resolution

Christian Education

2016 Book of Resolutions, #2001

Whereas, every elder, at ordination covenants to “preach the word of God, lead in worship, read and teach the Scriptures and engage the people in study and witness and to ensure faithful transmission of the Christian faith” (2004 Discipline ¶ 340.1); and every deacon at ordination covenants to “create opportunities for others to enter into discipleship” (2004 Discipline, ¶ 329.1); and

Whereas, the early Methodist movement was guided by the educational genius of John Wesley, who crafted an ecology of faith formation and leadership development for making disciples; and Whereas, question number fourteen of the Historic Examination for Admission into Full Connection is “Will you diligently instruct the children in every place?” (2012 Discipline, ¶ 336);

Therefore, be it resolved, that the 2016 General Conference affirm the imperative to engage in the work of Christian education and direct United Methodist seminaries and colleges, collegiate ministries, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the General Board of Discipleship, The United Methodist Publishing House, annual conferences, and local churches to assess and expand how they advance the work of Christian education in the church. This includes promoting the professional, para-professional, and undergraduate certification in camp/retreat ministry, children’s ministry, Christian education, collegiate ministry, evangelism, ministry with the poor, ministry with people with disabilities, music ministry, ministry with older adults, spiritual formation, urban ministry, youth ministry, and, where appropriate, monitoring all approved seminary M.Div. programs to ensure that future leaders are being trained in the ministries of Christian education.

ADOPTED 2008
AMENDED AND READOPTED 2016
RESOLUTION #2001, 2008, 2012 BOOK OF RESOLUTIONS

See Social Principles, ¶¶ 161 and 162.

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