LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1962, Page 4

Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

⤓ Download .txt · copy text

COMMITTEE 4

Such a survey will be helpful in determining the
proper balance between the more simple and more diffi-
cult subject matter to be presented, thus providing ma-
terials which better serve the constituency of the Synod.

b. Determining the felt needs of congregations as
regards the kind and type of curriculum materials that
should be made available to provide a program that is
relevant in various types of situations.

ce. Evaluating current literature in the field of Chris-
tian education curriculum to determine what is con-
sidered by others to be desirable content for such a cur-
riculum.

d. Determining the kind and type of teaching talent
available so that the curriculum materials might be
structured in such a way as best to aid those who will
be serving as teachers in the various agencies.

4, Direct a review of the theological content of the
existing curriculum materials of the Christian educa-
tion agencies in the Synod to determine their strengths
and weaknesses and what improvements are necessary
to make them as effective as possible. Special attention
would be given the following:

a. emphasis on, and use of, the Word and the sacra-
ments;

b. emphasis on the church as the body of Christ and
as the agency through which God offers salvation to
men;

c. emphasis on the doctrine of the priesthood of all
believers and its implications for the whole of Christian
life in the church;

d. emphasis on worship;

e. the approach to the Scriptures; relating the por-
tions taught to the totality of the Scriptures rather than
teaching them as separate entities;

f. coverage of Bible content;

g. inclusion of extra-Biblical materials, such as
church history, Christian art, liturgy, hymnology;

h. the extent to which the teachers’ guides suggest
using the resources of the Christian and secular com-
munities in the program of Christian education;

i. the extent to which the content of the materials
contributes to the developing of Christians who carry
their faith into life.

5. Supervise the planning of a more effective, better
integrated, overall curriculum in parish education which
will aid the Synod in promoting the internal spiritual
growth of her membership and in achieving the mission
of bringing salvation to those who are not yet a part
of the body of Christ. ;

6. Make periodic contact with the Synod’s terminal
schools and the other departments of the Synod to dis-
cuss the development of the curriculum in parish edu-
cation. The seminaries and teachers colleges of the
Synod have some research projects dealing with as-
pects of the curriculum, and some suggestions related
to the curriculum do arise as attention is given to train-
ing pastors and teachers. Since the curriculum in par-

185

ish education should reflect the composite concerns of
the church, the various departments of the Synod may
have suggestions to offer for consideration in developing
the curriculum.

Conclusion

The Board of Parish Education has for some time
felt the need for a thorough study of the Synod’s cur-
riculum needs, and ways to meet those needs. Viewed
from the perspective of the present work loads of the
members of our staff and the educational imperative that
work on the improving of the curriculum be begun at
once, it is apparent that this important work necessitates
the full-time services of a qualified person to provide
leadership and direct the necessary studies, surveys,
and evaluations.

Other church bodies have long since recognized
this important need and have accordingly appropriated
funds in sufficient amounts to carry out the task. In
each instance the leadership in the area of curriculum
development was made the specific concern of one qual-
ified individual such as our board has herein referred
to as the Coordinator of Curriculum Materials.

The action of the other church bodies serves to point
up the position of importance which the curriculum of
Christian education occupies in the minds of Christian
educators. Since we have no person available to pro-
vide for this coordinated curriculum development, it
also points out that a need for a Coordinator of Cur-
riculum Materials does exist in our Synod.

In view of the fact that we maintain a system of
Lutheran elementary schools and high schools in addi-
tion to other church schools, our need for a Coordinator
of Curriculum Materials is actually greater than that
of the church bodies that have already provided for
such a position.

In view of the foregoing the Board of Parish Edu-
cation respectfully submits the following

Recommendations

1. That the office of Coordinator of Curriculum Ma-
terials be established;

2. That the Coordinator of Curriculum Materials be
made a regular member of the staff of the Board of
Parish Education;

3. That the Coordinator of Curriculum Materials
work with the members of the staff, providing the lead-
ership and counseling necessary to carry out the func-
tions of the position;

4. That the role of the Coordinator of Curriculum
Materials be twofold:

1) giving leadership to the staff in the organizing
and supervising of curriculum studies needed in devel-
oping a coordinated program of parish education, and

2) giving leadership in executing the program de-
veloped;

5. That work on the building of a new, functional,
well-integrated curriculum for the entire educational