wfn.org | Covenant People Design Team Shapes Future

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

6-October-1997 
97386 
 
    Covenant People Design Team Shapes 
    Future Christian Education Program 
 
    by Deborah Leacock 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Undertaking the task of deciding essential elements of the 
denomination's future curriculum materials, more than 60 people from across 
the country and Puerto Rico gathered here recently as part of the Design 
Team for Covenant People. 
 
    Presbyterian Curriculum Publishing, the official publisher for the 
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), will publish Covenant People in the year 
2000. The denominational curriculum provides four building blocks that 
assist congregations in developing a Christian education program. Bible 
Studies, Basic Beliefs, Discipleship and Spiritual Growth and Leadership 
Development are the components of  Covenant People. 
 
    According to Curriculum Publishing officials, Covenant People will be a 
unique interweaving of biblical narrative with beliefs and practices in 
every curriculum piece. They say it builds on the belief that the church is 
fundamentally a covenant community. "Covenant" in this concept is 
understood not merely as a contract or promise, but as a commitment that 
binds people together, forming a new relationship. 
 
    During the Aug. 25-29 meeting the thought process began with a 
presentation by Donna Blackstock, associate director for Presbyterian 
Curriculum Publishing. In addition to asking the group how we prepare 
people to live faithful lives and help churches prepare for ministry in the 
new century, she commented on the need for change to keep the faith from 
becoming nonexistent. 
 
    "We must be proud of who we are and offer something of value to the 
rest of the world," Blackstock said. "We can no longer be timid about our 
faith; we must let persons know that our church is important." 
 
    Throughout the week, the Design Team took part in Bible study, group 
exercises and discussions that helped define the covenant with God. 
Participants compiled lists of information they felt were essential to 
becoming and remaining a covenant people. The daylong sessions concluded 
with a committee review each evening. 
 
    "The daily Bible studies were helpful in guiding our thinking and to 
give our planning a biblical context," said Design Team member Tommy Brown 
of Louisville, Ky. 
 
    To help the team manage the design of the curriculum, three essential 
areas were identified. Common Bible Narratives, Basic Beliefs, and 
Foundational Spiritual Practices. The expectations for the week included 
working with biblical narratives and Presbyterian beliefs and practices, 
developing a Covenant People calendar, creating a simple plan and producing 
nontraditional resources. 
 
    Design Team members and Curriculum Publishing staff interviewed at the 
end of the gathering said they exceeded their expectations and created an 
exciting blueprint for Covenant People. Thought- provoking groups discussed 
various perspectives, including ethnicity and intergenerational teaching 
modules. 
 
     "Most young people want to know `What's in it for me?'" commented 
Tiaynan Ann Mikol of Pasadena, Calif. 
 
     "People are hungry for information that they can relate to in everyday 
life," said Cathy Cummings-Chisolm of Vandalia, Ill. "We don't want to feed 
them church junk food." 
 
    The broad cross section of Presbyterians included pastors, educators 
and laypersons. Participants apparently committed to the development and 
testing process of the meeting. For example, Joyce Emery of Trenton, N.J., 
came despite the fact that a close family member was undergoing radiation 
treatment for a noncancerous brain tumor. 
 
    Melanie Crawford of Salina, Kan., said she missed her daughter's first 
day of kindergarten. And Karen Ginn of Edgewood, Ky., said her husband took 
a week's vacation to care for their children while she attended the 
conference. 
 
    "I am honored to be invited to represent the camps," Ginn said. "And 
I'm pleased that Covenant People will be useable with nontraditional church 
programs." 
 
    Indeed, the proposed program offers materials for both small and large 
churches. Resources will include multiple learning styles, 
intergenerational teaching modules and various types of media, including 
electronic, print and video. 
 
    "Being on the Youth Team for Covenant People was exciting," said the 
Rev. Byron Wade of Raleigh, N.C. "I know the Spirit moved us through the 
process and helped us to develop a program that will reach all segments of 
our church." 
 
    For more information on Covenant People, write Sandy Jividen, associate 
for interpretation, Curriculum Publishing, at 100 Witherspoon Street, 
Louisville, KY 40202-1396, or call (502) 569-5455. 

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