The knowledges which are learned from infancy to childhood are like most general vessels, which are to be filled with goods.... If the vessels are such that they can admit genuine goods into them, then the person is enlightened from the Divine that is within them. (Arcana Coelestia 3665:3)

There is tremendous potential for New Church education in a school setting where teachers and students are looking to the Lord. The educator is challenged to organize lessons in a way that helps students see the Lord-His love, His wisdom, His leading. For each discipline can be taught in a way that reflects something of the Lord's love and wisdom while creating a foundation for understanding deeper spiritual concepts later in life.

Consider this excerpt from a presentation the Rt. Rev. Peter Buss gave at the June 2004 International New Church Teachers' Education Conference: "We want to work together with the Lord Himself in guiding our children's minds, so that He and the children's souls, and the truths of the Word and the truths of nature may be in harmony....The education of our children in the truth-any truth, whether natural or spiritual-if done with gentleness and the sphere of mutual love, bears fruit beyond our wildest dreams." Teaching is both an awesome responsibility and a joy.

The education department offers support to schools affiliated with the General Church:

• New Church Curriculum (for Kindergarten - Grade Twelve)
• Unit Boxes (a lending library of teaching kits that support the curriculum)
• The Resource Center (a collection of materials relating to the education of children)
• Teacher Support
  • The Teacher Career System
  • Discussion Groups