paideia
what is paideia?
paideia is a Greek word which means “training,” as found in the passage below.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. [ 2 Timothy 3.16-17 ]
paideia is also the name of our Christian education and discipleship ministry here at Redeemer.
why 2.0?
We have had a Christian education program in the past. We took the Spring of ’07 off from that program in order to rework it, to remold it – a transformation toward simplicity and continuity. This “new version” of paideia is much more straightforward, hopefully much more user-friendly. Those who were a part of paideia in the past need not feel that they’ve “been there and done that.” It’s all new. And continues to be relevant and beneficial for all.
so … what’s the point?
Simply stated, the purpose of paideia is:
to equip our people for every good work through teaching the Bible and the summary of its teaching
how will this benefit me?
The hope is that for those who commit to the participate in paideia, the following areas would be positively effected:
- our confession – thinking Biblically about God’s character and his actions in the world
- our character – living as becomes his children and followers
- our commitment – participating in God’s Kingdom work of redemption and restoration
how are we gonna get there?
Simple: through teaching the Bible and the summary of its teaching.
Specifically that means that over the course of two years, we will study the Bible from cover to cover, one book at a time (Year 1) and we will study a summary of the Bible’s teaching (The Westminster Shorter Catechism), one question at a time (Year 2).
how’s this thing organized?
We will meet every Wednesday evening, from 7-8:30pm, during the academic year (September – May). paideia will meet at the TR branch of the Greenville County Library (17 Center Street). Due to Library policies, we will need to occasionally meet at the Berea Branch of the Library.
what about my kids?
Childcare is provided for children up through 5th grade. They may be dropped off at the home of Grant and Sara Beachy (407 Tubbs Mtn Rd) at 6:45. This is less than 1 mile from the TR Library. Children in 6th grade and above are encouraged to participate in Overflow, the youth meeting, at the home of Rex & Suzanne Brown (1133 Tubbs Mtn Rd).
what’s expected of me?
- Prayerfully consider your involvement
- Please sign up using this online form [ deadline: September 9th ]
- Pay the $25/person cost for materials, which can be cash or a check made out to Redeemer and noted "paideia." Payment may be:
- Mailed to Redeemer's Office on S. Main St.
- Put in the offering plate on Sunday morning
- Handed to Grant on the first night
- Commit (dare we say “covenant”?) to be present every week
- Do the assignments (30 min/wk)
Year 1: read An Overview of the Bible and select passages from Scripture, as well as memorize optional verses.
Year 2: read The Westminster Shorter Catechism and memorize a selection of its questions and answers and read selected excerpts from The Confession of Faith and The Larger Catechism.
why should I do this, again?
It is a lot, and we do look for a high level of commitment. No bones about it. We are confident, nonetheless, that the investment is worth the expenditures of time and energy. We hope you will see the importance of seeking to be more “thoroughly equipped” by better knowing the Bible and what it teaches.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. [ Ephesians 2.10 ]
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him … He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. [ 2 Peter 1.3-4 ]
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. [ 2 Timothy 3.16-17 ]
These passages teach us:
- we are designed and created to do good works, to live a godly life
- we have everything that we need for life and godliness in God’s promises
- we get thoroughly equipped only through being trained in and by the Scriptures
God has given his promises, his Word, so that we might become “thoroughly equipped” for life and godliness. While we can not fully ensure this outcome, we can provide a context that will better enable this outcome. Join us.
If you have any further questions, please call the church office and ask for Grant (610.9400) or send him an email
