Articles to shape who you are!
In this short introductory essay, I am arguing against the prevailing evangelical satisfaction with a 20th century “first step” discipleship program. My prayer is those who are leading the church in its effort to faithfully pass on the received faith to the next generation will have the courage to develop a 21st century strategy that is far more comprehensive, more culturally informed, and more realistic than what we see in most churches today. The times require a complex solution as complex as the congregations we serve and the world in which we now live. For example, if even one child in the church is homeschooled, if even one child attends a public school, if one child attends a Christian or charter school, or if one child studies online, the church embraces the child and the parents and supports them in sensitive, pragmatic ways. This approach acknowledges that discipleship is not a delegable responsibility.
Submitted by Harold Klassen
EurECA aims to encourage the development of strong national organisations for Christian teachers, Christian schools, Christian parents and school board members. Through an international network, they seek to serve Christian educators in the whole range of educational contexts, including home education, state schools, private schools and Christian schools.
Submitted by Harold Klassen
Glen Schultz's blog article, "I've been thinking," was reproduced in Renewanation, September 21, 2021. Glen asks some important questions such as "what would a Christian school look like if it were totally built on a biblical discipleship model?" as well as other questions related to this time when parents are rethinking what is important in educating their children. Glen has a "holy discontent" to want to do more in Christian schools, homeschools and the church in general and I trust you'll also find it contagious.
Submitted by George Durance
This article by Cameron Hilditch in National Review, December 13, 2020, is not an article about American children, but about the role of the state in the upbringing of children. As such it is a serious call for Christian parents to become far more involved in the education of their children and less naïve about the ability of a "nice home" and "good church" to counteract the forces influencing a child.
Submitted by George Durance
Graham Hillard in National Review, April 15, 2021, argues that parents must not delegate away their responsibility to oversee the education of their children, even when the education is provided by a trusted source. This raises an important consideration for parents and the church: what Biblical role does the Bible set out for parents, the believing community, and the state?
Bonnie Kristian in Christianity Today, February 25, 2021 writes about the emphasis on nationalism in Christian schools. It traces our present public schools and many Christian schools to 18th and 19th century European schools that were designed to create loyal citizens with a sense of national spirit. This contrasts with our idea of transformational education as bringing glory to God.
Many years ago God called me to be a “missionary teacher.” I’m very thankful because His call gave me hope and direction when faced with hard circumstances. I trust that as you prepare yourself to be a teacher, you have a clear calling also. There are only a few vocations that the Bible prohibits, but there is one that we’re warned about entering lightly—teaching. It is easy to only focus on the wonderful opportunity teachers have to make a huge positive difference in the lives of individual students, their families, the community and beyond. However, James reminds us that teachers also have a lot of opportunities to say something that could have a huge negative effect. Teachers make a difference whether for good or bad.
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