Report of the Board of Christian Education
The Board of Christian Education met four times during the 1992-1993 church year. Most of the work of the Board is carried out by four sub-committees made up of Board members as well as other members of the Bible Fellowship Church. The reports from these sub-committees are as follow:
Audio – Visual Library
Additions continue to be made to the video collection of the denomination. Three filmstrip projectors were also donated and given to churches. It is hoped that the good collection of filmstrips will begin to be used again as it was in past years.
Two additions to the video collection were made. “Choosing Your Religion” featuring R. C. Sproul is geared to Sr. High School and College age students. Also purchased was a twelve part series for children entitled, “Animated Stories From The New Testament.” Each half-hour segment is excellently done and is accompanied by a series of activity pages and coloring pictures that are reproducible.
Christian Education Training
The 7 Laws Of The Learner video series was utilized this year in an effort to hold regional Christian Education seminars rather than one large central gathering. Attendance was much lower than expected but the comments from those who did attend indicated that having a seminar close to their church was really appreciated.
Plans for this coming year are to make a series of workshops available in varying formats that individual churches can request. The schedule will be filled on a “first come, first served” basis and expenses for each will be covered by the money normally budgeted for the annual CE Convention. Topics and scheduling will be available at Annual Conference.
The section of the FAITH & ORDER dealing with the Sunday School was reviewed. The following recommendation seeks to address 5 areas:
1. “Sunday Bible School” has been changed to “Sunday School,” the term commonly used to describe this program today.
2. Pronouns have been changed to allow for the offices of the Sunday School to be filled by a woman.
3. The office of Superintendent has been retained but flexibility has been given so that the needs of individual churches can be addressed.
4. A greater emphasis is given to the training of workers.
5. The new material is organized in a different fashion.
RECOMMENDATION: that the material in the Faith and Order, pages 92-95 under the section entitled “Sunday Bible Schools” be replaced by the following:
Sunday School
Each Sunday School shall be led by a General Superintendent. Additional officers may assist the General Superintendent in the leadership of the Sunday School. Their number and title should be determine by the by-laws of the particular church. The officers form the Executive Committee and shall serve for a term of one year. Some or all of the officers may be elected by and from the membership of the particular church or be appointed by the Board of Elders. Each Sunday School is responsible to the Board of Elders. The Pastor, by virtue of his office, is also an officer of the Sunday School. In the churches that have a Christian Education director, the Board of Elders shall determine whether this person is to be an officer of the Sunday School.
The Sunday School Executive Committee
The General Superintendent shall serve as chair-person and is responsible to call for the meeting of the Executive Committee as needed. By-laws of a particular church may outline specific duties for each officer or such duties may be determined by the Executive Committee. Responsibilities should include but are not limited to:
1. Providing leadership for the Sunday School
A. be responsible to maintain a high degree of spirituality, positive Christian conduct and full cooperation on the part of the Sunday School staff
B. cooperate with the Pastor in the administration of the Sunday School
C. preside or arrange for a leader at each session of the Sunday School
D. approve all projects conducted by the Sunday School or individual classes
2. Providing accountability for the Sunday School
A. keep accurate records regarding enrollment and attendance
B. be responsible to carry out the directives of the Board of Elders with respect to the Sunday School
C. report regularly to the Board of Elders all information requested by them to maintain oversight
D. report annually to the congregation on the status of the Sunday School
3. Providing staff for the Sunday School
A. staff each class with a born-again teacher
B. exercise oversight in the assignment of all teachers, assistants and substitutes
C. recruit additional staff such as departmental superintendents, class helpers, etc. as needed
D. review and act on the resignation or proposed removal of any teacher or officer of the Sunday School
4. Approving all curriculum, furnishings, equipment and teaching aids to be used in the Sunday School.
5. Providing training for Sunday School staff members
A. periodically survey and evaluate the work done in the various classes and departments
B. endeavor to provide a regular program of teacher training and enrichment
Qualifications of staff members
1. Each one shall confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and give evidence of this in their conduct.
2. Each one shall be faithful in their attendance of the public services of the particular church.
3. Each one shall be faithful in attendance at staff meetings.
Duties of teachers
1. Endeavor to lead their students to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to nurture those who have made a profession of faith.
2. Thoroughly prepare themselves through prayer and Bible study to teach the Scriptures, making use of teacher manuals and/or other resource materials.
3. Become personally acquainted with each of their students so that lessons may be relevant.
4. Be faithful in the visitation of students and follow-up of absentees.
5. Endeavor to improve their teaching skills through programs suggested by the Executive Committee as well as other resources.
Enrollment procedures
1. A visitor who attends for three consecutive Sundays shall be enrolled as an active member.
2. A member is dropped from the active enrollment after thirteen consecutive absences, and is maintained on the roll as an inactive member for 6 months. [FIRST READING]
Pastor Elder Deacon Advance
Dr. Walter R. Byrd, medical director of the Minirth-Meier and Byrd Clinic, Washington, D.C., was the speaker for the PED Advance held November 13-14, 1992 at Pinebrook Bible Conference, Stroudsburg, PA. There were 210 men in attendance from many of our Bible Fellowship churches.
On November 12-13, 1993, the Board of Christian Education will hold the 1993 PED Advance featuring Rev. Brent T. Brooks. Rev. Brooks, who has helped plant several thriving churches and who is currently pastor of South Potoman Church, Waldorf, MD, will speak on the topic, “What’s the BIG Deal about SMALL Groups?” All pastors, elders, deacons, and men seeking to prepare themselves for church office are urged to attend.
In addition, the 1994 PED Advance has been scheduled for November 11-12. Plans are being made to have several of our own BFC men speak on the topic of Elders & Deacons.
Youth
The purpose of the Youth Sub-Committee is to minister to the youth of the BFC by providing spiritual edification, social interaction, and physical activity. The committee accomplished its purpose with several “youth” oriented activities in 1993.
The THANKSGIVING YOUTH RALLY, held on November 27, 1992 at Climb-On in Allentown. The Rally was attended by 400 youth from 35 different BFC churches. Roy Mansfield of New York Gospel Outreach and his Christian Band, “UpTown Sounds” ministered to those gathered.
The two SNO-GLO weekends gave us the privilege to minister to over 861 young people from 40 BFC Churches. Dr. Bruce McCracken, Chairman of the Christian Education department at Lancaster Bible College was the speaker focusing on the principle that “God Didn’t Make Junk.” A variety of contemporary ministry tools were used including multi-media, film, sports, and contemporary Christian music, to reach out to our youth. The film, “Second Glance” was shown on Saturday night with 32 known decisions for Christ. Praise the Lord! Pastors Dan DeLozier, Gil Vining, and the staff from Lancaster Faith Bible Fellowship Church provided excellent leadership to the youth who attended Sno-Glo.
The financial support of local churches allows us to present programs and ministries that directly impact on your church family. Thank you for your help in doing so.
Board of Christian Education: Richard T. Paashaus, Chairman; W. David Armstrong, Vice-Chairman; Daniel F. DeLozier, Secretary; David N. Schoen, Treasurer; Edward W. Ahlum, Jr., Stephen C. Cassel, G. Wayne Clapier, Timothy Cole, Robert S. Commerford, Ronald C. Erb, Scott Fetterolf, Jonathan D. Reynolds