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In This Issue:
IS SUNDAY SCHOOL
DEAD?
It is difficult to even ask
that question but to ignore the question and its implications
would be a denial of changes that are taking place in many of
our Christian Education programs.
The Barna Group (of researchers)
conducted a nationwide survey in 2004 to explore Sunday School,
midweek programming and Vacation Bible School. The found five
distinct shifts from their previous study just a few years prior:
1. A declining percentage of
pastors who claim Sunday School is their top priority.
2. Fewer churches offering Sunday School for children and youth.
3. Increasing customization of curriculum by churches.
4. A drop in the number of churches offering VBS.
5. A decline of midweek programming for children.
Pastors cited a lack of volunteer
leaders as the main reason for the decline in VBS.
Looking closer at the study
revealed African- American congregations were much more likely
to emphasize Sunday School than Euro-American congregations.
Is it any wonder we have a
low level of Biblical knowledge and understanding in many of
our congregations?
Is Sunday School Dead? The
study stated: "rumors of Sunday School's imminent demise
are greatly exaggerated." Each weekend more than 300,000
congregations offer Sunday School programming attended by nearly
45 million adults and more than 22 million children and youth.
Maxine Ashley, ABC/Wisconsin
Staff Associate Minister for Christian Education, provides regular
helpful articles on the region website www.abcofwi.org
These are challenging days
for the Sunday School and other programs of Christian Education
yet the need has never been greater. God bless the teachers
who give of their time and talent and the pastors who know this
is a priority ministry.
Arlo R. Reichter
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FROM JUDSON PRESS:
LEFT
BEHIND? THE FACTS BEHIND THE FICTION by LeAnn Snow Flesher
You have likely read the fiction series on Left
Behind-now get the facts.
This would be a great adult study book. $14.00
REINVENTING
WORSHIP, Prayers, Readings, Special Services and More
(includes a CD-ROM of Worship Resources)
By Brad Berglund, Author of Reinventing Sunday
Helpful to pastors, ministers of music and worship
planning teams. $14.00
www.judsonpress.com
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SEPTEMBER PRAYER
FOCUS:
Church:
First-Eau Claire
Interim Pastor:
Don Frank
Start Date:
8/06
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CENTRAL BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL
SEMINARY-MILWAUKEE EXTENSION CENTER
Fall 2006 Courses:
Intro to New Testament-1
Faculty: Dr. Demetrius Williams
Formation for Christian Ministry
Faculty: Dr. Richard Olson
Constructive Theology-1
(on-line)
Faculty: Dr. Molly Marshall
Spring 2007 Courses:
Intro to New Testament -2
Faculty: Dr. Demetrius Williams
Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics
Faculty: Dr. Timothy Ashley
Constructive Theology-2
Faculty: Dr. Molly Marshall
Apply at www.cbts.edu
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