By Connie Goodbread

Faith Development is all we do.

It doesn’t matter if it is from the pulpit or in the classroom, Faith Development is all we do. Ministry is to challenge the people to continue their faith development. We are all works in progress.

“The Congregation is the Curriculum.” Maria Harris 

In her book, “Fashion Me a People” Maria Harris, talks about the three ways in which congregations teach. She calls them the three expressions of a congregation’s curriculum.

The Explicit Expression is the clearly stated or visually representations of beliefs. We teach explicitly with the curricula we buy, the congregational visions, missions and covenants and the values we teach and openly uphold. The Seven Principles and Six Sources are an explicit expression of curriculum.

The Implicit Expression is the norms and practices of the congregation that are not articulated fully or openly. They can be silent but they are strong and deeply embedded in the culture. Examples: children andyouth involvement in the worship or social time, how leaders are developed, lay pastoral care practices, levels of giving, expectations of membership, how the minister is expected or allowed to relate to the children and youth. This expression is also found in what is allowed such as disrespectful, inappropriate or toxic behavior, sabotage, gossip, not allowing leaders to lead etc.

The Null Expression is the paradox that exists because it is that which is omitted; what is absent but communicates much about the congregation. For example: some words Continue Reading »