Objectives of CES


	The Objectives of CES

TEACHING STUDENTS THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

In 1938, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. speaking for the First Presidency, gave a landmark address to teachers in the Church Educational System. In that address he said: "Your chief interest, your essential and all but sole duty, is to teach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as has been revealed in these latter days. You are to teach this gospel, using as your sources and authorities the standard works of the Church and the words of those whom God has called to lead His people in these last days" ( The Chartered Course of the Church in Education, 1992 rev.ed. (address to religious educators, August 8, 1938)

Teaching the standard works is one of the primary activities of CES. And the curriculum materials provided by CES, along with teaching the scriptures, contain many quotes from the General Authorities, with a particular emphasis on those who have been sustained as prophets in this last dispensation.

Part of the charge to teach the gospel is to teach only those principles and doctrines that are in harmony with what the scriptures and the Brethren teach. President Clark, in his address, continued: "You are not, whether high or low, to change the doctrines of the Church or to modify them as they are declared by and in the standard works of the Church and by those whose authority it is to declare the mind and will of the Lord to the Church" (Charted course, p.10).

"Your chief interest, your essential and all but sole duty, is to teach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as that has been revealed in these latter days."

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

An often repeated invitation from the Lord is for his children to come to him in an attitude of inquiry and seeking:
"Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened" (Matthew 7:7-8)
A major part of teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ is teaching students this principle and encouraging them to use it throughout their lifetime.

TEACHING STUDENTS BY PRECEPT AND EXAMPLE

In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord taught that both precept and example are important in teaching the gospel:
"The elders, priest and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel....And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them" (D&C 42:12-13)
To teach by precept means to teach the principles and the doctrines of the great plan of redemption which make up the gospel of Jesus Christ. Part of the CES objective is to teach those precepts in such a way that students are influenced to strive to draw closer to Christ and to live the gospel more earnestly.


	*To teach by precept means to teach the principles and the doctrines.*


	*To teach by example means to live what we teach.*

PROVIDING A SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL CLIMATE

Providing a spiritual and social climate has to do with creating a positive and uplifting setting where students and teachers can learn, associate, and be edified together. It is important for seminary classes to provide youth the opportunity to associate with others who hold the same values and beliefs as their own. All students should be able to feel loved, trusted, valued, and safe in seminary.
Though CES is primarily a religious education program, some social interactions are approved. Seminaries are not to sponser out-of-class activities except as approved by local CES administrators and on a limited basis (such as a opening and closing social).

Seminary classes should provide a spiritual haven where the mind and heart can focus for a time on the things of God and eternity and where students can feel the influence of the Spirit.

PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR EFFECTIVE CHURCH SERVICE

While teaching students the gospel there are many opportunities to show how men and women who love the Lord exemplify an attitude of service and to note the blessings that come through such service. In addition, activities can be planned that focus on giving service to others in need. Seminary students should be encouraged and given opportunity to practice principles of service and fellowship outside of class as well as in it.

Unit 1

Site Mapper