Having experienced church in both the United States and Latin America, it seems to me that Christian education or discipleship has often been reduced to classroom learning or short, six-week programs, primarily focusing on intellectual understanding. This makes me wonder about the way Paul instructed the Christians in Corinth. His enduring words still educate us today: “I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you to imitate me. That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.” (1 Corinthians 4:14-17 ESV)

Paul wrote extensively to the Corinthian church, offering corrections to guide them in the Way of Jesus Christ and to help them unlearn worldly habits. His instruction wasn’t merely about conveying Christian content; as he said, “Imitate me!” Paul taught a way of life. According to James Riley Estep Jr., “theology is more than the content of Christian education; it is a process of instruction and discernment by which persons are educated in their identity, interpret the realities of their lives, and are sent into the world… This is the task and vocation of practical theologians of education.” [1]. Therefore, Christian education involves not just the exchange of information but also the cultivation of a Christ-centered identity and the development of a biblical worldview that informs our actions in the world.

The two essential elements of Christian education are theology and social studies. Theology shapes our relationship with God, while social studies informs our engagement with the world. Theology without social studies can lead to asceticism, and social studies without theology can result in secular humanitarianism. We need an integrated approach that combines theology and social studies to equip the church to serve Jesus and the world. [2] However, this integration cannot always be confined to a classroom or the walls of a church. We must venture out to where people are—in marketplaces, on sports fields, in businesses—and practice imitating Christ in those contexts. Education is as much about hands-on experience as it is about classroom instruction.

I believe we have developed a bias toward associating education with classrooms or conferences, likely due to our modern methods. However, in the first century, Jesus educated his disciples by involving them in his daily life and ministry. They learned not only through his words but also through observing and participating in his actions. We need more of this holistic approach, and as a pastor and teacher, this is an area where I can certainly grow.

Footnotes.

[1] James R. Estep, A Theology For Christian Education, B&H Publishing Group, 2008, p. 26

[2] ibid, 32.