When speaking at a worldview conference a few weeks ago, I shared the results from a 1993 report entitled, The State of Christian Education. Over 500 Christian schools had participated in an evaluative assessment. The schools were members of various Christian school organizations and the majority of schools had enrollments exceeding 200 students. One of the alarming statistics in this report was that,
less than half of the parents who have students enrolled in our schools understand and can articulate the mission of Christian education.
After sharing this information, I asked the delegates if they believed the percentage of parents who understood the biblical mission of Christian education has increased, decreased or remained the same since the time of this report. The response was unanimous. The percentage of parents who understand the purpose of Christian education has declined since 1993.
I, then, shared another finding from this report. The report stated that,
almost exactly the same percentage of Christian school teachers could articulate the philosophy and mission of Christian education.
I didn’t have to ask them if they believed the percentage of teachers that know, understand and are committed to a biblical philosophy of education has increased or decreased since 1993. The silence that fell on the room had answered this question.
Throughout my many years in Christian education, there has also been a concern about the lack of support for Christian education on the part of pastors and church leaders. It has always been baffling to me how so many pastors are pro secular education or simply silent on the issue.
One of the foundation stones of Kingdom Education™ is the importance of the three-legged stool. For Christian education to really make a difference in the next generation, the home, church and school must be united by a biblical philosophy of education. Considering what I have just shared, the reality is that all three legs of the stool are either missing or severely weakened. SOMETHING MUST CHANGE!
I am reminded of an article that Joel Belz wrote in 1993 for World Magazine. The title of the article was, Too Little Too Late. Belz predicted that,
Christian schools will be found overall to have done a very good job in terms of general education, but will be disappointed in terms of instilling a profound sense of Christian discipleship…Christian school graduates will increasingly outperform their counterparts from public education. But in terms of radical adoption of a Christian perspective on life, the differences — while definitely present — will be disappointing.
Having given my life to the cause of Kingdom Education™, I have to admit that Belz’s predictions have proven to be true. I am so thankful for the improvement that has been made in the quality of teachers and instruction that has taken place over the past several decades. I have had the privilege of speaking at many graduation ceremonies. I am always amazed by the abilities and accomplishments of the students that I get to address at these events. Christian schools are producing some excellent scholars that go on to accomplish much in every area of life.
However, when I look at the culture today and some of the findings that Dr. George Barna has found when studying the worldview of today’s Christians, I am deeply concerned. This concern has only grown stronger when I see how false ideologies, such as Critical Race Theory and Social Justice, have crept into more and more churches. Of course, there is still the reality that we are allowing over 1 million babies to be murdered while in their mothers’ wombs each and every year.
These concerns have had a firm grip on me for the past few years. I keep thinking that we must get back to the basics. Something must change in our homes, churches and, even, our schools. We don’t have to change all the good things that are taking place. But we must firm up the foundation or the future will be bleak.
As I shared in a blog several months ago, God led me to refine the mission I believe He has given me for Kingdom Education™ Ministries. Simply stated,
KEM is committed to restore individuals, empower parents, engage the church, and transform schools through Kingdom Education™.
This driving force is what led me and others to hold the first ever Kingdom Education™ Summit this summer. This event is an attempt to have the home, church, and school address the issue of education biblically. It will not focus only on improving Christian schools but will be a deep dive into the biblical principles behind Kingdom Education™ and how these principles must be embraced by the home, church and school.
Joining me will be Dr. Sonny Sherrill, Ben Schettler and others who will lead the delegates in developing strategies for the home, church, and school that will result in a more effective effort to make disciples of the next generation. Topics will include:
- defining education, the kingdom of God, and Kingdom Education™.
- identifying the essential truths of a biblical worldview
- presenting the essential principles of a biblical philosophy of education.
- four things that every young person must know.
- the roles of the home, church and school when it comes to Kingdom Education™.
After each presentation at the Summit, there will be group sessions where delegates will develop strategies to empower parents, engage churches, and transform schools through Kingdom Education™. A final strategy report will be developed from the work of the participants. As the title of this blog states, It Is Time For Action!
I am excited to see not only Christian school leaders registered but also pastors and church staff members. There have also been some individuals register who are not with either a school or church. These individuals know that we must be more determined and united in our efforts to make disciples of the next generation.
It is not too late for you to be a part of this historic event. You will find more information on the Summit by clicking here. There is a special discount for schools that are KEM Prime Members.
I am thankful that the National Alliance of Christian Schools (formerly SBACS) is providing grant monies to its member schools to help with the expenses for attending the Summit. To apply for this assistance contact NACS by clicking on this link, NACS Grant.
My new two-book series, Understanding Kingdom Education™, is scheduled for release at the Summit. These two new resources are companion books to Kingdom Education™ that will lead one into a deeper understanding of God’s plan for educating future generations. A copy of each book will be given to all delegates.
If you share my concern for the next generation, I am asking you to do three things.
- PRAY for the Summit and ask God to guide in the final planning and to do a work in the hearts of all who will be attending.
- SHARE this blog with other parents, pastors and school leaders and encourage them to attend the Summit.
- JOIN us at the Summit. Your voice is needed.
I have never been as burdened for future generations as I am today. At the same time, I have never been more excited about and committed to the cause of Kingdom Education™. I hope to see you in July at the Kingdom Education™ Summit!
Recent Comments