This article addresses the topic of Christian education in the local church, which serves to stimulate church growth. The author identifies the origins of Christian education as being rooted in Jesus Christ’s teaching, and outlines eight ways to strengthen local Christian education efforts.

What the church historically has deemed to be essential for the nurturing of the church, is today neglected. What could that be? This article answers this question by pointing to catechesis.

What is the church? The author wants to reflect on what he calls the "essence of the church," by which he means something more than just the functions of the church. He wants to look at the church in terms of carrying on the mission of Jesus. He develops his approach following the paradigm of the offices Jesus fulfilled while he was on earth: prophet, priest, and king. His purpose is to give a Christological understanding of the church.

Whose task is it to do theology? How and where must it take place? Friedrich Schleiermacher's views on revelation as feeling and dialectical conversation are critically discussed. His view on the church as a "dialectical community" is considered, and appreciation is expressed for his view that theology is ultimately the task of the church.