Mere Didaskalia: The Vocational Calling and Mission of Christian Teaching Ministry

Abstract

This article presents the ministry of Christian teaching according to its distinctive vocational calling and mission. The first section contributes a theological meditation on the vocational essence of Christian education (CE), featuring an original proposed definition of “Christian teaching ministry.” The second section of the article contributes an ethical meditation on the vocational endeavor of CE, featuring an original proposed framework of Christian teaching ministry’s mission. For the field of CE and the academic discipline devoted to it, this article represents an appeal to vocational-missional centrality around the redemptive ideal and function of doctrine ( didaskalia) in congregational contexts.

A Community of Scholars for the Church's Teaching Ministry: A Vision for Flourishing at SPCE's 50th Anniversary

“…By conviction and calling, therefore, we affirm the centrality of teaching ( didaskalia ) as the church's primary means of pursuing discipleship, according to the Great Commission (see Trentham, 2021). We also affirm that the essential outcome of Christian teaching must be both vertical and horizontal, according to the Great Commandment.…”

“…Augustine (1999) says, "A person is at his best when in his whole life he strives towards the unchangeable form of life and holds fast to it wholeheartedly" (p. 17). Christian education, i.e., the ministry of Christian teaching, is the intentional facilitation of redemptive learning in gathered church contexts, by the means of Scripture and doctrine, unto discipleship (see Trentham, 2021). As such, its perennial endeavor is to unite the church in holding fast to the unchangeable truth of the gospel together in community, so that all believers may be equipped with discernment and wisdom to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor.…”

“…The vocational mission of Christian teaching is to facilitate learning that appeals to the love of knowing what is truly wise, so the body of Christ may increasingly grow in the motivation and capacity to love doing what is truly wise (see Trentham, 2021). The sacred responsibility of Christian teaching ministry is to serve as an instrument in the Spirit's work of renewing the minds of God's people (Rom.…”

“…John 15:8). We will do this, by God's grace, by focusing all our energy, creativity, and expertise toward the central redemptive ethic of Christian teaching: (1) Confessing the Lordship of Christ, (2) abiding together in the love of Christ, and (3) bearing fruit for the Kingdom of Christ (see Trentham, 2021).…”

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“…Educational ministry, rooted in the proclamation of the gospel and devoted to producing the fruit of discipleship, is the ministry of didaskalia (see Trentham, 2021) . Didaskalia involves the development of discernment through teaching and learning.…”