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!

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.

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.”

In Her Own Words - A Parent's Perspective

Lisa Barry

Radio Host - 98.5 KTIS 
Minneapolis/St. Paul

Our family has experienced all forms of education from home school to public to charter schools and private. At our oldest daughters request, we sent her to a public high school. Though she started out fine, by the second year I noticed she was picking up more of the negative influences in the environment. She was nearing a fork in the road and one path was leading toward a destructive lifestyle and though she wasn’t totally on that path yet, she was definitely leaning that way. If I didn’t do something soon, I knew it would be harder to get her to back up and make the choice later.

I talked to a spiritual leader about this and explained to him my dilemma because I had promised my daughter that she could go do public school and that I’d be going back on my word. He told me, “well, we don’t let our children make those important decisions, do we? You’ll need to apologize to her and explain that you made a mistake in promising something that might be wrong for her. "

I realized that as a parent, I needed to put my daughter in an environment where she could make right decisions so I pulled her in March of her sophomore year (crazy timing, I know). And though it was horrible for a while, the following fall, major change began.

She was used to giving status quo work in a multiple-choice world. She didn’t expect much of herself and didn’t think she was capable of more than her minimal work. The teachers at Calvin Christian High School didn’t accept her lack-luster attempts at school work. It’s not to say they expected more of her than she was capable, but they could see that she had more to give, more to offer, more than even she knew. They continued to push, she continued to give a little more and a little more. Even she was surprised at what the teachers were able to pull out of her. Her self confidence grew, her love for learning grew and her desire to grow spiritually grew in leaps and bounds.

These teachers were able to accomplish what I was powerless to do. How can you put a price tag on that? I am so indebted to these individuals and this school, and that is no exaggeration!

Scholarship Opportunity!

The Master's College Essay Contest Deadline Extended to February 18thJanuary 26, 2009

David Wheaton, author, pro tennis champion, editor of TheChristianWorldview.com, and national host of The Christian Worldview radio program, announces an extended deadline for The Master’s College Essay Contest. High school and college students can now turn in their essays up until Wednesday, February 18, 2009, for the opportunity to receive a $5,000 GRAND PRIZE tuition scholarship to The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, CA, one of the leading Christian Colleges in the world which is led by president, John MacArthur.

ADDITIONAL PRIZES: The winner will also receive complimentary airfare, lodging, and meals for College View Weekend at The Master’s College from March 26-28, 2009. All students who submit an essay will be sent a complimentary copy of “Think Biblically: Recovering a Christian Worldview,” written by John MacArthur, who is a nationally renowned pastor, author and hosts the “Grace To You” radio program.

ESSAY TOPIC: Submitted essays should describe a time of trial or suffering that the student has seen or experienced, and the way in which God accomplished His purposes through this trial. Essays should be between 1000 and 1500 words in length, and must be the student’s original work. The winner of the contest will be announced approximately one week after the deadline, and the winning essay will be posted on TheChristianWorldview.com.

ELIGIBILITY: Entry to the contest is for students who could attend The Master’s College in either the 2009 or 2010 school years.

For more information on the Master’s College Essay Contest, visit www.TheChristianWorldview.com.

Hothouse - The Best Growing Environment

Today's Christian Education Commentary

with Harold Naylor

How is a Christian school like a hot house for plants?

Educating children is like growing young plants. They both need basic nutrition, rich soil free of contaminants, clear air and sunshine. Like young plants, children are not yet ready to put into an environment that is hostile or unhealthy – they need protection at young ages.

The family, church and the school are the child’s best growing environment, just like the hot house is to young plants.

When the roots are deep enough, the trunk strong enough, and the foliage is plentiful, the plant can go into a new world and thrive. So, too, is the child who is grounded in God’s Word and teaching.

The Psalmist describes the blessed man: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”

You can find your child’s educational hot house by simply logging onto www.discoverchristianschools.com.

DiscoverChristianSchools.com - Where Christian education is priceless!

The 10 Most Popular Myths Christian Parents Believe

PERSPECTIVE: A Christian Worldview on Education and Family

Mike Lee, Superintendent (Cherokee Christian Schools)
©2008 by Cherokee Christian Schools (used with permission)

Please click here for a full text of the article as originally published by Cherokee Christian Schools.
Answers to the question: Why do Christian Parents Choose to educate their Children in a School that Excludes Christ?
Encouragement

“No one will read this!” This has been the feedback we have received from some who proofed this writing. They contend that most people are no longer willing to read anything more than a “sound bite.” They tell us that the average person just wants the bottom line or the Cliffs Notes version. “Just email me, or better yet, text me- it’s quicker.”Our “bottom line” to you: please give this writing ten minutes of your time. Using the power and truth of biblical principles, it contains information that may change your life and the life of your children forever.

A Difficult Message to Write

We have taken six months to write this booklet. It has been critiqued by parents, grandparents, and teachers both in the Christian and public school sectors. Some have said the message is terrific. Others have said it is preachy or self-righteous. Still others said it was harsh. We listened to the criticisms and made changes that we hoped would remove any tone that would offend while not changing the truths herein. We understand that what we have written will not win the praise of the world. However, we are not seeking that praise. This booklet is designed to bring truth to minds of Christian parents who choose to have their children educated in a public school or a private non-Christian school. It is not directed to homeschool parents or non-Christian parents. We could ignore what is going on in our culture and say nothing, but that would not be biblical. Christians are called to be truth tellers, even when what we say may be unpopular. Please know our heart on this: we have written this booklet because we love the Lord, love the brethren, and love children. Psalm 40:9-11 says, “I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation; Behold, I will not restrain my lips, O LORD, You know. I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your loving-kindness and Your truth from the great congregation.” Our hope is that God will bless the sharing of His truth through this booklet.

Special note to Christian public school teachers and administrators: this booklet cites some of the unbiblical weaknesses of the public school in America. Please do not read this as a personal attack. We appreciate that you do not agree with the philosophy of the public schools and want to encourage you to be a warrior for Christ in that setting. Although we do not believe that Christ intended for children to be missionaries in the public school, He does intend Christian adults to speak His truth boldly wherever they are. We urge you to trust the Lord as you follow your calling.

Introduction

You have probably heard the term “like a frog in the kettle.” It refers to a situation where the frog sits in room temperature water in the kettle and neither knows nor feels the subtle changes that are happening in the water. Degree after degree, the water increases in heat and eventually the frog is boiled to death. So it is with many Christian families in America. With the decline of Christianity in our culture and many in the American church behaving more like the world, many Christian families are being boiled to death. Instead of realizing that there is a continual increase in the cultural temperature, Christian parents are being fooled again and again, believing misinformation that is killing the spiritual life of their children. What about you? Are you being fooled? Have you bought into the secular perspectives that we are constantly bombarded with each day? Have you taken the time and energy to question the so called “facts” that we are fed from all angles?

Please read and consider the ten myths that Christian parents frequently believe. You still have time to jump out of the kettle!

The 10 Most Popular Myths Christian Parents Believe*

Myth 1: I am saving money by not paying Christian school tuition.

Myth 2: We can’t afford Christian school tuition.

Myth 3: The public school and the Christian parent have the same goal in mind for the child’s education so my child is not being damaged spiritually by going to a non-Christian school.

Myth 4: Exposing my child to ungodly thinking and actions will prepare my child for the “real world.”

Myth 5: Children should be missionaries in the public school.

Myth 6: My child will be best served by figuring out life while attending a non-Christian school.

Myth 7: The prom, dating, and sports are vital experiences for my child and can best be experienced in a public school.

Myth 8: My child is receiving a good education in the public schools.

Myth 9: The learning environment in the public school is good.

Myth 10: The ultimate in myth telling to Christian parents in America may not be because the myth is being created for belief by the public school administrators, public school teachers unions, or politicians. It may be that parents are creating a myth that they want to believe for themselves.

*For a complete “discussion” of each myth, please click here for the full text of the booklet.

A Prayer for the New Year

O Jesus Christ, grow thou in me,

And all things else recede!

My heart be daily nearer Thee,

From sin be daily freed.

Each day let Thy supporting might,
My weakness still embrace;

My darkness vanish in Thy light,
Thy life my death efface.

In Thy bright beams which on me fall,

Fade every evil thought;

That I am nothing, Thou are all,

I would be daily taught.

Most of Thy glory let me see,
Thou Holy, Wise, and True!
I would Thy living image be,
In joy and sorrow, too.

Fill me with gladness from above,
Hold me by strength Divine:
Lord, let the glow of Thy great love
Through my whole being shine.

Make this poor self grow less and less,
Be Thou my life and aim;
Oh, make me daily through Thy grace
More meet to bear Thy name.

DiscoverChristianSchools.com wishes you a Happy and Blessed New Year!

Discover Christian Schools

By Harold Naylor, Jr., 
Co-founder, DiscoverChristianSchools.com

Critical thinking, character education, safety and security, uncovering God-given talents and passions, and developing a Christian view of the world. These are some of the reasons Christian parents invest large sums of money for tuition in a local Christian school.

However, most (90% by some estimates) evangelical parents put their children in the local public school. They (fondly) remember their own school days and declare, "I went to public school and I turned OK."

These parents, and the ones that desire for their children to be "salt and light" in the local school are the reason for the launching of http://www.discoverchristianschools.com/ , a communications initiative to speak directly to parents about the total education of their children.

The initiative produces weekly radio spots, Christian Education Commentary, that are carried on 117 stations across the US. The web site has had over 300,000 unique visitors and still gets 4,000 hits per day. A Google search on "Christian schools" puts the site in the #2 position.

WORLD magazine's founder, Joel Belz, recently described www.DiscoverChristianSchools.com as “...a notable effort to help parents discover the good things happening on the school front.”

Schools need to band together to get the word out that the local Christian school is the best partner a parent can find for the training of their child. This communications effort also helps schools crystallize and amplify their message as they seek to put critical information on their on web site and into the hands of prospective parents.

Schools can join the effort at no cost, but the campaign is maintained by gifts. If you would like more information on how to bless children, parents, and schools, please contact John Fedele via email at jfedele@DiscoverChristianSchools.com 

Merry Christmas!

This Christmas may

C -Christ dwell in you richly;
H - Heaven be a place you long for;
R - Righteousness be your highest aim;
I - Injustice move you to action;
S - Sin be something you hate;
T - The love of Christ guide you in all things;
M - Mountains in your life be moved by faith;
A - All you endeavor to do for the Kingdom be blessed;
S - Salvation be your most prized possession.

Merry Christmas from DiscoverChristianSchools.com!