Should the church play a role in educating children and teenagers?
When I grew up one of the places that I learned how to read and speak well was in my church. We were taught how to read Bible stories and speak well on various plays for Easter and Christmas. Today there are more church related schools and after school centers that provide tutoring. Have you run into any unique programs that benefit the community? What additional things can churches do to educate children?
Church played a major role in my education. At a very young age (probably 5), I was reciting speeches and participating in plays. Not only did I do this at church, but my parents did not allow us to have company over on Tuesday nights because we had "family night" that was really church oriented. My mother made us do so many things impromptu because she said we needed to be prepared if we were called on at church. Our reading in Sunday school and being required to do Sunday School reviews played a major role in who I am today. I remember doing welcome addresses, acceptance speeches, and almost anything on a program, but mediocre was not accepted. What I remember most is that my parents as well as my church made sure that I knew what I was talking about before I got up and said anything. That is still in me and it is something that has been instilled in my nieces and nephews as well as others whom I work with.