Back to School
By Cindy Kohlmann, NCP Connectional Presbyter
 

It’s that time of year when across the country teachers, administrators and staff, and students return to the classroom, whether digitally or physically, to take up the task of learning. This work has been even harder during the pandemic, and we lift up fervent prayers for all those associated with education across this country and the world.

 

As you probably know, the Presbyterian Church values education highly, requiring an advanced degree for ordination as a teaching elder (certainly that title is an important hint!). One of our most enduring mission efforts around the world was beginning schools for children who didn’t have access to education, providing teachers and materials and buildings, all so our minds could grow alongside our faith.

 

Let me say that again: we believe wholeheartedly that our minds should grow alongside our faith.

In our tradition, learning doesn’t stop simply because we graduate or finish a program. Guided by our faith, we value life-long learning, understanding that in order to become more and more the people God desires us to be, we have to keep learning, growing, and, yes, changing.

 

Faith for us is not a “one and done” scenario. No, for us the journey simply begins in the water of baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit. That’s just the jumping off point! The rest of our lives, each and every day, give us countless opportunities to deepen our faith, to challenge our understanding of ourselves and Jesus, and to continue to learn how better to love God with all of who we are and our neighbors as ourselves.

 

It takes time and effort to learn how to be a Christian, a disciple, a follower of Jesus Christ. It takes commitment and dedication to learn how to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, those gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It takes the community coming together to learn how to discern and follow God’s will.

 

This is part of what we mean when we talk about being a Matthew 25 Presbytery dedicated to building vital congregations. A vital congregation is a gathering of people who are continually learning how to be more faithful Christians, more loving neighbors, and more Christ-like followers. A vital congregation works together to develop authentic relationships, healthy structures, an outward focus, servant leadership, and Spirit-inspired worship. A vital congregation is one that neighbors speak of with gratitude and joy, whether they ever become members or not. A vital congregation plays an important role in the community, in tangible and life-changing ways.

 

Over the next few months, you’re going to hear us talk more about what it means to be a vital congregation, and you will be invited to participate in learning opportunities linked to that work. This is for each and every one of us, both individually and for our congregations. None of us have “arrived” at Christ-like perfection! And that means all of us have something to learn.

 

Will you go back to school with us, in order to deepen your own walk with Jesus, to grow your understanding of who you are and who God is calling you to be, and to be part of your congregation’s journey towards greater vitality? We’re excited to enter this season of learning with you!

To learn more about Vital Congregations in the PC(USA), visit this website:

https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/theology-formation-and-evangelism/vital-congregations/

Peace, Cindy