Although I am currently unaffiliated with a local church (and unsure if that will change) I have given some thought on what I would refer to as “Christian Continuing Learning” or “University Within Church,” because so many of life’s subjects on Christian living require more than weekly worship services or Bible studies. Sometimes there are topics that could be packaged together and thought in a classroom environment where they’re just presented over and over and over again, like semesters.
I’ve thought of a few classes, perhaps you may think of others?
- Christianity 101 – There are things babes in Christ either struggle with or simply don’t know: Everything to deep theology like, “What is the Triad?” to “What does it mean to be saved?” Other questions like, “Are Mormons Christians?” to “Is it okay to be cremated?” perplex sometimes long-time believers, and while a great number of the answers are subjective, and we ought to say so when appropriate, we should also make clear what our particular religion’s dogma is exactly.
- Christian Marriage and Pre-marriage counseling – Required by many churches, definitely those performing covenant marriages, seeking the Bible’s wisdom on Godly marriage seems like a no-brainer. Everything from roles to dispute resolutions would benefit from older, more established married couples leading younger soon-to-be married or young marriages in strengthening and shoring up marriage should be available year round. Especially…
- Financial Literacy – I’ll admit, this was one of the subjects that came to mind for myself. As of this writing I’m 65 and I have never had an operating budget. I am under the Lord’s conviction here, for sure. Money issues split up families, marriages, cause depression, addictions, and in short, destroy lives. Church teaching needs to be more than, “Tithe! Tithe! Tithe!” It needs to be guidance on budgeting, saving, investing, giving, benevolence, thrift, recreation, everything that puts life’s focus on God‘s blessings and takes it off worrying about the pocketbook.
- Witnessing – Another subject I’m under God’s conviction on. When we’re new Christians we want to go out and tell everyone we meet about Jesus and salvation and love, but while you can give yourself points for enthusiasm, it might be best if you put in a few rounds before jumping into evangelism. On the flip side, the longer you’ve been a Christ-follower, the longer the chance you’ve either gotten tired of the pushback or stereotyping, being hassled or ridiculed, or just to become complacent. Despite Jesus Himself calling us out as salt that has lost its taste or warm milk, many of us, myself included, have failed to preach the good news when the opportunity comes. We need to teach apologetics like it’s a sales course, including closings and countering arguments.
I could probably go on, but you get the idea. When one class ends, another forms up, and the cycle repeats. It can be done within the church, or as a standing Meetup group, who cares?!