wfn.org | American Baptists continue curriculum development

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

AMERICAN BAPTIST NEWS SERVICE
Office of Communication
American Baptist Churches USA
P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
Phone: (610)768-2077 / Fax: (610)768-2320
Web: www.abc-usa.org
Richard W. Schramm, Director
  E-mail: richard.schramm@abc-usa.org

NEWS FROM THE GENERAL BOARD/PROGRAM BOARDS
Des Moines, Ia. / June 18-21, 1999

EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES BOARD ADDRESSES CURRICULUM ISSUES
  DES MOINES, IA.--At its semiannual meetings the Board
of Educational Ministries continued a strategic focus on
curriculum.  Board members participated in a curriculum
promotion and training session designed to enable them to
work with churches in recommending specific curriculum
products that best match the varied needs of congregations.
Staff from the Educational Ministries Curriculum Council led
the hands-on session, which included self-assessment tools
for congregations, guides that highlight features of each
curriculum line that Judson offers, and sample resources. In
department committees members reviewed the Action Plan
implemented in 1994. Committee chairpersons noted in a panel
discussion objectives that have been achieved in areas of
financial management, ministry priorities and delivery,
public image and corporate culture.  They proposed new
objectives to carry the work of the board forward.
    In her report to the Board Executive Director Jean
Kim affirmed the contributions Educational Ministries will
make to the NEW LIFE 2010 emphasis, with goals of
establishing 1010 new churches, inviting 1,000,010 new
believers to Jesus Christ, and initiating a multiple of new
ministries of caring.  Kim noted that both new and existing
congregations need to be equipped, motivated and supported
in making disciples.  She described how Educational
Ministries will challenge and encourage congregations to
work with communities, schools, social and law enforcement
agencies and ecumenical partners to mentor and guide
children and youth.  "Discipleship is what Educational
Ministries is all about," she said.  "We are excited about
the contributions we will make."