The 3D Christian Education Program
Bethel AME Church, Boston, MA
by Karl W. Reid
The 3D Christian Education Program at Bethel AME Church-Boston was developed to fulfill the vision of Pastor Ray Hammond to train and equip members to fulfill three dimensions (Determined, Disciplined Disciples) of their individual and collective calling:
Reaching up to God - growing in our knowledge of the Lord and our sense of purpose and calling through study, prayer, worship, and the sacraments (Acts 2:42, 43; Ephesians 4: I 1-13)
Reaching into the fellowship - connecting everyone so that no one is unloved and unmissed (Acts 2:44-47; John 13:34, 35)
Reaching out to the world - making disciples of all nations and doing good to all people, especially those in the household of faith (Matthew 28: 18-20; Acts I :8; Galatians 6:9, I 0)
The curriculum is built upon a foundational unit that comprises the 7 Pillars of the Church: prayer, study, sacrament, fellowship, giving, worship, and evangelism/discipleship. It then progresses through a learning roadmap that introduces believers to their life in Christ and the history of the AME Church (3D 101 Christian Foundations;) challenges them to identify with their Christian walk (3D 201 Christian Identity;) helps them shape their vision for ministry (3D 301 Christian Commitment;) then offers opportunities to understand how they can apply what they learn in real-world contexts (3D 401 Christian Study and Application.)
Course descriptions, anchor scriptures, and learning objectives have been developed for each course unit. Last year, over 300 adults and children participated in classes taught both during church school and from the pulpit. Because classes are held in six-week segments, adults made commitments to teach and attend one or two sessions at a time, depending on the length of the course. Children's church classes were held for all five sessions which ran from September to June 09. Each course in the 3D Christian Curriculum builds on the previous unit and is customized for Church School, Children's Church, Youth Service, new members, and members aspiring to greater levels of ministry.
Members step through progressive levels of the program to strengthen their Christian walk and assume ever-increasing ministry responsibilities. Now in its second year, over 300 adults and children have been touched by some aspect of Bethel's 3D Christian Education program.
(Editor's Note: I was unable to include the last part of this article here. Go to rightrelates.org for full article.)
