Philosophy of Christian Education

The Importance of Christian Education: Why we choose it

By Tracy Lewis, Ph.D., MDIV, Principal

Amidst a sea of public schools and economic hardships, why do parents still choose to send their children to private Christian schools? What can my child learn at a Christian school that they can’t learn at a public school?

These are genuine questions that parents, teachers, and principals at private Christian schools are asked every now and then. As an Administrator, I am often hit with these questions, and many others regarding Christian schools and the purpose of Christian schools. At several meetings this past year with administrators from various Christian schools around Tulsa, the following question was asked: What is the importance of Christian education? Each of us paused for quite a while as we pondered an answer to this question. Slowly, each person began to share his and her answers to this question, and thankfully, we realized that we were all united in our beliefs and goals when it came to Christian education. We also had a revelation that night. If we as school administrators struggled to put into words, “Why do we do what we do” and “What is the importance of Christian education” the same could probably be said for many of our students, parents and teachers, as well as the rest of the Tulsa community.

After leaving this meeting, I began drafting a letter in my head to the parents of my students. I had an overwhelming desire to communicate to them some of the thoughts from that night.  Several days later, one of my K4 teacher’s came in my office and shared with me how one of her students had blurted out in class “Well, the Bible is just a myth!” Shocked, the teacher said, “Who told you that?” The child innocently responded with the words, “My mommy.” After listening to my teacher share this story, I immediately heard the Lord telling me to write this article and share it with Tulsa parents who choose to send their children to one of 16 private Christian schools (including Catholic schools) located in Tulsa.   

Why is Christian Education Important? Why do we do it?

As an Administrator, I view Christian education as a spiritual ministry specifically for the purpose of furthering the spiritual development of our children into the image of God. Christian educators strive to teach students to know God and to imitate God in His character and in His works both inside and outside of the classroom, and a Christian school must create and maintain an environment structured toward this purpose.

Christian teachers and administrators have the following scriptures from the Bible as a foundation for their philosophy of Christian education.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 NIV); “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22: 37, 39 NIV); and “… in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (Peter 3:15 NIV).

With a personal knowledge of God and faith in Jesus Christ as our basis, Christian education draws a student’s attention to natural facts, human experience, and formulations of this experience in history, science, grammar, math, physical education, art and music –as all reflective of the work of God (BJU, 2009). Thus, our student develops a biblical worldview consistent with the work of God in his or her life. Moreover, with knowledge of the Bible at the center of all study, our Christian teachers do not confine biblical truth to the required Bible class; instead, they use instructional techniques and methods that enable them to disseminate biblical truth throughout each subject.

Like Jesus, teachers are given the special task and privilege of shepherding (Graham, 2003). Shepherding involves keeping watch over the sheep at all times, lovingly guiding them from place-to-place, setting proper boundaries for them “lest they wander off,” exuding patience while working among them, helping them to feel safe, and being devoted to caring for them, even to the point of going after the one sheep that is lost and that others have given up on.

American schools are more and more becoming a mirror of American society. While the role of every teacher should be to foster a passion and respect for learning in their students, to create and maintain stability in their classroom, to intervene and help students in times of crisis, and to create a loving and safe environment this is overwhelming failure in public schools across the nation to successfully achieve these goals. Teachers as well as students have become the victims of bullying in public schools. Overcrowding in classrooms has only added to the problem.

While prohibited in public schools, in Christian schools, students and teachers have the freedom to openly pray for other students, parents, and teachers. This is a fringe benefit and privilege of Christian education! With the task before them of fashioning students into the image of Christ and preparing students to minister to those around them as laid out in Matthew 28:19, 20, Christian educators, administrators and teachers provide students with opportunities to learn about God, to serve God, and to serve those in their surrounding communities.

Changing economic conditions have made it hard for many parents to continue to educate their children in Christian environments. This has had a significant impact on Christian schools across the nation, especially smaller schools. However, our focus is always on God’s purpose and call for our school, and we continue on, trusting in God to provide and to make a way, and He always does. After all, they are His children. For those who wonder why we do what we do!

Works Cited:

BJU Press. (2009) Christian Education. SC: BJU Press

Graham, D.L. (2003). Teaching redemptively: Bringing grace and truth into your classroom. CO: Colorado Springs. Purposeful Design Publications.