Teaching Tenets Of Faith In Worship

Western culture no longer has a broad Christian understanding. In fact, much of what American media dishes out is pantheistic or anti-religious. Sociological research indicates that a multitude of beliefs have crept into Christian understandings of faith. This situation is not new. As early as the fifteenth century, Erasmus asserted that the greatest concern of his time was that Christians were most often "rank heathens" when it came to their orthodoxy. It is also apparent that attendance at Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and other gatherings has fallen at a great rate. The author believes providing Christian education in the context of worship is therefore the best opportunity for reaching believers with historical elements of faith. A twenty-four-part lectionary-based catechetical curriculum is provided for worship. With it, congregations can dwell in a sermon series that is surrounded by supportive full-bodied worship.

Western culture no longer has a broad Christian understanding. In fact, much of what American media dishes out is pantheistic or anti-religious. Sociological research indicates that a multitude of beliefs have crept into Christian understandings of faith. This situation is not new. As early as the fifteenth century, Erasmus asserted that the greatest concern of his time was that Christians were most often “rank heathens” when it came to their orthodoxy. It is also apparent that attendance at Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and other gatherings has fallen at a great rate. The author believes providing Christian education in the context of worship is therefore the best opportunity for reaching believers with historical elements of faith. A twenty-four-part lectionary-based catechetical curriculum is provided for worship. With it, congregations can dwell in a sermon series that is surrounded by supportive full-bodied worship.

Åkerson advocates for the benefits of using a special lectionary with worship planning aids to improve worshipers' understanding of a Christian faith informed by the Anabaptist Tradition. Research indicates American Christians' grasp of orthodoxy has degraded to the point that most youth and their parents believe the essence of the Christian faith is to just be nice. Strands of the American situation have crept into believers' thinking at many congregations. For that reason, a project of continuing Christian education is needed periodically to improve worshipers' understanding of an historic, orthodox faith. A 24-part catechetical lectionary with worship aids is provided for the reader's use and planning.

People are searching for a church shaped and sustained by Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. These fundamental practices are critical to the success of congregations. Their presence and strength demonstrate congregational health, vitality, and fruitfulness. By repeating and improving these practices, churches fulfill their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Robert Schnase astutely weaves theological insight, practical advice, and exemplary stories into an inspiring book for pastors and laity alike. —L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School Robert Schnase’s words are thoughtful, provocative, and challenging. Any congregation will find encouragement and insight to deepen faithfulness and multiply fruitfulness. —Lovett H. Weems, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary Stimulating. Challenging. Uniquely helpful. Bishop Schnase gives us powerful language, rich examples, and practical suggestions for fulfilling the mission God gives us. —Janice Riggle Huie, Bishop of the Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church

Why does the church teach? And what should it teach? In recent years, traditional Sunday school and education programs have declined in influence and effectiveness. Education in the church is often sidelined by other competing priorities, and our efforts become haphazard and random. As a result, many Christians have not learned the fundamental doctrinal content of the faith. As a response, a growing number of church ministries have moved toward an emphasis on Christian spiritual formation. But churches must hold together education and formation, the teaching of the faith and the forming of the faithful. In this comprehensive text, Gary Parrett and Steve Kang attend to both the content and process of educational and formational ministries. They set forth a thoroughly biblical vision for intentional teaching of the Christian faith, with a holistic concern for what and whom is taught as well as how and why. Fully apprised of developments in educational theory and pedagogy, Parrett and Kang propose a core curriculum for recovering the full scope of Christian proclamation and reinvigorating the teaching ministry of the church. Their vision has implications not merely for catechesis, but for preaching, worship, children's and youth ministry, and much more. The body of Christ can become all that God intends it to be, through intentional practices that foster personal and corporate formation. Here is guidance for individuals and congregations on that journey.

This is an important book! With a generous spirit and discerning eye, Murphy unmasks the ways in which the biblical and theological context of Christian education has been co-opted, on the one hand, by a focus on learning experiences and, on the other hand, by modernity's understanding of what it means to be human. She summons Christian education back to its integral relationship with Christian worship, drawing it out of the church basement and into the sanctuary where Christian persons and communities are most regularly formed and where the content of Christian formation -- Bible and Theology -- are 'practiced' by the church. Murphy's critique of contemporary religious education theory is provocative; her interpretation of the 'lessons' of the liturgy are prophetic. I will be recommending it to my colleagues in Christian education and liturgical studies alike. -- E. Byron Anderson, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Few tasks facing the contemporary church are more urgent than coming to an understanding of the critical importance of Christian formation. Yet as Debra Dean Murphy demonstrates so ably in these pages, this task is too often undermined by the alien assumptions that reside at the core of the 'religious education establishment. Murphy's penetrating analysis and profound proposals will be welcomed by anyone who had ever longed for a theory and practice of Christian education that would flow out of and do justice to the deep and abiding mysteries at the heart of Christian worship. -- Philip D. Kenneson, author of Life on the Vine

The Elementary Doctrines of Christ takes its title directly from Hebrews 6:1-2. These two verses of scripture contain the six tenets of Christianity. The Christian faith couldn't stand without one of them. You could term them the irreducible minimum of the Christian faith. Whoever would like to live a full practicing Christian life would have to accept and do these in his life. The order in which they are given to us in the scriptures is their order of occurence in the life of a Christian. The book is excellent for those who have recently put their faith in Jesus Christ. However, older Christians who have not come across these tenets will be tremendouly blessed by reading and understanding them. Curious inquirers who would like to know what Christians believe would find this book precise and invaluable.

In this valuable philosophy of Christian education for theologians, James Smart offers an excellent evaluation and redefinition of the goals of teaching ministry. Important topics addressed in this book include how to use the Bible in curriculum development and the relationship of the church to "secular" education.