Numbers of churches provide training needed for employment, such as literacy and job skills. Hundreds of churches operate kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools. Associations of churchesprovide teaching and training through encampments, retreat centers, seminars, and conferences. Some conduct ongoing education for pastors and other church leaders, usually in cooperation with a college or seminary. State and national Baptist bodiesfoster institutions for education, such as academies, Bible colleges, universities, and seminaries, electing trustees and providing financial support. Other Baptist schools function independently of these bodies. Baptist schools offer bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs as well as non-degree courses and other educational opportunities. Baptist schools are involved in evangelism, missions, and ministry. They not only equip persons to perform these in the future but also provide avenues for students, faculty, and staff to carry them out in the present. Participation in such activities is viewed as a vital ingredient in Christian education. Baptists produce a huge number of resources for educational purposes, such as books, newspapers, magazines, movies, videos, material on the Internet, audio cassettes, DVDs, and CDs. Churches, associations, institutions, and state, national, and international Baptist bodies make these available. In addition to distinctly Christian education, many Baptists help provide education in general, working in state and private schools from pre-school to university graduate programs. Challenges Related to Christian Education Baptists deal with a number of challenges related to Christian education. For example, in an increasingly diverse denomination a vast array of educational resources are required to meet the needs of a wide variety of persons. Churches must deal with the challenge of getting people to take part in educational opportunities. Scores of activities clamor for the time of persons, young and old. Christian education must be relevant, appealing, and accessible in an assortment of ways. Colleges and seminariesdeal with issues that are often controversial, such as academic freedom, qualifications for teachers, and the content of curriculum. How best to integrate Christian faith and academic pursuits confronts Baptists with an ongoing challenge. It is vital that Baptist principles not be on the fringe but at the center of the educational process that provides a positive, high quality academic experience. The relation of universities to Baptist denominational entities, such as Baptist state conventions, raises significant questions in regard to governance and financial support. The historical record of Baptist schools indicates that as schools loosen their relationship with Baptist conventions they tend to become less committed to Baptist distinctives. the Lord is the f knowledge: spise wisdom ruction.” rbs 1:7
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODc4ODgx