Christian Education Course Catalog
2007 - 2008

Adult Program

Functional education is the primary method of learning in St. Mark’s adult education courses. The following excerpt from our rector, Paul Abernathy, describes the theological underpinnings of the functional method:

(Excepted from "Introduction to Functional Education; Theological Underpinnings of St. Mark's Christian Education Program" by St. Mark's Rector Paul R. Abernathy)

Functional Education or "func ed", generally speaking, is a Christian education pedagogical model or instructional method authored by Charles Penniman, the aim of which is to make sense out of existence. Func ed begins with the exploration of life experience and moves to lore, the traditional teaching of the church. At the heart of the discipline is the recognition of the tension between sin and faith. In this instance, sin has less to do with some idea of iniquity, our falling short of some standard of morality, and more to do with our falling short if an essential authenticity in our humanity, our being less than true to ourselves, to others, and to God. Faith, understood here as the opposite of sin. Hence, an act of human authenticity is our affirmation, "(our) 'yes' to the power that created" us^[1]. The rationale of the discipline is rooted in the idea that a living faith cannot be had unless the depth of sin and despair are encountered. Moreover, the discipline involves three key elements: the experiential (engaging the stuff of our lives in this world), the biblical (engaging the source material of our religious tradition), and the spiritual (engaging the soul-deep inner movement and working of mind, emotion, and will). More especially, func ed is the discipline of the St. Mark's community, both the fundamental and foundational theoria of our communal praxis, i.e., the principle undergirding the practice of our way of life, our manner of being and doing community.

Registration for adult courses is by sign-up sheets posted on the Christian Education bulletin board in the church foyer.

While Gateway and Bible Study classes are offered each year, the bulk of the “Fall, Winter, and Spring” classes reflect what the congregation has put forth as ideas and topics to explore together this year. This year the offerings reflect a desire to explore our faith in the face of a polarized world. In the form of traditional 7 - 8 week classes, shorter classes, and Sunday classes, opportunities are there for everyone to participate. We hope you will find something right for you wherever you are on your faith journey.

[1] From the commentary on Category B-17 (sin).

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