Starting An Adult Education Ministry: Essential Ingredients (w/Josh Kingcade) | Episode 1

What are the essential ingredients in a healthy adult education ministry? In this first podcast, we answer this while also laying out our own core principles and values as a ministry team at Sherrod Avenue as we pursue developing a full-fledged comprehensive program that glorifies Jesus and changes lives. 

My guest today is Josh Kingcade, Education Minister at the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. A 2000 member church, Memorial Road has long been a leader in Christian education. 90% of their worshipping community actively takes part in their Sunday morning classes, as well as learning groups and connect groups throughout the week which are all well-prepared for in person and online; their website offers free curriculum to any and all, and Josh himself provides training seminars on how to do all this well.

In this episode, we cover several key topics including:

• How "curriculum" is more than what happens in Bible class (5:07)
• Why intentionality is important (8:20)
• How adult learners are different (9:37)
• How learning groups can be foundational to faith formation (11:50)
• Ways of creating a welcoming atmosphere (15:05)
• And lots, lots more!

Connect with Josh Kingcade:

• Nathan's substack article featuring his interview with Josh
• JoshKingcade.com (and his consulting page)
• Josh's Free Curriculum
• Memorial Road Church of Christ
• Memorial Road Adult Education

And if you want more tips and guidance, sign up to our weekly substack email/newsletter or sign up for a zoom class, download free curriculum, or get to know us better all at avenueforfaith.org.

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In partnership with:

• Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ
• Avenue for Faith
• Nathan's weekly Substack
• The Teaching Guys

Chapters

• 0:00 Josh: Essential Ingredients
• 1:10 Nathan: Introducing the Episode
• 2:08 Nathan: Introducing Josh
• 2:46 Q1: Inspiration for Memorial Road's offerings
• 5:07 Q2: Is "curriculum" more than what happens in Bible class?
• 6:17 Q3: Sherrod Avenue's 7 core principles. Are criteria like this helpful?
• 8:20 Q4: Why is "intentionality" important?
• 9:37 Q5: How are adult learners different?
• 11:50 Q6: Is Bible class outdated, or foundational?
• 15:05 Q7: Is creating a welcoming "atmosphere" important?
• 17:47 Q8: What if a class stays together for years?
• 18:53 Q9: Can a small church offer something for everyone?
• 21:00 Q10: How can people contact you?
• 22:01 Nathan: Teaser for next episode