Is Christian Education Worth It?
Is Christian education important?
This is a question that I, as a Christian educator, am asked quite often. Not because people are against Christian education, but rather it seems to be a question of “Is this really necessary?” What’s wrong with the public school system? Private schools are too expensive, too strict, too intrusive, or not as inclusive. This isn’t about me defending Christianity, but instead I hope you see my heart and why I’m passionate about Christian education. Here are two reasons why I believe Christian education is so important in today’s world.
Christian education is important because it is more than just an education. As Christian educators, it is our duty to partner with our parents and train our students to be a vital and profitable part of society. Our focus is to teach each individual to have a passion for Christ and a desire to please Him with his or her life. We want him or her to leave our school with the purpose to serve God in whatever field he or she is called to. We strongly believe that academics are important, but academics for self-preservation or self-gratification is not the answer. Rather, we strive to help our students understand that education is important because God has a purpose for their lives: to impact this world.
Christian education is important because the next generation needs training. In Christian education we are training the next generation with two main goals in mind. First, we want our students to strive for a spirit of excellence when it comes to their academics. We want them to be the best students they can be. Having an environment where students do not simply survive but thrive is vital for their growth. Training and working to meet goals is an important part of academics.
Second, the way our students strive for excellence is understanding that God has a purpose for their lives. Countless students will graduate and go out into society and will be bombarded with worldly philosophies, differing religious beliefs, difficult relationships, and unbiblical living. There are so many wrong directions that will be brought to the forefront of their lives. Every educator wants to prepare his students for that, but a Christian educator uses God’s Word to help his students excel in this world. A focus on God and not self will help the students see that godliness, goodness, charity, love, longsuffering, mercy, and grace are important attributes. When the students put those first, an attitude of excellence always follows. In Christian education, we train the next generation to put God first, and by putting God first, the students will leave a mark in this world for the glory of God.
There are public schools that are doing a phenomenal job when it comes to training the next generation. My heart and gratitude goes out to those teachers that are doing their best in whatever situation to impact their students. But, my belief and faith in Christian education is not just to achieve great academics, but also to partner with our parents as we show and teach the next generation that a heart and love for God is the most important thing. As I stated before, I strongly believe that a heart that pleases the Lord will desire to excel in education. Christian education is important because the focus is not on man but rather on Jesus Christ.
Pastor Daniel Galdamez