Identification of key competencies of professional Christian educators in Protestant local churches
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to identify the key competencies required by local church Christian educators in the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A., the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and the United Methodist Church. The qualitative study involved focus group and individual interviews of pastors, educators, lay persons, and denominational leaders in the midwest. The interview data was triangulated with a content analysis of documents including educator job descriptions, certification requirements, and seminary Christian education course descriptions and syllabi. Thirty-two competencies were identified and divided into five competency categories: faith characteristics, personal traits, knowledge competencies, attitude competencies, and skill competencies. Six of the identified competencies were cited in at least 75% of the interviews. These included people skills, volunteer management skills, administrative/program planning skills, Bible knowledge, theology, and communication skills. In addition to the identification of competencies, contemporary factors that impact the profession of Christian educator are discussed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Russell, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Religious education|Clergy|Adult education|Continuing education
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