Conference launches first Academy of Christian Education with rave reviews

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Written: 12/16/2008 2:59:46 PM

Twenty-three Christian educators from the Central Texas Conference spent five days in mid-November immersed in an intense, informative, inspiring tie of spiritual growth and ministry preparation known as the Academy of Christian Education.

In evaluating their experience, some participants pinpointed the quality of leadership as a highlight of the ACE event while others found “Meeting new people who are experiencing similar issues, concerns and joys” as very meaningful. Many benefited from the realization that all churches — smaller and larger congregations — have many of the same challenges.

This first-time event was the product of over a year of planning by about a dozen CTC leaders in educational and pastoral ministry. The co-directors for this event were Rev. Robin Stevens of Keller United Methodist Church and Rev. Judy Richmond of Watauga United Methodist Church.

Other members of the leadership team included Rev. Mel Bishara, Saginaw United Methodist Church; Joyce Brown, Cokesbury curriculum consultant from Western Hills United Methodist Church; Terre McGill, Richland Hills United Methodist Church; Rev. Nathan Firmin, Grapevine United Methodist Church; Rev. Philip Rhodes, First United Methodist Church, Hurst; Rev. Alfie Wines, Grace United Methodist Church, Arlington; Rev. David Martinez, El Buen Samaritano United Methodist Church; and Conference staff members Sam Rodriguez, Joy Roberson and Rev. Karen Granderson.

From Nov. 10 to 14 one full day was dedicated to each of the following areas of study: Theology (especially concentrating on United Methodist theology, practice and history), Bible and Christian education basics.

Each evening was spent in small groups, concentrating on using the information in practical and effective ways, such as writing a Bible study and planning a prayer retreat. Each day ended with a worship service planned by the participants using their “multiple intelligences” or learning styles, and organized from the age groups their small group serves in their place of ministry — children, youth or adult.

Other areas of focus included information about Safe Sanctuaries (abuse prevention), publicizing events and ministries, understanding asset-building and personality types using the Myers-Briggs Indicator.

When asked to name several things they learned at the Academy that will help them in their Christian educator roles, participants poured out a long list that included:

•  Curriculum needs to be intentional;

•  Importance of knowing, experiencing and teach Methodism;

•  There are different ways to study the Bible;

•  There are multiple intelligence types and how they affect learning, interactions and teaching;

•  Ideas can come from unexpected places;

•  How to effectively recruit volunteers;

•  How to create Bible studies from scratch;

•  How to set up and organize an education committee in the local church;

•  There are many types of curriculum and not being afraid to adapt them to a particular church and/or students;

•  Learning that I know more than I thought and that I don’t need to be intimidated by those with a formal (seminary) education.

The Academy was held at Glen Lake Camp’s Still Water Lodge in Glen Rose with Rob Jackson, the director for Still Water, and his staff providing all that was necessary to make the participants comfortable and well fed during the long days of concentrated study and activity.

The next Academy of Christian education will be held Nov. 9-13, 2009, at Still Water. More information and registration forms will be available on the Conference Website (www.ctcumc.org) in nearly 2009. For more information, contact Rev. Karen Granderson at 817-877-5222, 800-460-8622 or Karen@ctcumc.org.

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