Our curriculum policy helps clarify how to use curriculum resources in any of the ministry groups or teams of Johns Creek UMC. If you have any questions concerning the "Policy On The Use Of Curriculum", or if you need help finding curriculum for your class or group, please contact the appropriate pastor of Christian Education; Rev. Jenna Mobley, 770-497-8215 ext. 1227 (for children); Andy Webb, 770-497-8215 ext. 1211 (for youth); and Rev. Melinda Campbell-Jones, 770-497-8215 ext. 1227 (for adults).

Policy on the Use of Curriculum

The United Methodist Book of Discipline is the book of law of the United Methodist Church. In the greeting from the Council of Bishops we read: "The Discipline as the instrument for setting forth the laws, plan policy, and process by which United Methodists govern themselves remain constant". Each General conference (which meets every 4 years) amends, perfects, clarifies, and adds its own contribution to the Discipline. We do not see the Discipline as sacrosanct or infallible, but we do consider it a document suitable to our heritage. It is the most current statement of how United Methodists agree to live their lives together. It reflects our understanding of the Church and of what is expected of its laity and clergy as they seek to be effective witnesses in the world as a part of the whole body of Christ.

This book of covenant sets forth the theological grounding of The United Methodist Church in biblical faith and affirms that we go forward as "loyal heirs to all that is best in the Christian past." 2004 Book of Discipline P. V

From paragraph 1110.1 in the Book Of Discipline we read:
"Education Responsibilities and Standards - The Board shall organize as may be necessary for carrying on the educational ministry through out the whole life span of persons. The Board shall:

Formulate and interpret the philosophy of Christian education based on biblical, theological, and educational foundations (consistent with the Doctrinal Standards and General Rules of the United Methodist Church) as they relate to the church school and related activities; individual or group study; fellowship, education, and action groups of children, youth and adults: related educational programs provided by civic youth-serving agencies; weekday nurseries and kindergartens; daycare centers, choirs, drama groups, mission studies; education for leisure; outdoor education, camping; education of persons with developmental disabilities and others of special need; special Bible study groups, confirmation and church membership training."

For Johns Creek UMC this means Sunday School classes, LOAF groups, UMW, UMM, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation, Morning Prayer groups, Children's and Youth studies material. All small groups that meet in the name of Johns Creek UMC, on the church campus or off church campus, are included this policy.

Johns Creek United Methodist Church assumes responsibility for this mandate and thereby requires that all educational and program resources be approved by the pastor of Christian Education or the senior pastor.

Pre-approved resources, approved by the United Methodist Publishing House/Cokesbury include:

All curriculum resources published in the Forcast annual and quarterly listing.
All resources listed in the United Methodist Women's Reading Program.
All material published by the United Methodist Publishing House/Cokesbury including:
 Abingdon Press
 Discipleship Resources
 The Upper Room Press
 Graded Press

Copies of the United Methodist curriculum catalogues are available in the Christian Education office. Please see the pastor of Christian Education or any of the pastors at JCUMC if you need guidance in choosing materials.

Curriculum orders must be placed with the pastor of Christian Education six weeks before needed if at all possible. Please note, children's and youth Sunday School material are standing orders and do not need to be ordered each quarter unless class needs to change amount ordered. Approximated deadlines are:

For fall quarter, by June 15th
For winter quarter, by October 25th
For spring quarter, by January 15th
For summer quarter, by April 15th

SELECTION AND APPROVAL OF SPECIAL STUDY MATERIAL:

While the pre-approved resource materials provide an almost unlimited variety and amount of study material, we recognize that there may be special topics individual classes or groups desire to study. In these instances, each class/group president/leader is responsible to submit a copy of the book or material to the pastor of Christian Education or the senior pastor four weeks prior to the scheduled use of proposed material. Materials will be assessed to insure they are appropriate to the mission of the church and consistent with The United Methodist doctrine, theology and polity

POLICY ON TEACHERS AND GUEST SPEAKERS:

All class teachers and group leaders must be approved by the pastor of Christian Education or the senior pastor. Only United Methodists are approved teachers and group leaders of classes at United Methodist Churches. Any United Methodist who is not a member of Johns Creek United Methodist Church must be invited by special invitation by the pastor of Christian Education or the senior pastor.

All teachers and group leaders are required to inform the pastor of Christian Education of the material being used in the class or group for publishing purposes.

Any outside guest speaker or leader invited to teach must be approved and invited by the pastor of Christian Education or the senior pastor.