ELCA Addresses Christian Education for Adults

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "We are once again in a time when people lack a basic understanding of the Bible and doctrine and fail to pass on what limited knowledge they have to the next generation," wrote the Rev. H. George Anderson in a letter to participants of "Learning Days," an adult education ministry workshop.  Anderson is presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
     Sponsored by the ELCA's Division for Congregational Ministries and Augsburg Fortress Publishers, "Learning Days" is a one-day workshop designed to help planners and leaders of adult education ministries "uplift and support a model of lifelong learning through quality Christian education."  Twenty-eight similar workshops are scheduled across the country for 1997.
     "Many adults have not been in a formal religious education setting since Sunday School.  And many are new Christians, first coming to the church as adults," said Carol A. Burk, ELCA's associate director for adult education.
     "The importance of adult education programs in our congregations points to God's words through Jesus Christ," said Paula Spengler, Palatine, Ill.  "What grows out from the story of Jesus is knowledge of what God does for us and how God moves in our everyday life," she said.  Spengler led the workshop hosted by Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Ill., April 19.
     A purpose of the workshops is to engage in conversation about implementing adult education programs in the church, said Burk. "Learning is part of our Lutheran heritage, and our congregations value education and Bible study.  Martin Luther encouraged people to read the Scriptures and opened a whole water-shed of learning opportunities for them."
     "Our education program is designed for adults to seek an in- depth understanding of Jesus Christ," said Elizabeth Bates, Lake Villa, Ill., a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Antioch, Ill.  Bates attended the workshop in St. Charles.  "There is also a comradery developed among the adults in our group.  The program is a way of getting to know others in the church," she added.
     "Not enough attention is given to preparing adults to become teachers," said Burk.  "Many adults are not interested in teaching, because they feel that they do not know enough about the Bible to educate others," she said.
     "We need to train adults to become effective education facilitators," said participant Glenda Niffenegger, Antioch, Ill. "It is important to get to know adults in the congregation that want to learn.  We need to learn how to teach and motivate them and what resources to use to teach adults about the Bible," she said.  Niffeneger is also a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church.
     Participants examined a new adult education series entitled, "Inspire Bible Study Series."  The resource offers a 12-course education process for adults who are interested in an in-depth study of the Bible.  It contains a participant book and leader's guide, a planning guide and a journal book.  "The objective of the series to provide a better understanding of the Bible for adults," said Burk.  It is available through Augsburg Fortress Publishers, the ELCA's publishing house based in Minneapolis.
     Participants explored adult learning styles and methods, how to recruit planners and leaders for adult education ministry, and ways to motivate adults and assess their learning needs.
     "Parents that do not know the basics of the Christian faith cannot teach it to their children, and this is their job as parents.  It is a promise made at baptism," said Burk.  "We never stop learning.  Education happens in all places."

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html