Debbie Streicher's blog | Lutheran Association of Christian Educators

Represents Diversity - Thoughts by Debbie Streicher

Posted: Tue, 2011-03-29 19:31

The definition of diversity is a difference, an unlikeness. In the context of the church, this difference usually refers to cultural diversity, but can also be about age and gender differences. In Acts 1:8, the Scripture reads: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” I believe that we are called to be witnesses in our communities. We are the vehicles sharing God’s love in the world. What this looks like and how we answer this call as Christian educators opens many doors for us to provide opportunities for all ages to gain an awareness of existing differences in our communities and the world. Though Scripture and prayer we can learn together how we may reach out to our neighbors, take steps to get to know them, and invite them to know us.

Intergenerational or "Cross-Generational" - Thoughts by Debbie Streicher

Posted: Mon, 2011-03-28 17:22

We live in an age-segregated society. There is a time and a place for age appropriate activities, but there should also be a time and a place where we gather all the ages together for a learning opportunity. Statistics show that the church is the last place all 5 generations gather in today’s world. In most congregations there is not a question as to whether or not all the ages should worship together. It is a given. But when it comes to “Sunday school” or “Christian education”, we struggle to gather all the ages together for learning opportunities. Many relate “Sunday school” to children and when teens and adults are asked to attend, they often opt out.

Invitational - Thoughts by Debbie Streicher

Posted: Thu, 2011-03-10 10:29

The starting point to begin the conversation and encourage thoughts from you and stories about your experiences in your congregation is the first characteristic: Invitational. We ask you to consider the following questions and add your own comments, insights, and feedback on this characteristic to the blog:

Do we reach out to all types of people, including the stranger? Do we foster a spirit of hospitality within our classrooms and activities which welcome and encourage all to participate?

Effective Faith Formation

Posted: Sun, 2011-03-06 16:37

Welcome to our blog! We are excited about yet another way to communicate with one another as we travel together on our faith journeys.

The winter edition of the LACE Newsletter has recently been sent to all LACE members. As we move forward as an organization, we will look to this edition as being step 1 for us to begin the journey of defining standards and guidelines for Christian educators. We invite comments and feedback from all who are involved in the role of Christian education leaders in their local congregations. This includes the pastor, staff, volunteers, and parents.

We'd like to begin this process by asking you to help us evaluate the effectiveness of our existing programs and minstries. We have identified 15 characteristics as starting points for the conversation with one another. Visitors to our site are invited to add to our comments. LACE members can add comments to our blog each week as we add another characteristic and/or go to the Key Topics tab on the website, log in, and add comments to each of the charcteristics as they are listed in a forum.

Over the next few weeks, we will introduce all 15 characteristics and encourage your thoughts, comments, and feedback on each one.

Tomorrow's blog will introduce characteristic #1: "Invitational". We ask you these questions: Do we reach out to all types of people, including the stranger? Do we foster a spirit of hospitality within our classrooms and activities which welcome and encourage all to participate?

We hope you will join us in the conversation. Stay tuned!