Education Department, Erdington Church
Education for Eternity
“The work of education and the work of redemption are one.”
Education, p. 30
“In a knowledge of God all true knowledge and real development have their source. Wherever we turn, in the physical, the mental, or the spiritual realm; in whatever we behold, apart from the blight of sin, this knowledge is revealed. Whatever line of investigation we pursue, with a sincere purpose to arrive at truth, we are brought in touch with the unseen, mighty Intelligence that is working in and through all. The mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite. The effect of such communion on body and mind and soul is beyond estimate.” Education, p. 14
It is the goal of all Adventist Parents to ensure that their children and the youth have a holist educational experience that will equip them to be of service in this world and a greater service to the world to come. Though there are opportunities and constraints for Adventist Education in the United Kingdom, the Erdington Education Department aims to:
- Help members to understand and embrace Adventist education
- Explore practical ways forward in implementing Adventist education
- Facilitate local churches in developing Adventist education initiatives
The three major areas being explore over the next 12 months are:
Adventist Education Initiatives within Local Church: (Examples)
- Homework and Pathfinder Education Club
- Embark upon remedial programs from primary school level to secondary school
- Free literacy programs for the community Adventist and non-Adventist
Home Schooling: A Viable Option for Adventist Education
Parents, where are your children? What kind of characters do they have? Who is teaching them? Are you satisfied? Is God pleased with the way your children are being trained? Are they bound for heaven?
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
The home is the first and most important setting for training children. As Adventists, education in the home is of salvational importance for our children and young people. It is a fundamental part of the education plan that God has given to us. Home is the first school and parents, especially mothers, are the most important teachers.
Right now in Britain, for most Adventist families, home schooling offers the most accessible and the best setting for carrying out the God-given plan of Adventist education. The law throughout Britain is currently favourable toward home education, but this may not always be the case.
If ever we are to work in earnest, it is now. The enemy is pressing in on all sides, like a flood. Only the power of God can save our children from being swept away by the tide of evil. The responsibility resting upon parents, teachers, and church members, to do their part in co-operation with God, is greater than words can express. (Counsels to Parents, Teachers & Students 166).
The Education Department wants to support families in the church who would like to give their children and young people an Adventist education through home schooling and in other suitable ways. Together, we can educate all of our children and young people for eternity.
Careers Guidance & Vocational Education
In today's economy, careers guidance is essential for many of our members who are looking to advance their careers after completing formal education. Vocational jobs are becoming more and more important. Therefore, vocational education programs and degree apprenticeships have become popular. Vocational education training provides career and technical education. These specialist courses are co-designed with employers to ensure they are providing the skills that industry is looking for. Students enrolled on degree apprenticeships are employed and divide their time between the workplace and flexible university study. While learning, they are also earning and gaining real experience of the job and will graduate with a full bachelors or master's level degree. As an education department we are here to support our members in getting the best advice on how to pursue a career of their choice for service in this world within a biblical Christian environment.
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