T
RENDS COME AND GO in the life of the Church.
With trends come new terminology and sometimes new
tradition. At the heart of it, is the quest to influence people
and point them to the truth that sets free and empowers the
soul to be all God designed it to be.
But often ego seems to play a part. Especially in western
culture where numbers and structures are often equated
with success. Who has the biggest or most campuses? Who
has the largest congregation, most dynamic service produc-
tion, or most prominent name? Bear in mind, these things
are not necessarily bad.
But in the fevered effort to stand out and attract, has the
gospel been minimized to the number of decisions and
baptisms, membership roles, and budgets? Has the mission
moved from transformation to inclusion, tolerance, and the
image of prosperity?
"There is no place of
greater opportunity
to impact lives and
culture for Christ
than through schools."
What is Christ’s real mission for the Church?
Is it not to impact culture by driving back the darkness and
depravity of sin with the hope and power and revelation of
the gospel? Is it not to bring to every broken life the transfor-
mation and healing made possible through Jesus’ name and
the work of the Spirit?
His disciples captured words that summed up Jesus’
mission to his followers. Mark recorded, “Go into all the
world and preach [declare] the gospel [good news of the life
being offered] to every creature” (16:15, additions mine).
Matthew shared Jesus’ most comprehensive statement
of mission when he said, “Go therefore and make disciples
[committed followers] of all the nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded
you” (28:19-20, additions mine).
In this mission, we see the importance of proclaiming
the truth we know to everyone, affirming faith in God
and His gospel through baptism of those who believe, and
teaching Christ-followers all that Jesus taught so they can be
informed, committed disciples. This is critical to them being
able to proclaim the truth they know to others.
So, as committed Christ-followers and part of the
Church, let’s dig deeper.
Where can we connect with almost 100% of a generation
in any culture today? Where can we connect with people
at a time when they are most receptive to learning and
embracing the truth? Where can we connect with people for
a significant and sustained period of their lives? The most
accurate answer would be in schools. Yes, in SCHOOLS.
Simple logic would indicate that schools should be a
top-line priority in the mission of the Church. I believe that
schools classify as a most under-developed or unreached
community by most churches and Christians in America
today. Why? Because many have bought into the myth that
it is “forbidden” territory. However, they will go to great
expense and risk to reach closed cultures that are far from
home! Does this make sense?
I have had the privilege of being on four continents and
in many countries of the world to help advance the cause
of Christ. One thing that has been consistent: the role of
Christian schools and the intentional influence of Christians
in schools is evident in advancing the cause of Christ and
forming healthy culture.
In the country of Eritrea (a tiny country in NE Africa)
where I was born and raised, mission schools have played
a significant part in developing strong leadership for the
nation. Even in recent years when a government dictator-
ship hostile to Christianity seized power and made churches
illegal, Christian schools were asked to continue operation
because of their needed impact.
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