“Best Value . . . Plus Values”
I went to “BEST BUY” the other day and guess what? It was! They had the item I was shopping for, and for the best price. Hmmmm, they lived up to their name . . . how refreshing. It reminded me also of the place where my wife and I buy our pizza. On each and every box are the words, “You’ve tried the rest, now try the best”. It caused me to do some soul searching about our Christian schools and the consumer orientation we find ourselves in these days. While I do not see our children’s education in the same vain as looking for a cell phone, dishwasher, or pizza, I understand the culture that has us consumed with consumerism. Unfortunately, this cultural consumerism has infected the church and education (my opinion), developing fickleness, leading to a lack of participation and commitment, causing the next generation to view things from a (shallow) “what’s in it for me?” mindset.
Unfortunately, for many Christians, developing a Christian worldview in children, offering a curriculum that integrates all the subjects with biblical principles, and operating with teachers who love God, love children, and love their subject are not compelling enough reasons to come. What should be at the heart and soul of the body of Christ, that being, to establish a Godly heritage of faith and learning in the next generation, is sadly neglected for a “salt & light” posturing that has little to do with discipling children and the faith and learning process.
As we view the social, economical, political, and educational landscape of our time, it is time for the Church and its people to wake up to the fact that “our (present) struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces” that are seeking to undermine our very faith, while we battle each other at the expense of our children. “They shoot at the very foundation we stand on, while we shoot at them.
Dr. Barrett Mosbacker, writing in his blog, The Christian Education Journal (christianschooljournal.com), states, “Whether we like it or not, most of our parents don’t understand the mission of developing a biblical worldview. And if they don’t understand or appreciate it they will not make significant sacrifices for it, everything else being relatively equal. In other words, for most of our parents, the development of a biblical worldview is an ethereal concept subservient to more ‘practical’ considerations like education quality, admission to top colleges, the breadth and depth of extra-curricular programs, a safe and nurturing environment, etc”. I say, “How sad!” He cites three reasons for this:
1) Most of our parents have never experienced its life changing impact. Most of our parents were educated in public schools and public universities. They don’t get it—at least at first. They have no experiential context to draw upon.
2) Most of our pulpits do not explicitly endorse the value of a Christian education as an intellectual enterprise. Christian education is not promoted as a theological or kingdom imperative.
3) The prevalence of theological ignorance and pietism. As a rule, pietism minimizes the life of the mind while emphasizing the emotional/experiential component of the Christian life.
Again I say, “How very sad!” We are not providing excellence in education AND a Christian education. Christian education by definition must be excellent education. I will state with all within me that a quality Christian education is the ‘best buy’ around. Now I know that I am the paid employee and supposed to say these things, but I have been around the education business for over thirty years and I have seen a lot, both in this country and others. A true Christian education is the best value in education, period. Here’s why . . .
- Christian schools offer an excellent academic progress ~ This is a must, and I admit that some do not. Christian education boasts training for eternity, but along the journey there, that eternal vision stops at educational study and career after high school. Test scores should validate this, records for college acceptance should demonstrate this, and alumni should testify to this. “Ole” Bill Gormley used to say of Christian schooling, “It’s the meat and potatoes, Bill”.
- The atmosphere is exceptional ~ If you are involved at all in the life of a Christian school, you will know that you are at home. I hear and see it from the children, and I certainly know of it for myself. As in everything else, our product can be “new and improved” as we seek God’s guidance for both direction and improvement, but for my money, nothing compares.
- Activities abound ~ whether it’s athletics, the arts, academics, or other student activities, there should be something for everyone. Christian schools should be rich in student life and large in offering programs for the students. Add to this that at the heart of all these, we seek to develop our student’s God-given gifts and talents.
- Faculty are talented and committed ~ Christian school should have a well-qualified faculty that seeks professional development and has earned advanced degrees. This is not merely glorified Sunday School. I always tell folks that our teachers and staff have “three loves”. They love the Lord, love your children, and love what they teach. Not many places can boast this cord of three strands.
On top of value, there are values . . . Christian values with the development of a biblical worldview at the core. Christian schooling has the one thing that others may (will?) never have . . . a comprehensive and cohesive approach to child development, curriculum, and learning that places Christ, and the development of a Christian mindset as the central value. That’s value that lasts, value that transcends co$t, and value that consumerism overlooks. What is that worth?
That’s the real value in it all, isn’t it? Being a part of a Christian school includes a blessing. It’s part of our vocabulary to speak of blessing. Our young people are blessed in their faith-learning adventure, our families are blessed by the investment in that faith-learning process, and we are blessed having you learn and grow in faith with us. The Word proclaims, “May those who bless you be blessed”.
One of the definitions of “consume”, from which we get consumer, is “to engage fully”. I think of this as I reflect back over the years I have been involved with Christian education. To get the most out of our school, you must seek to be fully engaged (mentally, emotionally, spiritually, financially, AND PURPOSEFULLY). You must believe that it is of great worth, that it is investing in the Kingdom. If not, we turn to window-shopping for the place that gives us the most . . . costing us the least. As a result we are “blown and tossed by the winds” of consumerism, purchasing things that only become rust & dust.
So, while we must compete in the market-place of value, We must also be steadfast and sure in the quality of the education we espouse. We must continue to “preach and teach” the philosophy and spiritual truth that lie at the very essence of our existence. It’s a rally cry for this day and the future of the Church, Christian family, and the heritage of both as we know them. I may sound dogmatic, but I trust I sound convinced. Please explain to me if there is another way . . .
One Response to ““Best Value . . . Plus Values””
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Well said Bill. It is a true blessing to our family to have you leading the school with such conviction.