated in Acts 2:42-47 “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers...And all that believed were together, and had all things common... And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart...”. Christian education will guarantee this kind of experience in the Church.

5.                   Christian Education Guaranteed Family Commitment to Kingdom Growth – When all the families, or a larger portion of families in the Church are godly, their commitment to kingdom matters will be evidenced. The kind of families that make up a Church will determine the level of commitment of such assembly to the kingdom business and her growth. This is because the like beget the likes. Therefore a Church that is committed to Christian education will experience formidable growth through the effort of formidable godly members. “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul...Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. Acts 4:32-37 (KJV).

6.                   Christian Education Ensures a Loving and Friendly Community – A loving and friendly families will build a friendly church that will have great impact on their community. This can only be made possible through dynamic Christian educational programmes. Anyone who fails to accept the education of the Church cannot be a good instrument for the edification of the body of Christ. When the Church has family members who are warm, friendly and relational, the community will feel the effect and be partaker of the blessings. But when a Church is filled with couples who are not faithful to each other; or with husbands and wives who do not trust themselves; where married persons fail to keep their wedding vows and the Church covenant, chaos, crisis and disunity will become inevitable. To correct such anomalies, Christian education is the only solution.

7.                   Christian Education Creates Opportunity to Prepare Families for the Eternal Home – The ultimate focus of Christian education is to prepare every member in each family for their eternal place of abode which is the heavenly kingdom of their Father. The Bible likened family relationship like the relationship that exists between Christ and His body - the Church. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish... This is a great mystery but I speak concerning Christ and the church (Eph. 5:23-32 (KJV).    

V.                        THE PERSONNELS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR CHURCH FAMILY MINISTRY

                        It is pertinent to consider who the Christian educators are in relation to our    theme of discussion. Three main aspects of Christian educators are considered; these       are       their personality, preparation and their portfolio. 

1.    The Personality of Christian Education Minister for Church Family Ministry. Christian educators are expected to possess those qualities of a Bishop and that of deacons as listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-13.

A.                 Christian Education Minister for Church Family Ministry must Pass Character Test – A Christian educator that is fit for Church family ministry must be a person of sound character, a role model and a responsible person. He must be Christ-like. Because a man cannot give others what he lacks, unless he steals it. There are many gospel thieves today. Vv. 1-3, 8-10.

B.                  Christian Education Minister for Church Family Ministry must Pass Family Test – Such a person must have an exemplary family that worth of emulation by others. His wife/husband and children must be godly. If he/she is a bachelor or spinster, there must be a proven evidence of a prospective godly future family in his/her life. There shouldn’t be any involvement in an ungodly relationship. Vv. 4-5, 11-12.

C.                  Christian Education Minister for Church Family Ministry must Pass Positional Test – Education minister must be sound and versed in the word of God. He must know what he expects to teach. He must possess the needed Skill for the task. The Bible says; he must not be a novice. He must be a matured believer bearing fruits. He must be humble. V. 6.  

D.                 Christian Education Minister for Church Family Ministry must Pass Community Test – The Bible says that a Christian educator must have good report of those outside the Church. Good report from his/her friends, the neighbourhood, at office and at the place of work. V. 7, 13.

2.    The Preparation of Christian Education Minister for Church Family Ministry. In other to be effective in this task, there is need for adequate preparation by the education ministers. Their preparation includes the following.

A.                 Self-Preparation – This involves spiritual, mental and physical preparation.

B.                  Lesson Preparation – This implies purposeful study. It considers the learners; the difficulties and how to overcome various challenges of effective teaching. This also calls for organization of ideas.    

C.                  Class Preparation – This has to do with class management and time management. It involves helpful atmosphere, favourable class attitude, to stimulate and guide participation, to sustain attention and interest of the learners.  

D.                 General Preparation – This is regular training of all education ministers on a regular basis. This is the responsibility of education minister in the Church. All Christians are called to be responsible servants, and worshippers, they must be trained and equipped to fulfil this calling.

3.    The Portfolio of Christian Education Minister for Church Family Ministry. The portfolio of each education minister is the area where God has called him/her to serve in His vineyard. Each education minister must see his/her service as his/her calling. Until this is ascertained, there will not be much commitment to the work. The areas of the calling are – The Sunday School Teacher; The Discipleship Coordinators; the Family Life Workers; the Disciples’ Lifestyle Coordinators; Literacy Workers; Teenage/Youth Workers; others are the Pastors, the Evangelists, and the Deacons.      

VI.                        CONCLUSION – It is the desire of the Master that the Church on earth be like that of the heavenly. This may seems to be impossible to us, but has a promise for us. He says, little flock do not be afraid, for it is the Father’s pleasure to give it the kingdom. Also, the Scripture emphasises that “for with God all things are possible”. The possibility of this therefore depends on our commitment as Christian educators and the Church to the family ministry. Every one of us must rise to this challenge as we labour faithfully and purposefully with Him in His vineyard as His co-labourers.     

References:

Akinsola, Jerry. The Christian Educators’ Companion: Nuts and Bolts of Effective Ministry.            Ibadan:NBC, 2013.

Amusan, M. Tunde. Teaching for Result. An unpublished Lecture Note for Education          Departmental Retreat.

Babarinde, Kehinde Oyebamiji. Building a Friendly Church.

Christian Education Ministry for Spiritual Growth in the Church. Mintools.com/Christian-     education, Accessed, December 11, 2013.

Parrish, David L. Christian Education and Local Church- InRish Ministries.             www.inrich.org/pages/christianeducationAndTheLocalChurch, 2005 Accessed          December        11, 2013.

“Teaching with Authority...”, Christian Education Conference –NBC :Transformations 2011.

Wilhoit, Jim. Christian Education and the Search for Meaning. 2^nd ed. Michigan:Grand          Rapids,            Baker Book House, 1986.