Formation + Nurture + Leadership = MISSION
"Online you get to know your students' minds not just their faces."
eLearning is the use of technology to enable people to learn anytime and anywhere. eLearning includes training, the delivery of just-in-time information, and guidance from experts. Imagine having a Sunday School teacher available to you at your convenience, not just on Sunday morning...
If we could stop time and inexpensively bring together all of the people in the CME Church who need to learn and the resources to teach them, we would not need e-learning. In the real world, people have jobs to do and funds are limited. We envision our learning program leveraging the power of technology to overcome the limitations of time, distance, and resources.
eLearning
Vital Information for Christian Educators
Persons who are offered choices are more motivated to participate and learn than persons who are not given choices
It is important to offer choices to people because people have different, interests, needs and abilities.
Concepts that are concrete can be communicated more easily than abstract concepts
Jesus illustrated this principle very well through parables, actions and
relationships to connect to real life experiences.
Dialogue produces more learning and growth than monologue
One way to do this is to discuss each week’s sermon during Bible Study.
Persons care more about what happens when they are able to commit themselves to tangible meaningful tasks
In meetings when people are given opportunity to choose tasks to perform they are more readily able to commit to the tasks.
Each congregation must see that Christian Education ministry as specialized tailored for the particular time and place in which it lives
Planning and evaluation are essential to effective Christian Education in the church
This makes possible affirmation for work that is well done, recommitment
to a goal, or establishment of new goals.
The Ministry of Music In The Black Church
Based on the Book written by J. Wendell Mapson (1984)
This is a workshop designed to get the local church to think about singing in the local church. After the session(s) members of the local church are expected to be more in tune with why they sing in the church.
I. Why sing in the church?
A. African Tradition
a. Religion and music is embedded in African life.
b. Music told the unwritten history of the community.
c. Alternation of improvised lines and fixed refrains is part of the tradition.
d. During American enslavement of Africans musical forms of Africa were retained.
e. A major part of the tradition was the call and response.
f. Music had an improvisational quality.
How does the music in your local church embody the African Tradition? Give examples and discuss in the group.
B. Black Theology and Black Music
a. It is how black people see God, the world and themselves
b. Music gives shape to theology.
c. Black Church music is the life-blood of the church. People judge the spiritual tone of the church by its music. People are drawn into the community of faith by music.
d. Music is to be a legitimate response to God, telling the story of hardship, disapointment and hope. It ushers people into the very presence of God and sends people to serve.
e. Music and Worship in the Black Idiom expresses the communal nature of the black experience, edifying the family of God. It ministers to the whole person.
f. It balances the freedom of the Holy Spirit with liturgies.
g. It is a place of celebration and healing.
You may need the leadership of your pastor to help with discussing the music you currently use in worship. A good exercise will be to look back over the last month and look at all the music you use. What does it say about how your church sees God, the world and themselves?
What does your music on Sundays communicate about the spiritual tone of your church? What is the difference in being “drawn into the community of faith” and “drawn to worship on Sundays?”
Name the kind of music your church uses, e.g. hymns, gospel, rap, etc. What theology does your church have based on its music?
C. Biblical Understanding
a. Worship is a human response to divine initiative.
b. Music is a way of expressing our faith.
c. There is spontaneity and freedom. It was true in the New Testament churches.
d. Music expresses the present day situation.
e. Music is guided by the Holy Spirit, but there are restrictions.
f. Music was an act of celebration in the New Testament churches.
Because worship is a human response to divine initiative what should our first song(s) express? (Praise and adoration to God). What is the first hymn you sing? What does it express? If music expresses the present day situation, does that make hymns out of date? Look at some hymns and answer for yourselves. Is there room for new hymns to be written? Why not write some? Restrictions refer to decency and order (for example you would not break windows and say it was the Spirit)
II. Why A Choir?
A. To speak for the congregation because of the possession of certain skills. Rehearses to sharpen and polish the choir’s skills. The tools of the choir are refined through practice, discipline, commitment and training. The choir is a collective voice. A good reason to look the part of unity. The choir provides the ministry of spiritual growth through singing.
B. To speak with the congregation as participants in the act of worship. This is done primarily with hymns so everyone in the church can sing. Of course now that can be done with other genre of music through the use of projecting songs on a screen.
C. To speak to the congregation with special music, rehearsed and prepared.
During worship all people should be given opportunity to sing. How does your choir provide spiritual growth to the congregation?
Sunday School
"Making disciples through "events that form and transform"
We are providing these notes from the Committee on Uniform Series that prepares associated Sunday School lesson outlines long in advance of their usage. Included in this Guide are thoughts that are reflected in the Lesson Development Guide for writers of Sunday school lessons and the recommended commentary of the Department of Christian Education, The New International Lesson Annual published by Abingdon Press Nashville, Tennessee.
Send an email to sundayschool@thecmechurchced.org to receive these notes electronically each week.
Sunday School Guides available for download
(PDF Format)
August 25, 2019: Family Commitment
August 18, 2019: The Reward of Commitment
August 11, 2019: Loyalty and Devotion
August 4, 2019: A Trusted and Loyal Friend
July 28, 2019: The Pursuit of Truth
July 21, 2019: All You Need Is Love
July 14, 2019: Love From The Heart
July 7, 2019: Be The Difference
June 23, 2019: Stronger Together
June 16, 2019: Cleaning Up The Mess
June 9, 2019: Restored Relationships
May 26, 2019: Giving One’s All
May 19, 2019: Surrendering Pride
May 12, 2019: Life Without Guilt
May 5, 2019: Putting The Past Behind Us
April 14, 2019: Remembering Good Deeds
April 7, 2019: Summoned For Service
March 31, 2019: Purposeful Following
March 24, 2019: Finding Acceptance
March 17, 2019: Lost and Found
March 10, 2019: Counting The Cost
March 3, 2019: Humility Is Good For You
February 24, 2019: You Are In Good Hands
February 17, 2019: Makes Me Want To Shout!
February 10, 2019: Somethings Never Change
February 3, 2019: Eyes on the Prize
January 27, 2019: Sacrificial Love
January 20, 2019: Good from Bad
January 13, 2019: Humility in Love
January 6, 2019: Steadfast Love
December 30, 2018: Everyone Matters
December 23, 2018: Waiting Is Rewarded
December 16, 2018: Credit Where Credit Is Due
December 9, 2018: Keep Your Promise
December 2, 2018: Complete Devotion
November 25, 2018: Amassing Wealth
November 18, 2018: Finding Strength
November 11, 2018: Deception in the Family
November 4, 2018: Sibling Rivalry
October 28, 2018: Make A Decision
October 21, 2018: Promises Give Hope
October 14, 2018: Constantly Working
October 7, 2018: Faithful Following
September 30, 2018: Passing the Buck
September 23, 2018: Relationships Are Important
September 16, 2018: Creation Is A Very Good Thing
September 9, 2018: Turn On The Lights
September 2, 2018: Out of the Darkness
August 26, 2018: Equity in Character
August 19, 2018: Equity in Conduct
August 12, 2018: Charitable Equity for All
August 5, 2018: Equity for All
July 15, 2018: Persistence Pays Off
July 1, 2018: To Forgive and Be Forgiven
June 24, 2018: The Tables Are Turned
June 17, 2018: More Than Lip Service
June 10, 2018: You Reap What You Sow
June 3, 2018: Compliance vs. Compassion
May 20, 2018: Creating an Equitable Economy
April 29, 2018: A World of Joy
April 22, 2018: Together Forever
April 8, 2018: Taking Directions
March 25, 2018: Get It Together
March 18, 2018: Finding Inspiration
March 4, 2018: A Test of Truth
February 18, 2018: Looking For Help
February 11, 2018: Taming The Tongue
February 4, 2018: Actions Speak Louder than Words
January 28, 2018: Strength When You Need It Most
January 21, 2018: A Cry For Help
January 14, 2018: No Matter The Cost
January 7, 2018: Living Your Convictions
December 31, 2017: United We Stand
December 24, 2017: Giving Gifts of Honor
December 17, 2017: Persevering Through Opposition
December 10, 2017: Facing Opposition
December 3, 2017: Seeking Wholeness
November 26, 2017: Promises To Remember
November 19, 2017: The Go-Between
November 12, 2017: Written On The Heart
November 5, 2017: Unwavering Commitment
October 29, 2017: Sign On The Dotted Line
October 22, 2017: A Much Bigger Plan
October 15, 2017: A Covenant Is A Serious Thing
October 1, 2017: I Will Do This
September 24, 2017: A Change of Heart
September 17, 2017: Taking Time to Rest and Renew
September 10, 2017: A Sign of Agreement
September 3, 2017: Called To Witness
August 27, 2017: Called To Be Inclusive
August 20, 2017: Called To Preach
August 13, 2017: Called To Break Down Barriers
August 6, 2017: Called To Witness
July 16, 2017: Jeremiah’s Call and Commission
July 9, 2017: Isaiah In The Temple
July 2, 2017: Moses And The Burning Bush
June 18, 2017: Jephthah Answers The Call
June 4, 2017: Deborah and Barak
May 28, 2017: God’s Pervasive Love
May 21, 2017: God’s Love For Nineveh
May 14, 2017: God’s Love Preserved Jonah
May 7, 2017: God’s Sustaining Love
April 30, 2017: God’s Preserving Love
April 23, 2017: God’s Reconciling Love
April 16, 2017: God’s Love As Victory Over Death
April 9, 2017: God’s Saving Love In Christ
April 2, 2017: God as Our Shepherd
March 26, 2017: God’s Love Restores
March 19, 2017: God’s Love Manifested
March 12, 2017: God’s Overflowing Love
March 5, 2017: The Source of All Love
February 26, 2017: "Christ Creates Holy Living"
February 19, 2017: "Freedom In Christ"
February 12, 2017: "New Birth Brings Freedom"
February 5, 2017: "Re-Created To Live In Harmony"
January 29, 2017: All Creation Praises God
January 22, 2017: Praise God The Creator
January 15, 2017: Praise God The Provider
January 8, 2017: All Creation Overflows With Praise
January 1, 2017: Praising God For The Creator
December 25, 2016: God’s Promised Savior Is Born
December 18, 2016: God Promised Zechariah A Son
December 11, 2016: The Affirmation Of The Promise
December 4, 2016: God Promises A Savior
November 27, 2016: Alpha and Omega
November 20, 2016: Living Waters
November 13, 2016: I See A New Jerusalem
November 6, 2016: Everything is Brand New
October 30, 2016: Pioneer And Perfecter Of Our Faith
October 23, 2016: The High Priest Forever
October 16, 2016: The Great High Priest
October 9, 2016: Builder of the House
October 2, 2016: The Imprint of God
September 25, 2016: Everlasting Covenant
September 18, 2016: Foundations of the Earth
September 11, 2016: The Mountain of God
September 4, 2016: The Peaceful Kingdom
August 28, 2016: Love Fulfills The Law
August 21, 2016: God Prunes and Grafts
August 14, 2016: Living Under God’s Mercy
August 7, 2016: Safe In God's Love
July 31, 2016: Death Becomes Life
July 24, 2016: Not Without Hope
July 17, 2016: God Set Things Right
July 10, 2016: We're All Under Sin's Power
July 3, 2016: "Ignoring God's Truth WIthin Us"
June 26: Ignoring God's Plain Truth
June 19, 2016: Assurances and Joy for the Faithful
June 12, 2016: The Consequences of Disobedience
June 5, 2016: The Day of the Lord
April 24, 2016: A Family Reunion
April 10, 2016: A Reversal of Shame
March 27, 2016: Resurrection Faith
March 20, 2016: Struggling Faith
Febuary 28, 2016: Feast of Booths
February 21, 2016: Day of Atonement
February 14, 2016: Feast of Weeks
January 31, 2016: The Death of a Friend
January 24, 2016: A Wedding in Cana
January 17, 2016: An Unfaithful Bride
January 10, 2016: The Most Beautiful Bride
January 3, 2016: A Bride Worth Waiting For
December 27, 2015: A Generous Gift
December 20, 2015: Dedication of First Born
December 13, 2015: Acceptable Offerings
December 6, 2015: The Lord’s Day
November 29: Teaching God’s Word
November 22: Thessalonica, Beroea, And Athens
November 15: From Derbe To Philipi
November 8: God Makes No Distinction
November 1, 2015: God Rescues Peter
October 25, 2015: Trusting The Spirit
October 18, 2015: Peter Takes A Risk
October 11, 2015: Saul Earns Credibility
October 4, 2015: The Spirit Is Not For Sale
September 27, 2015: Remembering God’s Faithfulness
September 20, 2015: Witnessing To The Truth
September 13, 2015: Sharing All Things
September 6, 2015: Praying For One Another
August 30, 2015: Return To A Just God
August 23, 2015: God Demands Justice
August 16, 2015: A Call For Repentance
August 9, 2015: A Choice To Be Just
August 2, 2015: Our Redeemer Comes
July 26, 2015: God Shows Clemency
July 19, 2015: Justice, Love, And Humility
July 12, 2015: No Tolerance For Corrupt Leaders and Prophets
July 5, 2015: No Rest For The Wicked
June 28, 2015: God Will Never Forget
June 21, 2015: Rebuked For Selfishness
June 14, 2015: God Is Not Fooled
June 7, 2015: Judgment on Israel and Judah
May 31, 2015: The Greatest Gift is Love
May 24, 2015: Gifts of Languages
May 17, 2015: The Spirit Creates One Body
May 10, 2015: Gifts of the Spirit
May 3, 2015: Coworkers with the Truth
April 26, 2015: Watch Out For Deceivers
April 19, 2015: Believe God’s Love
April 12, 2015: Love One Another
April 5, 2015: Resurrection Guaranteed
March 29, 2015: The One Who Comes
March 22, 2015: Receive The Holy Spirit
March 15, 2015: The Spirit of Truth
March 8, 2015: Jesus Promises An Advocate
March 1, 2015: The Lamb of God
February 22, 2015: Clothed and Ready
February 15, 2015: Serving the Least
February 8, 2015: Serving Neighbors, Serving God
February 1, 2015: Feasting and Fasting
January 25, 2015: We Pray For One Another
January 18, 2015: Jesus Intercedes for Us
January 11, 2015: Jesus Prays for the Disciples
January 4, 2015: A Model of Prayer
Resources
"Innovation is the specific instrument of learning that endows participants with a new capacity to create understanding."
Below are online resources to support your work in Christian Education. They may be used to train other Christian Educators or simply to help you with planning at your local, district, or region. All this material is available for free. It is intended for educational purposes and it is not for re-sale. Please contact us if you make use of any of these resources and let us know if they are helpfu. We may be reached at elearning@thecmechurchced.org.
2018 Connectional Youth & Young Adult Week
January 31 - February 7, 2016
Theme: "CHOSEN: Light Up the World"
(1 Peter 2:1-10)
Click here to order your Resource
Department of Christian Education
2015 Connectional Board Report
As presented by Carmichael Crutchfield, Ph.D., General Secretary at the 4th Annual Unity Summit of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church convening at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida (September 28-29, 2015)
Click here to download the presentation
Department of Christian Education
2014 Quadrennial Report
As presented by Carmichael Crutchfield, Ph.D., General Secretary at the 37th Quadrennial Session and 38th General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church convening in the Baltimore Convention Center (June 29, 2014)
Click here to download the presentation
Sunday School Lesson: "A Call to Unity"
Presented by Carmichael Crutchfield, Ph.D., General Secretary
& Charles L. Coney, Certified Christian Educator
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Department of Christian Education
at the 37th Quadrennial Session & 38th General Conference
(Sunday, June 29, 2014)
Click here to download the presentation
"Why Do I ‘Still’ Go To Sunday School?"
Carmichael Crutchfield, Ph.D.
General Secretary,
Department of Christian Education CME Church
June 2014
All of my siblings tell the story of our growing up at Barrs Chapel CME Church in Como, Tennessee where all seven of us were lined up on a pew each Sunday morning for Sunday school and worship. For as long as we can remember our daddy, the deceased Mr. W.T. Crutchfield (much later became Rev.), who was the adult teacher and our momma Mrs. Zora Crutchfield faithfully took us to Sunday school.
After college, as a young adult, I still went to Sunday school and often taught. After I got married I still went to Sunday school. When I accepted the call to preach I still went to Sunday school. When I became a pastor I still went to Sunday school. (Click here for the remainder of this article).