Christian Education

Christian Education for children, youth, and adults.

God makes Himself and His will known through His Word. That’s why we study God’s Word together at St. Peter’s.

We offer many opportunities to study God’s Word, including:

  • Sunday School and Vacation Bible School – familiarizing children (Pre-K through 8th Grade) with the Bible
  • Catechism Classes – diving deep into Christian doctrine for middle schoolers
  • Youth Group – fun mixed with devotion and the reading of God’s Word for older students (8th-12th Grade)
  • Midweek Daytime Bible Studies – detailed study of the Bible for adults

In addition, our preaching at St. Peter’s is full of deep teaching from God’s Word.

Group of children engaged in the Christian education opportunity of Vacation Bible School.

Christian Education Schedule & Location

Christian Education Schedule

Children’s Sunday School: Sundays at 9:00 AM, September through May

Catechism Classes: Wednesdays at 6:00 PM, September through May

Vacation Bible School: Summertime

Youth Group: Monthly meetings September through May

Adult Midweek Bible Study: Wednesdays at 11:00 AM at various points in the year

Location

Street Address:
316 W. Main Street
Forestville, WI 54213

Mailing Address:
Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church
PO Box 85
Forestville, WI 54213

What the Bible says about Christian Education

Christian education is a central aspect of nurturing faith and spiritual growth, rooted deeply in the teachings of the Bible. The Scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of imparting knowledge of God’s Word and guiding believers in the path of righteousness. The Bible offers clear guidance on the purpose, methods, and significance of Christian education, making it an essential part of a believer’s journey.

The Foundation of Christian Education

The Bible sets a strong foundation for Christian education, particularly in the Old Testament. One of the most well-known passages regarding the teaching of God’s Word is found in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, which says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” This passage underscores the responsibility of parents and the faith community to teach children about God continuously, integrating His commandments into daily life.

Proverbs 22:6 further emphasizes this responsibility, stating, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” This proverb reflects the long-lasting impact of Christian education. When children are taught the ways of the Lord from a young age, they are more likely to maintain their faith and live according to God’s principles throughout their lives.

The Role of Scripture in Christian Education

The Bible itself is the primary textbook for Christian education. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 highlights the comprehensive role of Scripture, stating, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Here, the apostle Paul underscores the importance of the Bible in teaching believers how to live godly lives, correcting their paths, and equipping them to serve others.

This passage also suggests that Christian education is about acquiring knowledge and transforming lives. It is about shaping character and actions in alignment with God’s will. The Bible educates believers on who God is, what He desires from His people, and how they can fulfill their calling in Christ.

The Community’s Role in Christian Education

Christian education is not solely the responsibility of individual families but of the entire faith community. In the New Testament, the early church exemplified a model of collective learning and discipleship. Acts 2:42 describes the early believers: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This verse indicates that the early Christians highly valued teaching and learning within the community.

Additionally, Ephesians 4:11-13 speaks to the role of church leaders in Christian education: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” This passage highlights the church’s responsibility to educate its members, helping them to grow in their faith and maturity.

The Purpose of Christian Education

Ultimately, the purpose of Christian education is to lead believers into a deeper relationship with God and to equip them to live out their faith in the world. As Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Christian education is not just about personal spiritual growth but also about preparing believers to fulfill the Great Commission.