SAVED TO SERVE: SALVIFIC ROLE OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN DISCIPLING MUSLIM CONVERTS FOR SOUND CHURCH INTEGRATION

Abstract

This paper is an exposition of the salvific role of Christian education in discipling Muslim converts for sound church integration. This is done by considering the responsibility of the great commission to disciple and the fact that Muslim converts need special attention in terms of discipleship for proper and sound church integration, which helps them become stable Christians. This situation is particular to but not limited to churches in North-East Nigeria. To achieve this, the writer employed the descriptive method for the study. Findings revealed that the role of Christian education is paramount to the physical and spiritual growth of Muslim converts and to integrate them into the church through engaging discipleship, which consists of the practical and biblical orientation of love, service, worship, proclamation, and advocacy, which are the tasks of Christian education according to Pazmino. This writer concludes that discipleship is a responsibility following salvation of individuals and groups to enhance the belief of Muslim converts. Moreover, there is no other option than for Christian educators in the church to care and teach with relevant resources considering the situation and the understanding of the Muslim converts who see the church as a community where they can love and be loved. This writer hereby recommends that churches in this changing world should be prepared for Muslims who will come to Jesus Christ and not wait until they come before thinking of what to do.