What is Christian Education?

Christian education is described as “a reverent attempt to discover the divinely ordained process by which individuals grow in Christlikeness, and to work with that process” (Rick Yount).  But what is it, and what makes education Christian?

James Estep states that in order for education to be Christian, the presence of theology beyond the basic level of content is essential.  Theology is more than the content of Christian education; it is a process of instruction and discernment which persons are educated in the realities of their lives.

Christian education is what invites people to see and understand the world through the perspective of God’s truth, aiming to develop the mind, heart, and spirit, nurturing it into a biblical worldview.  It is a life that is Spirit formed and led. 

All forms of education have a particular perspective on life.  In psychology, there is the defining of behavior as a result of conditioning, environment, and reinforcement.  In mathematics, the perspective is rooted in constructivism where the learner builds their own understanding by connecting new concepts to prior knowledge.  But in Christian education, it is a transformation focused approach, educating the whole person.  It was the apostle Paul who told us that we must be transformed by the renewing of the mind… (Rom. 12:2), which indicates that the believer must learn to yield the whole self to God.

Christian education is a way of living a life in Christ.  Martyn Lloyd-Jones taught that true Christian education focus on biblical doctrine and the necessity of the new birth rather than relying on intellectualism.

The Great Commission calls on believers to go and make disciples (Matt. 28:19).  The Lord was not only telling us to go and evangelize, but He was also telling us how to go about it.  What Christ taught, must be studied and practiced, as Christian education does not just occur on Sunday mornings, but it should be an everyday process.  It encompasses far more than classroom instruction, or programs.  It represents a process that is rooted in Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

We must work the works of He who called us…!

#TheRomansRoad1962