Functions of the church - Teaching

Catechesis for Adults outside the Church

This article discusses what catechism instruction for newcomers to the church might look like. It gleans certain points from a booklet written by the church father Augustine, titled On Instructing Beginners in the Faith. The main points raised concern the catechumen, the catechist, the material that should be addressed, and the need to aim instruciton at both the head and the heart.

Are You Apt to Teach?

This article looks at offices of minister and elder and the task of teaching in the church.

Christian Education in the Local Church

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.

Instruction / Education / Equipping

This is an overview of the instruction, education, and equipping of members of the church.

Teaching Face to Face

This article is about discussions in the church and teaching in church. The worship service and teaching is also discussed.

The Making of a Heretic

This article discusses the matter of what exactly is a heresy, and how the Scriptures are the final authority on what is and is not heresy.

Response to Your Baptism: Chapter 4 – Taught Here in This Church

This article explains the background to the phrase in the Continental liturgical form for profession of faith that calls for agreement with the doctrine "taught in this Christian church." The article states that the church is to be found where the teaching of Scripture is maintained. It provides a synopsis of the debate in the sixteenth century regarding this very matter, between Catholics and Protestants.

Continuing Education: A Pressing Need for the Church Today

This article discusses continuing education and teaching as important for the church today. Christians are called to a life of continual learning. This article proposes structures that can facilitate learning which continues after profession of faith.

Encouragement in the Faith: The Example of Those Who Have Gone Before Us

This article stresses the importance of learning from one another, and learning from those who walked the path of faith before us.

Eight Reasons Online Education Is Good for Churches

Did you know that online education bears value for your church? Here are eight reasons for online education.

Why Your Church and Family Need Catechesis

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.

The Body of Christ: Prophet, Priest, or King?

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.

Schleiermacher's Test for Truth: Dialogue in 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.

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