Reviewing the Use of Materials from GFI:
One Church’s Experience
In 1996, an independent evangelical church in northern
California
completed an extensive review of three of Gary and Anne
Marie Ezzos
Growing Families International (GFI) curricula: Preparation
for
Parenting, Preparation for the Toddler Years, and Growing
Kids Gods
Way.
The review was undertaken when concerns about the curricula
were raised
by members of the congregation and brought to the pastoral
staff and
elder board.
Process
Upon receiving these concerns, the elders and pastoral
staff decided
that an evaluation of the materials was prudent and necessary.
A plan
to carefully review these materials was initiated, and
nearly four
months was dedicated to the task of gathering information
about and
opinions of the curricula from many sources: churches
who had used or
were then using GFI curricula, individuals in the church
who felt their
family had benefited from Ezzos parenting materials,
individuals in the
church who were concerned about the curriculas content,
various
Christian organizations who had formed opinions about
these curricula,
as well as the pastoral staff and elder boards own
review of these
three GFI texts and their accompanying audio tapes.
Major Concerns
The curricula were felt to speak from a singular authority
with a narrow
approach to every subject which they addressed (philosophy,
psychology,
pediatrics, and the like). A lack of connection with the
historical
Church, its teachings and its teachers was also noted.
The curricula were felt to de-emphasize the singular
ability of God
alone to regenerate hearts, so much so that this critical
truth appeared
to be greatly lacking. Rather, the impression is given
in the curricula
that correctly applied Biblical principles can, in themselves,
change
behavior. This impression diminishes the great cost of
our redemption.
Moreover, the Church must acknowledge that rebellion in
children is
possible, even when they are given the best training.
Heartfelt concern
was expressed for any parents who might (as a result of
this expectation
forged in the curricula) place unwarranted blame on themselves
should
their child, in fact, reject Christ.
The curricula were felt to diminish the contributions
and input of those
within the medical community. This, too, was deemed a
departure from
the historical instruction to the Church which has been
to esteem such
bodies of knowledge as gifts from God.
The Ezzos materials are not without positive aspects
(e.g. reminding
parents of the importance of consistency) however, given
the crucial
nature of parenting instruction, the Churchs responsibility
to use the
best teaching materials possible, the significance of
the identified
concerns, and the fact that the materials themselves discourage
using a
variety of parenting curricula, this church decided against
using any of
the GFI curricula as part of its sponsored offerings.
Once the decision not to use the Ezzos materials
had been made, it was
decided that the elders would invite those in support
and those critical
of the Ezzos materials to the next elders
meeting.
At this meeting, the elders and pastoral staff shared
their conclusion
in written form and led an open discussion about their
concerns. Both
advocates and critics of the Ezzos curricula were
given an opportunity
to speak and be heard. Respect was conferred to all in
attendance.
The pastoral staff took great pains to point out that
their decision was
in no way a reflection about any individual who had used
or would
continue to use the Ezzos materials without church
sponsorship. Those
still trying to make up their minds about whether or not
they would use
the materials in the future were urged to read through
the Ezzos
programs with the churchs concerns in mind, and
prayerfully arrive at
their own conclusions.
Reaction and Response
Some of the advocates of the Ezzos materials told
the elders that they
were submitting to the elders conclusions and had
chosen to discontinue
use of the materials. Others chose to begin using the
materials in a
forum not sponsored by the church.
Reflections on the Process
It is the opinion of this church that the approach taken
afforded them
the best possible outcome given the level of controversy
over the Ezzos
materials. All those who needed to know of the process
were informed,
and hurt feelings were minimized.
The process assured that the issues were brought to light,
that the
final decision was not imposed without input from the
affected
congregants, and that those who (in spite of the elders
recommendation)
chose to privately use GFIs parenting materials
were treated fairly.
In short, a peaceful resolution was achieved.