What is a Christian Educator?
Christian educators are persons called by God to a ministry of education who demonstrate their faith in and love for Jesus Christ, are dedicated to the life of faith and are serious in purpose, honest in character and joyful in service. It is expected that Christian educators be persons with skills and training in biblical interpretation, Reformed theology, human development, religious education theory and practice, and the polity, programs and mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
These pages are for educators, Christian Education Committees, certification advisors, presbyteries and others interested in educators and/or certification.
2012 Educator Certification Handbook now available
Adjustments to the Educator Certification Handbook have been made for 2012. With policy changes shaded for easy viewing and forms available as separate fill-able PDFs, find the new Handbook here.
Training materials for Educator Certification Advisors
Educator Certification Advisors, the primary support of Christian educators active in the process of certification, are provided with ministry tools to assist them in this important role. Online training modules for Advisors and Reference Groups as well as policy updates and the Educator Certification Handbook are available.
Continuing education for volunteers
Opening Doors to Discipleship, the free online training resource, offers three courses:
- Course A, Teaching Skills
- Course B, Bible Background
- Course C, Presbyterian/Reformed Faith
- Course D, Discipleship
Each course provides 12 sessions of interactive learning for training, leader development, or faith formation. Contact your presbytery resource center or the Office of Christian Education for the PC(USA) log-in code. For security purposes, this number is unavailable on the Web. Please note th policies for educator certification regarding these courses meeting the knowledge and skill area requirements for the Enrolled Educational Assistant level of the Educator Certification process.
Support and advocacy for Christian Educators
The Association of Presbyterian Church Educators is a professional association concerned with the advancement of education in the church and is committed to the on-going witness of our faith in the Gospel.
For models, best practices and policies from presbyteries and synods on Christian Educators, visit MGB Connect.