Did God assign the state or the parents to educate children? In the Old Testament, God placed the responsibility of child rearing and development on the parents in Deuteronomy 6. In the New Testament, God reiterates how important the role of the parent is in Ephesians 6. Not once does the Bible speak of the state’s involvement in the education of a child.
Because of the restrictions and persecution placed on many Christian students attending public school in the last century, many Christian parents chose Christian education for their children. Though a number of schools were started with many different philosophies and preferences, I believe we can find biblical principles that should be evident in every Christian school.
1. High Academics
High standards of academic achievement and behavior should be expected and maintained. God’s people should never accept “the norm.” As a ministry of the church, the doctrines and principles of the Word of God should permeate the classroom. All subjects should be taught from a biblical, Baptist perspective.
2. Quality Teachers
The teacher’s obligation is not a light thing but should be considered a vital responsibility to Christianity. A teacher should be called to teach, not merely a teacher by trade. Investing into the lives of young people is a privilege, and the teacher should fulfill this duty with passion. He should strive to be a role model for his students in all areas of life as he is playing a huge part in the child’s development mentally, socially, spiritually, and academically.
A teacher is not only a lecturer, but a motivator who inspires a student to do all he can do for Christ regardless of the field the student desires to pursue upon graduation. A “good teacher” is one who will earn the student’s respect rather than demand it.
3. Orderly Management
The environment of a classroom should be clean and sharp at all times. Procedures should be laid out in an orderly manner. It is said that the preparation of a teacher very easily eliminates 75% of classroom management problems. God’s Word tell us to, “Let all things be done decently and in order,” in 1 Corinthians 14:40.
4. Character Development
Character development is essential to Christian education. When we make the Bible lessons practical by holding students accountable to assignments, involving them in extracurricular activities, and encouraging them to do their best for the Lord, we can expect the Lord to do great things. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”
5. Ministry Preparation
An important reason for having a Christian school is to prepare students for ministry in the local church. A Christian school should be old-fashioned in the sense that it instills traditional Christian values as contained in the Word of God.
6. An Emphasis on Scripture
Education is more than learning how to make a living. Strong emphasis should be placed on how to live in accordance with the clear commands of Scripture. The administration should never make apology for holding to those eternal principles that have reared previous generations. Learning and living values will allow young people to experience a successful Christian life.
7. Local Church Involvement
As we train young people, it is absolutely imperative that they be actively involved in their local church. No method of Christian education should try to usurp the spiritual authority of the pastor or the institution of God’s church. In Ecclesiastes 4:12 Solomon says, “And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” When the home, church, and school unite to train young people, they form a threefold cord that helps children turn out right.
In conclusion, biblical education is vital. Never underestimate the value of educating our next generation from a biblical perspective!
