When Pittsburgh Presbytery met on October 12 at the Hamilton Presbyterian Church we worshiped God in a service of Holy Communion.During the service we sang two great hymns: "Baptized in Water" and "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus."
The sermon was preached by Professor Ben Freudenburg, the Director of the Family Life Program at Concordia University Ann Arbor. Professor Freudenburg is leading a number of events for Pittsburgh Presbytery through this weekend.
Professor Freudenburg spoke about a new reformation that America and the world need. He sees a need for a paradigm shift to home centered church supported ministry. From his text, Joshua 24:14-18, he drew the importance of commitments that are based in the household where children are raised. He also pointed to Deuteronomy 6:4-9 to emphasize the importance of children being in homes where they are constantly told the stories and values of the Christian community.
The paradigm shift he talks about is an important and needed one. There is a trap in the way the church has been doing Christian education in that faith education has been seen too much as something for which children are sent to the church to get. Freudenburg offered statistics to show that a home where the message is being conveyed continually is the best factor in ensuring that young people "stick with Jesus" in Freudenburg's words.
Professor Freudenburg will lead an event today at the Presbytery office from 9:00 to 1:30 on "Training in the Family Friendly Church". Tomorrow (Saturday) he will lead in the Teacher Training Workshop at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary from 9:00 to 3:00.
My other articles about this meeting: A. Welcome B. Worship with Ben Freudenburg C: Ordination overture D. Vocational matters E. Reflective listening about property F. Awards and honors
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