Principles and policies for a program of leadership education for the Sunday Church Schools of the Methodist Church in the English-speaking Caribbean

Abstract

The Methodist Church in the English-speaking Caribbean had been concerned about the effectiveness of its Christian education programme as conducted in "Sunday schools." Young inexperienced teachers or older ones with less education predominated. Most had little contact with children or youth in the church's week-day recreational programme. The Church School programme lacked creative activities, and adequate accommodation and equipment. Leadership education appeared to be the key to development. Basic principles for planning leadership education were established, and principles underlying the selection and development of leaders, and character and ability required of a director were indicated. The principles were then translated into policies, and a pilot programme was outlined. It would begin with congregational involvement through evaluation under a trained director. Existing adult Bible study groups would be drawn into the orbit of the Sunday school. Fellowship and group solidarity would be strengthened by fellowship meals and retreats. Preparation classes for leaders would be established. Policies for evaluating the pilot programme and for extending it to the Districts and to the entire Caribbean, structure changes in the Church, and needed resources were indicated