Most churches have some type of education program to help the people of the church grow as a whole. The education ministry is usually divided into varying ages groups. There may be as few as two age groups--children and adults--and some churches do not divide into groups at all. But this is the exception to the rule. Many families like to know that their children are receiving an appropriate Christian education in church.

Set values, vision and goals. The values or mission statement will bring focus to why the church exists. The Christian education program must work with the vision and goals of the church.

Pull together a leadership team of staff and lay individuals. The leadership team can oversee class teachers and will depend largely on the size of the church. Even if there is only one paid staff member on the team, he can brainstorm with his lay leaders regarding teachers, curriculum, schedules and other relevant topics.

Determine an organizational plan. Usually, the more simple the structure, the easier it will be to manage. This is especially true for smaller churches. A tried and true structure uses age divisions to separate children by age groups and adults by ages and/or class topics. The beauty of this structure is that it works equally well with a church of 50 as it does with a church of 10,000.

Recruit teachers. Have them fill out an application. Run a background and fingerprint check on each of them.

Develop an effective training program for teachers. One way to do this is by pairing an experienced and an inexperienced teacher together in a mentoring relationship. The experienced teacher will teach while the inexperienced teacher watches. They can then teach together so the inexperienced teacher can develop her skills. Finally, she will teach the class while the mentor observes and later provides input.

Actively promote involvement and participation for all ages. Even children as young as age 10 can help with a toddler class. Sometimes an extra set of hands makes the difference in a class running smoothly. Continue to watch for those who display teaching abilities, both young and old.

Continue to add or delete classes as needed.

Tip

Tried and true methods need to be used to the fullest extent. Community outreach, team building and fellowship activities are fundamental growth principles which can be used in a church of any size.