GA06089

Church Growth and Christian Education committee

Overture proponents say church needs to reclaim focus on ministry of teaching

by Erin S. Cox-Holmes

BIRMINGHAM, June 19 — The 217th General Assembly voted today to refer to the Office of Theology and Worship two overtures regarding the establishment of an ordained office for Christian educators for inclusion in an ongoing study on the "relationship between Baptism and the ministry of all church members both ordained and not ordained."

One overture would establish "educating elders," while the other calls for a new office of minister of Christian education. Before making the referral, commissioners were assured that the perspective of Christian educators would be heard by the Office of Theology and Worship.

In a time when biblical illiteracy is widespread, proponents claim the church needs to reclaim its historic focus on the ministry of teaching. They cite John Calvin, whose ecclesiastical orders included a fourth office of "doctor" or "teacher." The concerns of educators include standing within Presbyterian polity, including representation in higher governing bodies, accountability, oversight and support standards.

The Assembly also received a report with comprehensive recommendations from the Older Adult Task Force, which was charged by the 215th General Assembly (2003) to review older adult ministries, discern current needs and recommend a course for the future. The report targets areas of spirituality, leadership and vocation, social justice and education.

Committee moderator Lee Jordan noted the original overture called for the creation of staff positions in older ministry for which funds are not available. He commended the "creative negotiation between the Congregational Ministries Division and leaders in the older adult ministries network which will permit staff to be hired out of grassroots group funding." Appropriate connecting points will be established within the Mission Work Plan structure to implement report recommendations.

The committee led the Assembly in a celebration of racial-ethnic diversity, giving thanks for the many gains made over the past decade in racial-ethnic and immigrant ministries.

In other business:

• Approved, as funds are available, a task force to update the urban strategy for church revitalization and evangelism, continuing studies on church growth and research to overcome obstacles to inclusiveness encountered by racial-ethnic candidates.
• Approved the development of guidelines and controls for possible new recipients of the Christmas Joy offering, while ensuring the Historically Presbyterian Racial Ethnic Institutions (HPREIs) continue to benefit from the offering until a special fund and case statement can be established.
• Approved an overture directing that future human sexuality curricula use biblical and confessional teachings that sexual relationships belong only within the bond of marriage of a man and a woman, and should include information on reproductive health.
• Approved a proposal to name certified Christian educators and certified associate Christian educators as mandated Reporters in Cases of Abuse of Minors or Adults Lacking Mental Capacity.
• Affirmed the new "Here and Now" media spots targeting young-adult audiences.