Training
Learning is a fundamental principle of life, and where there is no more learning, there is stagnation. Jesus was respected as a Rabbi, that is, as a teacher, and his disciples can be considered his students. The Greek word for disciple (mathetes) comes from the world of education. Followers of Jesus are people in training, and training promotes growth. The real goal in the school of Jesus is actions and not just words and knowledge. Because training empowers people to develop and grow, the church should be a place of learning for all generations. Young people are not the only ones who need structured, continuous education and support in the environment and daily life of the local church. Churches that place great importance on education are therefore committed to providing all members with the opportunity to grow in understanding, improve their individual gifts and continue to develop in service for God. They therefore encourage and support their members in the participation in internal and external training opportunities. The progress of a living community of faith thrives on the awareness that one is never finished learning.
“Discipleship is about continuing education. We see this life of Jesus with regard to all his followers…Two-thirds of Jesus’ work was education. Continuing education means continuous learning for those who want to be effective…Jesus indeed told his disciples that they would carry on learning through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).“