The following is from the “Report of the Committee on Christian Education and Publications to the 37th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America”:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind (by
changing the way you think), that by testing you may discern what is the will of God (what God would have you do), what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Jesus warned his twelve disciples on one occasion that unless they know and understand what they believe they could be in grave spiritual danger (see Mark 8).

Immediately before He ascended into heaven He commissioned His disciples to make
disciples by baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that He had commanded (see Matthew 28:16-20).

In both the Old and New Testaments, this the supreme royal law of God—“love the Lord
your God with all of your mind, heart, body, and soul.”

Christianity is a mind (heart) religion that focuses on the good news (the gospel) of the
kingdom of God. That kingdom is not primarily about us, though we are a significant part. It is not simply about an individual and his or her salvation, though that too is an important part. The good news is about the kingdom of God. It is noteworthy to read through the Gospels and see Jesus’ focus on the kingdom of God. More than 100 times he refers to the kingdom, yet there are only two references to “church” in those same gospels even though the church is the heart of the kingdom. What Jesus wants us to know and understand is that the gospel is about Him and His kingdom; and He rules and reigns over the citizens of that kingdom, especially those He has redeemed.

We are on solid ground when we stress the kingdom of God, His sovereignty, and a
Christian world and life view. Such emphasis reminds us that God is ruler over all. There is no area of life where God does not rule and reign, even though it is presently a spiritual
kingdom. This is a message that has not been preached and taught with much effectiveness in our world. Consequently, the church has been hindered in its ability to carry out Christ’s commission to make kingdom disciples. Though the Bible clearly teaches that there is a “now” and “not yet” aspect of the kingdom, nevertheless, with the coming of Christ, the kingdom has come. That is the gospel or Good News.

The Presbyterian Church in America, along with its Committees and Agencies, exists in a
setting that once was known for its affinity to Christianity. The United States was never an officially designated Christian nation, but God was a very important aspect of the paradigm.

Today, things are different. America is now known for its pluralism and dualism. Things
that once provided the values and moral base for our society are no longer undergirding our culture and life. Secular humanism, leaving God out of the picture, has taken its toll and our nation is in deep trouble. What is needed more than anything else is for Jesus to be proclaimed because Jesus is the Messiah; and as that title suggests, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. To preach the good news of the kingdom is to preach Christ’s reign. The church’s role is to represent His rule and reign.

Christian Education and Publications is committed to making kingdom disciples who know how to think, reason, and live as Christians. Through its tasks of training and resources, CEP attempts to assist churches collectively and individually to make kingdom disciples that will make a difference by having an impact on the world around us.

We can neither withdraw from the world, nor accommodate the world to the point that we
loose our effectiveness. However, we must understand this world in order to understand,
apply, and challenge people with the Word of God, His revealed truth. Our prayer in all of
our activities is that CEP will be better equipped to serve God in all of life, having a broader kingdom influence beyond the organized church. What we aim for in our training, resources,and consultations is for people to be better prepared to think God’s thoughts after Him by knowing how to think and live biblically. While our activities are centered on helping adults to know how to enfold and disciple the rising generation, our ultimate aim is to disciple those precious covenant children and youth. We realize, as Calvin said, if we fail to catechize our children, we will eventually lose the church.

As we are carrying out our mission, we look for indications of results—people becoming
involved in service and ministry, reaching out to those who need mercy and help, worshiping in local churches with dignity and freedom as we celebrate “The Faith” in many different ways. Overall we look for the church, as a result of our efforts, to have a better understanding of the connection between baptism, as the sign of the covenant, and the indispensability of the Word of God in the kingdom approach to making disciples. We are also consciously attempting to carry out our mission with a multicultural sensitivity that will help the PCA reach out and into ethnic communities.

CEP is completing the fourth year of our five-year plan. Though we have had to alter the
plan at places because of lack of resources, we are grateful that God has enabled us to follow that plan. We are trusting that in the fifth year we will be able to complete the plan set before us.