wfn.org | Presbyterian-related Secondary Schools meet to discuss biblical

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ecunet.org>]

Note #6954 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

studies
27-November-2001
01435

Presbyterian-related Secondary Schools meet to discuss biblical studies

'We need to make the familiar strange'

by Jerry L. Van Marter

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Biblical studies faculty from Presbyterian Church
(USA)-related secondary schools gathered at the Menaul School here recently
to compare their curricula and explore working together to enhance biblical
studies at all of their institutions.

	"We need to make the familiar strange," said one participant, describing
the need to make the Bible relevant to a new generation of young adult
students.

	The challenge before the group at first seemed daunting. Like
Presbyterians, Presbyterian-related secondary schools are diverse - from a
military academies to prep schools, from a school for troubled youth to
schools whose target population is primarily racial-ethnic, from day schools
to boarding schools - as is the way they teach Biblical studies.

	Yet what emerged - no matter the style (required or elective courses) or
curriculum (Kerygma, Westminster Catechism, or other more contemporary
resources) - was a passion for teaching youth about scripture and a shared
conviction that helping youth develop their faith is an essential part of
preparing them for life at college and beyond.

	Faith formation is such an essential part of the mission of
Presbyterian-related secondary schools, participants agreed, that it is at
the very heart of the institutions, spilling from the classrooms and the
chapel services onto the playing fields, into the dorms, and into community
service efforts.

	Faculty members agreed to: 

* Maintain regular contact 	

* Establish a web site specifically for biblical studies at secondary
schools

* Establish an e-mail "listserv" of secondary school biblical study faculty

* Address together the use of feature films in the classroom to help explore
biblical themes

* Develop a comprehensive bibliography of Reformed readings suitable for
high school students

* Work with Kergyma to develop a curriculum specific to the high school
classroom.

	The presidents or principals of the schools met simultaneously.  They
expressed concern that not all Presbyterian-related secondary schools,
especially those related to congregations, are in touch with each other.

	The presidents have invited anyone involved with a middle or high school
related to a PC(USA) congregation to contact Fritz Nelson in the General
Assembly Office of Higher Education (1-888-728-7228 x.5364 or
fnelson@ctr.pcusa.org), so a more comprehensive database can be developed.

	Participating schools in the consultation included the host Menaul School;
Blair Academy, Blairstown, NJ; Chamberlain Hunt Academy, Port Gibson, MS;
French Camp Academy, French Camp, MS; Presbyterian Pan American School,
Kingsville, TX; Rabun Gap - Nacoochee School, Rabun Gap, GA; and Wasatch
Academy, Mt. Pleasant, UT.

	Funding for the event was provided by the General Assembly's "Teaching of
the Bible" grant program.

(Information for this story furnished by Fritz Nelson, Associate for
Colleges and Universities, Higher Education Program Area, National
Ministries Division)
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