Christian Schooling 
— A Viable Alternative?

By Bill McKibben

Teaching children is an awesome and sometimes daunting responsibility. The Bible (Deuteronomy in particular) is quite clear that this responsibility belongs primarily to parents. Depending on location and culture, there may be several viable options available to assist parents in fulfilling their Biblical responsibility in this area. Christian schooling can be a positive option to assist parents in their educational responsibilities.

While there can be many reasons for sending children to Christian schools, the primary one is the integration of a Christian worldview into every part of the educational process. In Christian schools, our accountability to God as Creator and Redeemer should be woven into the fabric of every class and subject. This should be reflected in the types of classes, curriculum, materials, discipline, extra-curricular activities, and teachers and administrators as role models.

In a Christian school, students review controversial issues within our culture such as origins, family relationships, and issues of right and wrong, from a Christian perspective. Educators understand the need to partner with parents in developing moral character in students, as well as academic excellence. Proponents of public schools often argue that sending children to a Christian school shields them from the “real world.” In some ways, this is correct. However, one could counter that it does not so much shield them as it equips them to confront the “real world” from a solid Christian foundation that has been taught both at home and at school. Parental involvement is typically higher in a Christian school, which is an asset not only to the teachers but ultimately to the students.

Admittedly, there can also be some drawbacks when considering Christian schooling for your child. Just because a school has “Christian” in its name does not ensure that it reflects a Biblical worldview in its operation. A Christian school closely associated with a specific church or denomination may hold to doctrinal beliefs which differ from your understanding of Scripture. Sometimes a quality Christian school is not available due to geographical or financial constraints, although when considering the importance of nurturing our children within a wicked and perverse culture, financial ease and time constraints should not necessarily be our first concern. Our children’s souls are at stake.

Parents must be vigilant when teaching children. This vigilance is necessary, no matter what option is chosen to provide them with an education. Christian schools must be held accountable by parents to teach Biblical values and to handle problems from a Biblical perspective. As loving parents do this, the Christian school can be an excellent aid in helping them to fulfill the God mandated charge to teach our children His ways.

Bill McKibben is the pastor of the Apostolic Faith Church in Richmond, California and Director of Asian Work for the Apostolic Faith Church.