Q. How do we evaluate curriculum?

Chip Borgstadt, Assistant to the Bishop of the Nebraska Synod and ELCA Partner in Education presents the following ideas to assist those evaluating curricula for use in Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregations. Careful, prayerful consideration of learning materials helps leaders choose resources that develop the faith of members and reach others with the saving message of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.

Selecting Curriculum for Use in ELCA Congregations

by Chip Borgstadt, Associate in Ministry

Search Institute released a study that showed 84% of active Lutheran teens do not understand grace. The same study reported that 65% of Lutheran adults have difficulty accepting that salvation is by grace alone.

The Lutheran Church has a strong history of learning ministry and emphasis. Among it’s strongest traditions have been:

a highly focused proclamation that all people are justified through faith by grace;

that fellowship with God results in a life of grateful service, not the other way around;

that our faith influences all aspects of our lives.

Simply stated, learning ministry’s purpose is to help others know, love serve the Lord Jesus Christ in and through his body, the Church.

The publishers of Lutheran curriculum have traditionally maintained a consistent presentation of Lutheran theology. Increasingly, they are incorporating contemporary teaching approaches to actively engage today’s learners. There are still, however, many theologically sound resources that are less effective in reaching learners. Other publishers produce resources that are captivating, but they may not reflect the Lutheran understanding of God’s grace. As Lutheran congregations seek materials that elicit student response, they are often confronted with a dilemma: use stimulating learning activities that students enjoy or teach solid theology that learners don’t hear.

When using materials from non-Lutheran publishers, activities need to be adapted to reflect our Lutheran theology. Learning ministry leaders must review and evaluate each activity to determine it’s accurate presentation of the gospel message. Consider the following as you evaluate and reshape such activities and resources for use in you congregation.

• Is God portrayed as active and present in all human affairs? Does the activity teach that God desires a relationship with us based on love and trust rather than fear? All people, those who believe or do not believe or have never even heard, need the message of the Gospel.
  
• Is grace a free gift given by God and not seen as being earned through human effort?

1. Are activities presented in a variety of styles? Is the Learner, not the teacher, the focus of the activity?
   
2. Are activities engaging and relevant to the story or concept presented?
   
3. Are the developmental characteristics and needs of the learner addressed?
   
4. Is understanding and application emphasized over rote memory?
   
5. Does each activity provide cognitive (thinking) and affective (feeling) learning?
   
6. Is learning coordinated from year to year and among age groups?
   
7. Is previous learning reinforced periodically, not covered and forgotten?
   
8. Are all learners included in the activities, not just a few eager participants?
   
9. Do lessons support the total ministry of the congregation, including worship, stewardship and outreach?

• Is the Bible considered the primary book of faith, revealing Christ as the Word of God? Is it central to our understanding of what it means to be Christian?
  
• Is the Bible related to our daily lives and actions? Does it give meaningful direction without being a source of "easy answers" to complex situations?
  
• Is ministry set in the context of daily life and not limited to what occurs in the church? Do all people, not just those who "work" in a congregation engage in meaningful ministry to others?
  
• Is each individual valued by God? Does the body of Christ, the Church, need the unique characteristics and talents of every person?
  
• Are followers of Christ called by the Gospel to address issues of injustice and responsible stewardship as they respond to God’s love?
  
• Is the Church universal, stretching across ages, nations, ethnic groups and races around the world?
  
• Is the Church portrayed as a faith community rather than a group of individuals in private relationships with God?
  
• Are the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion emphasized? These means of graces call, gather, enlighten, nourish and strengthen God’s people for the task of proclaiming the Gospel.
  
• Is the overall lesson focused on what God has done for us through Christ and not on what we have done to earn God’s love? The theology presented must point to the saving grace of God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ– as God’s initiation for our benefit.

There are many ways to help congregational members grow in their knowledge, love and service to Jesus Christ. Effective educational leaders will evaluate the resources and activities they use to insure a grace orientation and scripture center to their efforts.