EDUCATION MINISTRY

I.Mission

Provide a unified, comprehensive program of Christian education that will lead to knowledge of the Holy scriptures and facilitate the development of a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  

II. Goals

A.    Promote Christian growth among members of the church at all age levels.

B.    Encourage and maintain active involvement of members’ participation in educational programs/activities designed to support Christian education.

C.    Nurture and develop the talents, skills and abilities of members through various programs.

III. Objectives

Individual objectives are being developed for each program/school that falls under the education ministry.

IV. Organizational Structure

Schools and Programs that fall under the education ministry include the following:

A.    Sunday School

B.    Vacation Bible School

C.    Youth Education Program (students grades K- 11)

D.    Scholarship Program (graduating high school seniors)

V. Ideas for Programs/Schools

     A. Sunday School

            1. Teacher-focused Activity

               a. Teach Recognition - Teacher of the Month – create a ‘Feature Teacher’

                   spotlight – that appears on a monthly basis in the church bulletin

               b. Convene monthly/quarterly teacher meetings – review lesson

                   plans/curriculum discuss progress of students

            2. Student-focused Activity

               a. Student Recognition – Student of the Month – spotlight student with highest attendance record/participation in class for a  given month.

               b. Student Involvement – Student Advisory Council

     B. Vacation Bible School

1. Identify a Theme

2. ‘First day’ activity – should be exciting so that youth will be eager to keep coming back; announce awards that will be given at the closing ceremony.

3. Encourage and invite youth to assist in various capacities during the class.

4. Issue Certificates of Attendance (elementary/middle school age youth).

5. Celebration/Culminating Ceremony (last day of Bible school) - based on one or more of the following factors:

          a. Youth Awards

i.   Perfect attendance

ii.  Member who brings the most friends

         b. Teacher Award

i.   Creativity (teacher) - award to teacher for novel/creative teaching method

6. Age-Level Educational Teaching Methods for Sunday/Vacation Bible School

       a. Younger Children

i.    Art Activities - Crafts, drawings

ii.   Dramatic Techniques - Plays/skits

iii.   Music – creating/singing

     b. Older Children

i.    Group discussion – brainstorming, panel forum,

ii.   Case study- scripture reading, picture study

C. Youth Education Program

1.  Recognition of Academic Excellence – ‘Superstars’ Program (GPA of 3.0 or higher at least twice during the school year)

2.  End of School Year Ceremony – recognize all youth (grades K – 11) who get promoted to the next grade (issue certificate of recognition)

D. Scholarship Program

1.      Committee Work

a. Fundraising, Program, College Preparation (assistance with various activities in support of the college application process to include assistance with completing applications, identifying scholarships sources, obtaining letters of recommendation, etc.)

2.      Budget

VI. Annual Events

            A. Bible Bee, Read-a-thon

            B. Black History Event

            C. ‘Back-to-School’ Night