Christian Education and Formation are in a season of shift. While the Church has long been committed to teaching and discipleship, we now face new challenges and opportunities that require fresh vision. This session takes a clear-eyed look at where we are—and where we must go.
We’ll explore what’s working, what’s missing, and how we can build a new pipeline that is Spirit-led, biblically grounded, and culturally responsive. This is not about tweaking what we’ve always done—it’s about reimagining how we form disciples for today and tomorrow.
The future of Christian education is unfolding now. Let’s shape it with purpose.

“Sunday Church school has had long history in the African American Church and has played a big role in the growth of the church and individuals. Church school has value, and it should not be discarded.” (Formation of a People, Carmichael D. Crutchfield, page 113, 2020). This session will provide opportunities to reimagine Church School. We will be led in discussions on ways to make Church School engaging for all ages.

The future of the church and community lies in the hands of our children, but shaping that future begins with intentional teaching and guidance today. In this session, we’ll explore the critical role of parents, mentors, and church leaders in preparing the next generation to live out their faith with purpose. This session will address: 
• The importance of instilling biblical values and principles in children. 
• The role of the church and community in providing spiritual mentorship.
• Practical tools and approaches to teaching children in ways that resonate and stick.

Let’s examine how we can collectively nurture the faith, character, and leadership potential of our children, ensuring they are equipped to carry the mission of Christ forward. Together, we can build a strong foundation for the next generation.

Discover the unique and divine abilities God has given you to serve His kingdom. This session, Understanding Spiritual Gifts, will explore the biblical foundation of spiritual gifts, their purpose in the body of Christ, and how they empower believers for ministry and service. We will delve into key scriptures, such as 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4, to uncover the variety of gifts God bestows and how each one plays a vital role in building up the church. Whether you're just beginning to explore your spiritual gifts or seeking to deepen your understanding, this discussion will equip you to: • Identify your spiritual gifts. • Understand how they complement the gifts of others. • Embrace your role in fulfilling God’s mission. Join us as we learn how to use our gifts faithfully and effectively for God’s glory and the benefit of others.

Statistics show that young adults (ages 18–35) are one of the least represented demographics in church attendance. Many report feeling disconnected from traditional church practices. Young adults often feel overlooked for leadership positions, with older generations dominating decision-making roles. When included, their contributions are sometimes undervalued or restricted to token roles, like planning youth-specific events. However, many young adults are well-educated, tech-savvy, and have innovative ideas that could revitalize church ministries, but they lack a platform to implement them. So, when is old enough, old enough?

Chapter 8 of Pressing Forward: Faith, Culture and African American Youth Dr. Carmichael D. Crutchfield writes about Contemplative Pedagogy. He says, “Contemplative Pedagogy shifts the focus of teaching and learning to incorporate first-person approaches which connect learners to their lived, embodied experience of their own learning. Black adolescent learners are encouraged to become more aware of their internal world and connect their learning to their own values and sense of meaning, which in turn enables them to form richer, deeper, relationships with their peers, their communities, and the world around them.”

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In the Winter Practitioner available January 2024, Dr. Crutchfield gives some contemplative pedagogical approaches. During the January Department of Christian Education and Formation Pipeline, Dr. Crutchfield will further explain the meaning of Contemplative Pedagogy, some of its practices, and give further information on how he sees this as a way of reaching adolescents beyond the normal classroom setting. 
 

Join the Connectional Youth Ministry in discussing a comprehensive plan to engage youth on all levels of the church. The session will explore who we are, the environment, and offer solutions to help young people dream bigger, serve wider, and reach further for the kingdom. This strategic plan for Youth Ministry aligns with the discipline and principles of the General Department of Christian Education and Formation.

Join the Department of Christian Education and Formation in a discussion on the use of technology in delivering Christian Education in the local church. This session will focus on how to adequately incorporate technology as a helpful tool to streamline educating students in-person, online or through hybrid settings. 

This session is based on discipleship. The class is designed to provide tools to teach “the way” of Jesus and to provide thoughts and action on following Jesus in everyday life. Furthermore, the course is designed to explore how as disciples of Jesus we educate people to serve in continuity with Jesus’ ministry of justice and mercy.

This session will focus on ministry to "Older Saints"

This session will focus on discussions of technology and other resources to aid and support youth ministry. This session will be led by our Connectional Youth VPs.