|
|
|
|
Christian Education "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Prov. 22:6 (KJV) Is there a need for Christian schools in our communities? At first glance, the answer to this question seems to be yes. After all, would it not be wonderful if there were a Christian school in every neighborhood? That would be a wonderful sight. However, the question takes more than that into consideration. The purpose of a Christian school is to minister to children and their families. Naturally, we first think of the lives of the students who attend the school and we consider their academic growth. Though students will certainly grow academically, a successful Christian school will also affect the lives of students socially, as well as spiritually. Three things will take place. The students will learn those academic skills necessary for life-long success. They will learn how to relate to their peers, their teachers, and others they will encounter throughout their lives. They will grow in their relationship with the Lord. All in all, a successful Christian school will provide students with the tools to fulfill the summary of the Law, as given to us by Christ - “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:7-40 Not only will Christian schools be instrumental in changing the lives of students, the families of these students will also be ministered to. Parents will see their children mature in the ways mentioned above; they will experience the joy of knowing their children are in a decent and caring environment, and they will have the security of knowing that what their children are taught at school is consistent with what they are being taught at home. Finally, Christian schools will have a direct impact on their community and the world at large. Students graduating from a well-operated Christian school are expected to graduate with a biblical worldview, leadership skills, strong Christian morals and principles, and a zeal to spread the message of Christ. Is a faith based academic foundation a need for our children? Most adults who went to a Christian school say they would never trade that foundation for anything. They recognize the stability that came to their life from a Christian perspective in education. Sometimes the only thing that keeps families out of Christian schools is finances. This decision should not be unlike any other financial decision a family must make. Many families decide to go on vacations, buy boats and pools, remodel their homes, etc., but as Christians we know that all of these things should be made a matter of prayer. Great consideration and prayer must be put into the decision of sending children to private Christian schools. Then after prayer, it takes faith that God will meet the need. Many families decide to send their children to Christian school but are unsure of the finances to support the decision. Their faith is put in God and they find Him meeting every need. It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that their children are where they need to be in relationship with God. Let us challenge ourselves to consider making Christian education possible for our children and grandchildren. “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deut. 6:6-7 (KJV) -S. Chad Ross July Newsletter 2003 | Powerful Prayers | Christian Education | Pastor's Journal July 2002 A Harlot's Torment | Faith and the End | Meekness and Mercy part 1 of 3 |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
|
|
Copyright © 1995-2007 Living Word Christian
Fellowship, Inc.
|
