The Baptist beliefs insoul competency and the priesthood of all believerscall for Christian education. Although soul competency is a gift from God and not a human achievement, such competency to know and follow God’s will is enriched by Christian education. Thus, Christian teaching and training can enhance the ministry of believer priests. Congregational governance and local church autonomy, both Baptist polities, are strengthened by Christian education. A knowledge of Baptist beliefs and practices and of how and why these were developed helps church members to fulfill their governance responsibilities. Evangelism, missions, ministry, and the application of the gospel to daily lifeare all made more effective by Christian education. Teaching and training provide skills and knowledge needed for persons to carry theseout. Religious freedomis secured and advanced by people who are well-grounded through Christian education in the Bible and in history. Kinds of Christian Education Baptists make available resources for many kinds of Christian education, formal and informal. They provide schools of various types for persons to receive a formal education. In addition, they make resources available for individuals to gain an informal, often self-taught, education. Many persons who lack formal education are well-educated, having utilized the many resources at their disposal. Baptists believe that education is for all persons. They provide educational opportunities for children and adults, for males and females, and for persons of all races, religious preferences, and economic status. Instruction on a huge range of subjects is available through a variety of means. Some teaching and training is provided primarilyfor vocational church leadership. The Baptist denomination has no prescribed requirements for a level of education necessary for ordination or service as a pastor or other Christian leader. However, believing in the value of education, Baptists have established schools to provide education for such persons while also being aware that there are effective leaders apart from formal schooling. Christian educationfor laypersonsis also important to Baptists. Baptists view their universities, for example, not only as institutions to provide education for those in vocational church service but also for persons in all walks of life. Methods of Christian Education Baptists use a variety of methods and delivery systems to provide Christian education. Churches, associations of churches, conventions, and various institutions and organizations are involved. Churchesdeliver Christian education in many ways, such as sermons, Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible Schools, organizations for men and women, various programs of study, church libraries, retreats, and other means. In addition to the Bible and doctrine many other subjects are also studied. “The fear of t beginning of but fools des and instr Prover
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