Reveal God’s grand story in all things

Jesus is always clear who he is and whom he serves.  The gospel book of John clearly portrays Jesus as the Son of God.  Jesus declares that he is the bread of life (John 6: 35-40), the light of the world (John 8:12-20), the good shepherd (John 10:11-18), the resurrection and the life (John 11: 25-44), the way and the truth and the life (John 14: 5-7), and the true vine (John 15: 1-8).  “My food,” Jesus said, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4: 34).  As the Son of God, Jesus took the posture of a servant of God (Acts 3: 13).

As Christians, we are children of God, fearfully and wonderfully made in His likeness (Psalm 139:14).  We are stewards who are entrusted with talents and are expected to be faithful servants (Matthew 25: 14-30).  Christian leaders are like shepherds who care for God’s flocks, serving rather than lording over others (1 Peter 5: 2-3).

The idea of Teaching for Transformation, created by the Prairie Centre for Christian Education, states that Christian education invites learners and disciples as well as administrators, teachers and students

• to see God’s world with wonder and awe, evoking thankfulness and gratitude;
• to discover wisdom and a deeper understanding of God’s plan and call; and
• to respond to God’s call to work in the world, with action in love to God and our neighbour.

Instead of imposing Christian Education in addition to the existing curriculum, we expose God’s truth from the curriculum.  In doing so, we find out who we are in Christ and whom we serve.  We are:

• God worshippers who understand that worshiping God is about celebrating who God is, what God has done and is doing, and what God has created.
• Idolatry discerners who learn to “read” a worldview by asking questions about what is being portrayed in regard to culture, values, and belief systems.
• Earth keepers who respond to God’s call to be stewards of all creation.
• Beauty creators who create beauty that praises God and enriches our world.
• Justice seekers who act as agents of restoration.
• Creation enjoyers who celebrate God’s beautiful handiwork and give testimony to the presence of God in creation.
• Servant workers who work actively to heal brokenness and bring joy to individuals and to culture.
• Community builders who are active pursuers and builders of community in our classrooms, in our neighbourhoods, and in the global village
• Image reflectors who bear the image of God in our daily lives.  Being an image bearer isn’t something we DO.  An image bearer is who we ARE.
• Order discoverers who see God’s masterful planning and His fingerprints all over creation.

Along the journey of faith, we discover and develop our part in God’s unfolding story of creation – fall – redemption – restoration.

Reference

The Prairie Centre for Christian Education (2018) Teaching for Transformation.   https://www.pcce.ca/Teaching-for-Transformation