CHRISTIAN TEACHING

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28529, 7 March 1958, Page 3

CHRISTIAN TEACHING

Methodists Note W eaknesses The ignorance of many adults of Bib.e knowledge. Church doctrine and the application of the Christian faith to life was a weakness noted in Christian education by the annual ministerial synod of the Methodist Church of Canterbury at Tyndale House this week. Another weakness was said to be that many persons stopped growing in the’ understanding of and commitment of the Christian faith at an immature level. About 40 ministers attended the synod. Still another weakness noted was the large number of children in Church youth groups whose parents did not attend church. The report said that although there was a need for improved lesson materials, teaching conditions and techniques, the weaknesses could only be met by a radical reconsideration of the educational work of the local church. It was agreed that better teaching methods were insufficient without a vital centre of worship where the Gospel was proclaimed, and that graded instruction for all age groups, including adults, should be held. A parents’ magazine, dealing with the Church’s programme of education and providing material for group study will be published three times a year by the Church’s board of graded lessons. Some ministers indicated their intention of carrying out experimental work in the field of Chris-, tian education.