“Best Practices”

Christian Education Department

Revised – January 28, 2009

            There is much work to do in this area of ministry.  The Chairperson will find it very helpful to involve several members of the congregation.  Hold regular meetings of the department.  Meet monthly, if possible.  Otherwise, hold sessions during the months when there is no meeting of the Church Board (February, April…).

Teachers and Sponsors

            Church School Classes

                       1.  Recruit teachers for each class.  Wherever possible, recruit

                                   two teachers for each class to insure the protection and

                                   safety of children and adults.

                       2.  Develop a core of substitute teachers to provide support

                                   as needed.

            Youth Groups / Children’s Ministry

                       1.  Encourage the work of the Youth Ministry Team and the

                                   youth groups.

                       2.  Recruit sponsors for youth groups and children’s ministry

                                   groups.  Involve the church’s pastoral staff to help with

                                   this recruitment process.

            Children’s Extended Session

                       Recruit two or more persons to plan the sessions and provide

                                   resource materials each week.

Curriculum

            Work with the teachers to select curriculum suited to meeting the

needs of each class.  The ideal approach is to select a curriculum  that can be implemented throughout all the classes. A subcommittee of the department may review and evaluate curriculum and make recommendations. Stay with the major publishers and suppliers of curriculum for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Cokesbury is the current vendor of curriculum, and this supplier offers several different options.   

Small Groups

            Small groups are planned and led by leaders from the congregation or staff.  The department may create new small groups as needed to meet the needs of members.  Types of groups include:  Bible Study Groups;  Prayer Groups;  Marriage Enrichments Groups; Financial Peace University; and Spiritual Formation Groups. 

Special and Seasonal Programs

            Vacation Bible School ….. The department selects dates, format, and curriculum for V.B.S.   The Chairperson of Education should recruit a Director for V.B.S. 

            It is helpful to plan a class for adults if the V.B.S. program is held in the evening during the week or on Sunday evening. 

            In 2009, SACC shared VBS with Nor’Kirk Presbyterian Church and had a very good experience.  SACC needs a contact person to interface or work with Nor’Kirk and our members to plan VBS.

            Christmas Program ….. Plan an Advent Workshop for the whole congregation.  Include a congregational dinner (responsibility of Membership Dept.), learning centers or activities, and a time of singing Christmas music.  Intergenerational activities, learning centers, crafts, or games provide children and adults with an enjoyable evening together.  Begin work on this event during the summer months. 

Church Library

            Recruit and supervise volunteers to organize and maintain the

church’s library and media resources.

Child Protection Policies

            Set a date for the department to present an educational program about preventing child abuse at church.  As a part of the program, review the church’s policies related to the protection of children.