Christian Schools Blogsite Discussion

Covenant Christian School Ludington has grown from 15 to 100 students. This is a relaxed but passionate video explaining the history and vision of the Christian school to assist parents. The school was birthed in prayer. Interesting they see their role as making history makers.

It's the only video I have heard the phrase "pretty awesome" when talking about their vision. The video is a mix of interviews with staff, parents and students.

The video is to help raise funds for the school. The building is seen as simply a tool to contain the vision. It asks for viewers to firstly pray for the school and consider helping



Note: This school shares the same name as the organisers of the Why Christian School website but are not associated or affiliated with Covenant Christian School Sydney Australia.

Covenant Christian School Indianapolis started in 1995 with 15 students. It has grown to 400 students. The video starts with the history and vision of the founders. It is exciting to hear their story. It is important new families understand the vision of a Christian school. The video also names and honours some of those involved.

The video explains they are deliberately teaching students a Christian worldview. It looks like a place of life and the talk about the joy of living for Christ. Students are encouraged to live for the Glory of God.

One former student talks about the "huge deposit in who I am" provided by the school. Another talks about how the school empower and encouraged them. A teacher talks about her love for the students.

A teacher talks about what a Christian education means to them. It goes beyond the term "Christian Education".

I love the statement "true education is discipleship" and that they are wanting to teach the bigger lessons of life. When it comes to the cost of education one states parents are not investing in a building but in the lives of students.



Note: this school shares the same name as the organisers of the Why Christian Schools website but is not associated or affiliated with Covenant Christian School Sydney Australia.

TED is an annual conference described as "Riveting talks by remarkable people". Creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson challenges the way we're educating our children. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativitySir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.

He claims teaching and allowing creativity is as important as literature.

Some would say this video has nothing to do with Christian school system. However I think it is Christian schools who can help challenge the dominant culture and create different models. It is important for Christian schools to understand that our education system can be more influenced by society and culture than by our faith.



This video and more information on the speaker is available at TED.

Christian schools around the world are not static. Many schools which started with a passion and vision for Christ and Christian education can eventually settle for just being a good school. What actually makes a Christian school to be Christian continues to be discussed and evaluated. 

Is a school Christian because of it behaviour control and the topics it chooses to include and exclude? Is it Christian because the staff are Christian, or the parents? As parents it is important to consider what Christianity looks like in the classroom and not just in chapel services. Not all Christian schools are the same.

Paul Tripp Ministries have released some DVDs of a conference looking at the Culture of Grace in Christian schools.  The DVD series is available at: Paul Tripp Ministries

The Why Christian Schools website does not endorse these videos but encourages any ministry which is continuing to add to the discussion. All schools need to be willing to question whether they can do things better, or differently. Schools which feel they have 'arrived' and settle down may be those most at risk of losing ground. Hopefully DVD series like these will challenge schools to maintain the vision and being willing to continue changing in both thought and practice.