Christian education involves the transmission of the ‘things of the Lord’, matters of faith and practice, to God’s people. The Lord has placed the primary responsibility for training upon each individual who has made a profession of faith in Christ, but especially upon parents for their children (Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 6).
Simultaneously, Christ has commanded His Church to evangelize and disciple all people, young and old, single and married, parent and child (Matthew 28). The Church is a teaching and learning institution that transcends the present age; indeed, it is the only institution on earth that will be found in glory! Upon His Church, Jesus has granted the responsibility and provided the means to evangelize all peoples.
God has gifted certain of His people with the ability to teach His Word boldly and clearly (Romans 12:7, 1 Corinthians 12:28). Those so called as “pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11) teach God’s people primarily through the preaching of the Word during the Lord’s Day worship service(s) and provide instruction during Sunday School, Bible studies, counseling, one-on-one discipling, etc. The Session of the local church is authorized to appoint other with the body to assist the ministry of Christian education (2 Timothy 2:2, Titus 2:3-4).
We believe the primary and ultimate source for all Christian education is the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament (Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:16). Such secondary sources as The Westminster Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, and the writings of church fathers and leaders are appropriate material for Christian education insofar as they are consistent with the Scriptures.
Finally, we understand Christian education to encompass two major categories, doctrine and application (faith and practice). As correct thinking is necessary for correcting acting, doctrine must supply the foundation and context for all expositional and applicational type teaching.
Trinity Presbyterian Church 