Title: ELCA Addresses Christian Education For Adults
ELCA NEWS SERVICE
April 28, 1997
ELCA ADDRESSES CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR ADULTS
97-15-046-MR
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "We are once again in a time when people
lack a basic understanding of the Bible and doctrine and fail to
pass on what limited knowledge they have to the next generation,"
wrote the Rev. H. George Anderson in a letter to participants of
"Learning Days," an adult education ministry workshop. Anderson
is presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America.
Sponsored by the ELCA's Division for Congregational
Ministries and Augsburg Fortress Publishers, "Learning Days" is a
one-day workshop designed to help planners and leaders of adult
education ministries "uplift and support a model of lifelong
learning through quality Christian education." Twenty-eight
similar workshops are scheduled across the country for 1997.
"Many adults have not been in a formal religious education
setting since Sunday School. And many are new Christians, first
coming to the church as adults," said Carol A. Burk, ELCA's
associate director for adult education.
"The importance of adult education programs in our
congregations points to God's words through Jesus Christ," said
Paula Spengler, Palatine, Ill. "What grows out from the story of
Jesus is knowledge of what God does for us and how God moves in
our everyday life," she said. Spengler led the workshop hosted
by Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Ill., April 19.
A purpose of the workshops is to engage in conversation
about implementing adult education programs in the church, said
Burk. "Learning is part of our Lutheran heritage, and our
congregations value education and Bible study. Martin Luther
encouraged people to read the Scriptures and opened a whole
water-shed of learning opportunities for them."
"Our education program is designed for adults to seek an in-
depth understanding of Jesus Christ," said Elizabeth Bates, Lake
Villa, Ill., a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Antioch,
Ill. Bates attended the workshop in St. Charles. "There is also
a comradery developed among the adults in our group. The program
is a way of getting to know others in the church," she added.
"Not enough attention is given to preparing adults to become
teachers," said Burk. "Many adults are not interested in
teaching, because they feel that they do not know enough about
the Bible to educate others," she said.
"We need to train adults to become effective education
facilitators," said participant Glenda Niffenegger, Antioch, Ill.
"It is important to get to know adults in the congregation that
want to learn. We need to learn how to teach and motivate them
and what resources to use to teach adults about the Bible," she
said. Niffeneger is also a member of St. Stephen Lutheran
Church.
Participants examined a new adult education series entitled,
"Inspire Bible Study Series." The resource offers a 12-course
education process for adults who are interested in an in-depth
study of the Bible. It contains a participant book and leader's
guide, a planning guide and a journal book. "The objective of
the series to provide a better understanding of the Bible for
adults," said Burk. It is available through Augsburg Fortress
Publishers, the ELCA's publishing house based in Minneapolis.
Participants explored adult learning styles and methods, how
to recruit planners and leaders for adult education ministry, and
ways to motivate adults and assess their learning needs.
"Parents that do not know the basics of the Christian faith
cannot teach it to their children, and this is their job as
parents. It is a promise made at baptism," said Burk. "We never
stop learning. Education happens in all places."
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
