Today's Christian Education Commentary
with Harold Naylor
Some Christian parents believe that science is science – that it doesn’t matter whether it comes from a Christian or a naturalism perspective.
Let’s see…
In Naturalism - everything comes from matter, time, and chance. God is not involved – no order, just chance occurrences in a coincidental way that brings order out of chaos.
The proposition that order come from chaos takes more faith than the Christian view of science - it declares that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things; science involves knowing God through knowing His world.
When we learn science with the beginning that God brought forth, we see both order and purpose while being amazed at the majesty and intricacy of our wonderful created order.
Find a school that is awed by our Lord’s handiwork.
We can help you find a Christian school and fulfill the directive we have been assigned as Christian parents.
www.DiscoverChristianSchools.com - Where Christian education is priceless!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Meet All Your Needs
Bill Stevens
Headmaster, Wilmington Christian School (Hockessin, DE)
So says the apostle Paul to the Philippians, "My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus". This is a pretty definitive statement, isn't it? Paul doesn't say, "Perhaps he will", or "Maybe if you're good", or even "Let's hope for the best". No, there is a surety in his words, both in the fact that God will and that he will by a particular promise of a sure thing . . . his Son.
My own problem is in my mental response, "Bill, do you really believe that?" As I sit here in my office, wondering about the future (hey, next week!), listening to the prognosticators & prophets proclaim, "Woe is us", and then matching this against the words from Scripture, I wonder . . .
Last week I attended a meeting of all the private school heads in Delaware. Obviously, the focus of our meeting was on the economy, education, and how the two would become one in these "strange days"? There was quite a bit of angst in the room over the days ahead and the state of private education in our area. Then one administrator said, "Hey, perhaps this is a time for us to really take a look at what's truly important in what we are doing?" Bingo!
A dear friend of mine from years passed used to always say, "In all conflict there's opportunity." While this is timeless in its wisdom, it is significantly true for this time. What may be more like a 21st century believer's creed, I would like to state what I believe about these "opportunities" in light of the times in which we live . . .
- I believe that these days are going to be ripe with opportunities for the body of Christ to stand as a light in a world that is searching in the dark, looking to others that are also in the dark, and grasping for answers with no, or at best temporary solutions.
- I believe that the church, the home, and the ministries to young people are going to unite in a way never before experienced in our lifetimes, as we will be forced to work together in order to maintain our relevance in the world.
- I believe that Christian education will blossom afresh in these days. As more and more folks echo, "Hey, perhaps this is a time for us to really look at what is important, particularly as it relates to our kids . . . all the kids!
- I believe that there will be a "uniting of the Spirit, in the bond of peace" that will be unparalleled in recent history, as the body of Christ is challenged to stand together as a testimony to the "oneness" of the hope to which we were called.
- I believe this time will cause our whole society to re-examine and re-order priorities and life-themes. We who "name the Name" will be called to stand in the gap as that living moral, social and economic compass.
- I believe that Christians will be called to extraordinary giving . . . not out of our abundance, but to sacrificial giving. While the world pulls back, hoards, and safeguards, we will give. It will be giving out of the call of our faith, out of the need to give, and out of our responsibility to help those people and ministries who need it.
- I believe that the world around us, as they look for that light at the end of the tunnel will see our light along the way, living and pointing to the One that meets ALL our needs. While the sun and rain rise and fall on both the righteous and unrighteous, our response to them is what sets us apart . . . (read Matt 16:1-4).
- I believe our young people need to believe in these things as well. Who will we allow to teach them these eternal truths? I believe the cord of three strands will not break, even in difficult times.
When Mrs. Stevens and I were working in the Christian schools in Eastern Europe, the Christian folks in Romania, Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, and Slovakia all expressed it so well. When we would ask them why they were so committed to the Christian education of their children, they would answer, "Bill, we do not want what happened to our generation to happen to the next one!" As I listen to the news, read the paper, and talk to folks, I hear a lot of anxiety about the state of our Union. Then, I hear those words, "What opportunities await us who believe that God will meet all our needs according to his glorious riches!" You better believe it.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Is there a Christian approach to teaching history?
Today's Christian Education Commentary
with Harold Naylor
Some Christian parents believe that history is history – that the worldview or perspective of the author really makes no difference.
Let’s see…
Without God in control, history is either controlled by autonomous man or by an impersonal process or fate or kismet or chance. So, we can see no themes, patterns or purposes for human history; just a lot of people waging war on each other in the quest for power or wealth.
However, if we see human history through the lens of Scripture and believe that God Himself is omnipotent and orchestrating events for a greater good, we now have a larger view to see God’s purposes in history.
Find a school that teaches that human history is a part of God’s redemptive plan for the world.
We can help you find a Christian school and fulfill the directive we have been assigned as Christian parents.
www.DiscoverChristianSchools.com - Where Christian education is priceless!
with Harold Naylor
Some Christian parents believe that history is history – that the worldview or perspective of the author really makes no difference.
Let’s see…
Without God in control, history is either controlled by autonomous man or by an impersonal process or fate or kismet or chance. So, we can see no themes, patterns or purposes for human history; just a lot of people waging war on each other in the quest for power or wealth.
However, if we see human history through the lens of Scripture and believe that God Himself is omnipotent and orchestrating events for a greater good, we now have a larger view to see God’s purposes in history.
Find a school that teaches that human history is a part of God’s redemptive plan for the world.
We can help you find a Christian school and fulfill the directive we have been assigned as Christian parents.
www.DiscoverChristianSchools.com - Where Christian education is priceless!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Does God Have a Claim On Your Child?
Dr. Phil Suiter
Orginally posted by Richmond Academy (Richmond, IN)
The recognition of God’s claim on your child should help you to decide that Christian education is worth the cost and time.
The typical school year begins with much enthusiasm. That is especially true for families who have their children in private Christian education. There is great anticipation and expectation for what will be accomplished. But as the fall months pass into winter months, the obligation of paying a monthly tuition bill sometimes begins to weigh heavily upon the minds of parents. Should I continue to make this sacrifice? Is it really worth it? Am I depriving my family of other benefits?
Can we as Christian parents answer these questions using only financial criteria to guide us? I think not! It is vital to examine the questions from the viewpoint of God’s claim upon our children. Does God have such a claim? Is He concerned about the nature of the educational experience that we provide for our children?
The answer is “yes!” Romans 14:7-8 states, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” If that passage is not enough, the prophet Ezekiel reports the word of the Lord in chapter 18, verse 4, “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” This latter passage is addressing individual responsibility before God. The message of the Bible is clear on this very issue: God created children; therefore, He has first claim upon each child’s life. That claim extends to the nature of the educational program provided by their parents. When viewed in terms of the Word of God, one must wonder if any sacrifice is too great to keep children in a Christian school setting.
Some find the concept of “first claim” or “ownership” to be somewhat offensive. Yet the Scriptures previously cited clearly make the point of God’s ownership of children and, therefore, He has first claim upon them. The world certainly does not hesitate to make its claim. Typically, the world’s claim is stated as one of three positions. First, many public educators and legislators say that the state owns the child and that each child is a ward of the state, particularly for educational purposes. That testimony is frequently given before legislative committees. Second, others say that no one owns the child. In this case the child is granted the right to make his own decisions without the intervention of adults.
Unfortunately, many Christian parents fall into the trap of thinking their children belong to them. This is a false assumption.
Third, still others say that the parent owns the child. In this case, it is assumed that the parent has all authority in decision making relative to his child. None of these three views agrees with the teaching of the Bible.
Children belong to God; God has first claim upon their lives. Revelation 4:11 states, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Children are created by God to do with as He pleases. His pleasure is for them to give Him first place in everything they do.
Then what is the responsibility of parents? Simply this: to rear and educate children in such a way that they are prepared to respond to the call of God in whatever God chooses for them to do in life. Obviously, this does not mean that all children will be called into some area of Christian service. It does mean, however, that each child will be ready to serve and obey God in whatever area of life he embraces, whether he becomes a teacher, brick mason, bus driver, salesman, doctor, secretary, preacher, missionary, or sanitation worker.
Education must be Christ-centered if it is to please God. It must be viewed as a primary means of preparing children for a life of service to God. Only a Christ- centered education will accomplish this end. Thus, all parents will answer to God for the nature of the educational experience that they give their children.
Is there an alternative for Christian parents? Can a public school’s educational program that is based on secular humanism accomplish that? The answer is “no!” Humanism teaches that there is no higher authority than the individual. That is the basis for all of the “rights oriented” and “politically correct” thinking that controls public policy. An educational system derived from those concepts of secular humanism simply cannot prepare a child to permit God to exercise His claim upon his life. That system can only reproduce after its kind, and its kind seeks only to serve self.
Does God have first claim on your child? The answer is “yes!” The recognition of God’s claim on your child should help you to conclude that your investment in a Christian educational program is worth it if for no other reason than it pleases God.
Dr. Phil Suiter is the former executive director of the West Virginia Christian Education Association.
Orginally posted by Richmond Academy (Richmond, IN)
The recognition of God’s claim on your child should help you to decide that Christian education is worth the cost and time.
The typical school year begins with much enthusiasm. That is especially true for families who have their children in private Christian education. There is great anticipation and expectation for what will be accomplished. But as the fall months pass into winter months, the obligation of paying a monthly tuition bill sometimes begins to weigh heavily upon the minds of parents. Should I continue to make this sacrifice? Is it really worth it? Am I depriving my family of other benefits?
Can we as Christian parents answer these questions using only financial criteria to guide us? I think not! It is vital to examine the questions from the viewpoint of God’s claim upon our children. Does God have such a claim? Is He concerned about the nature of the educational experience that we provide for our children?
The answer is “yes!” Romans 14:7-8 states, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” If that passage is not enough, the prophet Ezekiel reports the word of the Lord in chapter 18, verse 4, “Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” This latter passage is addressing individual responsibility before God. The message of the Bible is clear on this very issue: God created children; therefore, He has first claim upon each child’s life. That claim extends to the nature of the educational program provided by their parents. When viewed in terms of the Word of God, one must wonder if any sacrifice is too great to keep children in a Christian school setting.
Some find the concept of “first claim” or “ownership” to be somewhat offensive. Yet the Scriptures previously cited clearly make the point of God’s ownership of children and, therefore, He has first claim upon them. The world certainly does not hesitate to make its claim. Typically, the world’s claim is stated as one of three positions. First, many public educators and legislators say that the state owns the child and that each child is a ward of the state, particularly for educational purposes. That testimony is frequently given before legislative committees. Second, others say that no one owns the child. In this case the child is granted the right to make his own decisions without the intervention of adults.
Unfortunately, many Christian parents fall into the trap of thinking their children belong to them. This is a false assumption.
Third, still others say that the parent owns the child. In this case, it is assumed that the parent has all authority in decision making relative to his child. None of these three views agrees with the teaching of the Bible.
Children belong to God; God has first claim upon their lives. Revelation 4:11 states, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Children are created by God to do with as He pleases. His pleasure is for them to give Him first place in everything they do.
Then what is the responsibility of parents? Simply this: to rear and educate children in such a way that they are prepared to respond to the call of God in whatever God chooses for them to do in life. Obviously, this does not mean that all children will be called into some area of Christian service. It does mean, however, that each child will be ready to serve and obey God in whatever area of life he embraces, whether he becomes a teacher, brick mason, bus driver, salesman, doctor, secretary, preacher, missionary, or sanitation worker.
Education must be Christ-centered if it is to please God. It must be viewed as a primary means of preparing children for a life of service to God. Only a Christ- centered education will accomplish this end. Thus, all parents will answer to God for the nature of the educational experience that they give their children.
Is there an alternative for Christian parents? Can a public school’s educational program that is based on secular humanism accomplish that? The answer is “no!” Humanism teaches that there is no higher authority than the individual. That is the basis for all of the “rights oriented” and “politically correct” thinking that controls public policy. An educational system derived from those concepts of secular humanism simply cannot prepare a child to permit God to exercise His claim upon his life. That system can only reproduce after its kind, and its kind seeks only to serve self.
Does God have first claim on your child? The answer is “yes!” The recognition of God’s claim on your child should help you to conclude that your investment in a Christian educational program is worth it if for no other reason than it pleases God.
Dr. Phil Suiter is the former executive director of the West Virginia Christian Education Association.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Purpose of Education
Today's Christian Education Commentary
with Harold Naylor
Does Education Have a Purpose – what is the difference between public and Christian schools?
The public school has planned education as a benefit to the state or for the general welfare of society. If this societal welfare is purpose of education, then the state may collect taxes and mandate that all children attend. It is the state, not the parent, who controls all of the content as well.
In Romans 8, God instructs us to “be conformed to the image of His Son.” Christian education is primarily to benefit God, as well as the student. Jesus declared in Matthew, “He who is not with me is against me.”
To become more like Christ is the goal of Christian education.
Maybe it’s a good idea to start at the top – with the purpose. You can get some help in thinking through this by simply logging onto http://www.discoverchristianschools.com/.
with Harold Naylor
Does Education Have a Purpose – what is the difference between public and Christian schools?
The public school has planned education as a benefit to the state or for the general welfare of society. If this societal welfare is purpose of education, then the state may collect taxes and mandate that all children attend. It is the state, not the parent, who controls all of the content as well.
In Romans 8, God instructs us to “be conformed to the image of His Son.” Christian education is primarily to benefit God, as well as the student. Jesus declared in Matthew, “He who is not with me is against me.”
To become more like Christ is the goal of Christian education.
Maybe it’s a good idea to start at the top – with the purpose. You can get some help in thinking through this by simply logging onto http://www.discoverchristianschools.com/.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Parents Make Christian Education a Top Priority
Somehow they manage the costs
Wednesday July 23, 2008 -- Michelle Strutzenberger
Originally posted on the blog of the Ontairo (Canada) Alliance of Christian Schools
The Hendriks family in Fenelon Falls has made Christian education a top priority and one way or another, they are finding a way to manage the tuition costs.
“The thing that’s worked for us is to say, ‘We’re going to do it’ and then trust that we will be able to,” says Eleanor Hendriks, a parent of three who attend Heritage Christian School in Lindsay. “It’s worked out so far.”
Both Eleanor and her husband Steve come from a Christian education background, which has been a key factor in their decision to send their children to a Christian school.
Eleanor adds that they are also motivated by the attitudes and actions of their young children who are already reflecting the effects of a Christian education.
“The blessings that come from seeing our kids singing songs of faith and praying in school and having Christian friends and talking about faith and Jesus with their friends and with their teachers is very precious and it’s never been hard to choose Christian education first.”
The Hendriks family routinely makes choices to ensure they’re able to continue with Christian schooling; they drive older vehicles, never eat out, carefully budget for groceries, avoid elaborate entertainment and live with more debt than they’d like.
“Every time we make a (tuition) payment we think, ‘OK, we’ll trust for the next one. See if we can hang on for another month,’” says Eleanor, admitting it does get stressful at times.
Still, she doesn’t consider what they’re doing sacrificial, in the sense that they’re giving up a lifestyle they’d really enjoy for Christian education. Christian education is what they want, she says, and choices must just be made to make room for that decision.
At the same time, the Hendriks hope for a slight reprieve from the ongoing financial pressure. Steve, a social worker, is considering a move to a job that would ease the financial squeeze, even if it isn’t exactly his line of work. Eleanor is trusting her pottery business will expand to help cover costs as well.
The Hendriks family is not unlike many other families across the province who value Christian education so deeply that they will do what it takes to provide it to their children. They make the decision first for Christian schooling and then somehow find a way to make it happen.Anita Doppenberg, whose five children have attended Community Christian School in Drayton, also admits tuition has been a struggle, especially as they have strongly felt that she should remain at home.
But they’ve been able to manage on one income, partly through her husband working long hours, partly, she says, because “God’s providence has been very good to us.”
Michele Kapteyn also says God’s blessing in their lives have enabled her three children to attend Timothy Christian School in Barrie and now Unity Christian High School.
Her husband is a dairy farm owner and operator but despite the financial ups and downs that tend to come with owning a business the family has always managed to cover tuition.
“As much as we thought, ‘How are we going to do this?’ the money was always there and that was a real blessing,” says Kapteyn.
In recent years, she has taken on work outside the home to help handle the costs of two tuitions with the two oldest children in high school.
Kapteyn suggests that families consider out-of-the-box solutions to managing costs, from applying for Children First Grants to making use of the voucher incentive programs that some schools offer.
Her view is that the benefits of Christian schooling “far outweigh the costs.”
Wednesday July 23, 2008 -- Michelle Strutzenberger
Originally posted on the blog of the Ontairo (Canada) Alliance of Christian Schools
The Hendriks family in Fenelon Falls has made Christian education a top priority and one way or another, they are finding a way to manage the tuition costs.
“The thing that’s worked for us is to say, ‘We’re going to do it’ and then trust that we will be able to,” says Eleanor Hendriks, a parent of three who attend Heritage Christian School in Lindsay. “It’s worked out so far.”
Both Eleanor and her husband Steve come from a Christian education background, which has been a key factor in their decision to send their children to a Christian school.
Eleanor adds that they are also motivated by the attitudes and actions of their young children who are already reflecting the effects of a Christian education.
“The blessings that come from seeing our kids singing songs of faith and praying in school and having Christian friends and talking about faith and Jesus with their friends and with their teachers is very precious and it’s never been hard to choose Christian education first.”
The Hendriks family routinely makes choices to ensure they’re able to continue with Christian schooling; they drive older vehicles, never eat out, carefully budget for groceries, avoid elaborate entertainment and live with more debt than they’d like.
“Every time we make a (tuition) payment we think, ‘OK, we’ll trust for the next one. See if we can hang on for another month,’” says Eleanor, admitting it does get stressful at times.
Still, she doesn’t consider what they’re doing sacrificial, in the sense that they’re giving up a lifestyle they’d really enjoy for Christian education. Christian education is what they want, she says, and choices must just be made to make room for that decision.
At the same time, the Hendriks hope for a slight reprieve from the ongoing financial pressure. Steve, a social worker, is considering a move to a job that would ease the financial squeeze, even if it isn’t exactly his line of work. Eleanor is trusting her pottery business will expand to help cover costs as well.
The Hendriks family is not unlike many other families across the province who value Christian education so deeply that they will do what it takes to provide it to their children. They make the decision first for Christian schooling and then somehow find a way to make it happen.Anita Doppenberg, whose five children have attended Community Christian School in Drayton, also admits tuition has been a struggle, especially as they have strongly felt that she should remain at home.
But they’ve been able to manage on one income, partly through her husband working long hours, partly, she says, because “God’s providence has been very good to us.”
Michele Kapteyn also says God’s blessing in their lives have enabled her three children to attend Timothy Christian School in Barrie and now Unity Christian High School.
Her husband is a dairy farm owner and operator but despite the financial ups and downs that tend to come with owning a business the family has always managed to cover tuition.
“As much as we thought, ‘How are we going to do this?’ the money was always there and that was a real blessing,” says Kapteyn.
In recent years, she has taken on work outside the home to help handle the costs of two tuitions with the two oldest children in high school.
Kapteyn suggests that families consider out-of-the-box solutions to managing costs, from applying for Children First Grants to making use of the voucher incentive programs that some schools offer.
Her view is that the benefits of Christian schooling “far outweigh the costs.”
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