gone through the public school system and secular college.
I think it is more important to spend the money on them
during their formative years when they are deciding what
they believe about God.”
Andy and Karen, grandparents of eighteen grandchildren,
told me that they are very strong believers in sending their
children and grandchildren to Christian colleges. Their
thought is long, but worth reading. “We want a place where
biblical values are taught and where classes start with Scrip-
ture and prayer time. Most of our children met their mates
at a Christian college. That is a really good reason right there.
Yes, they are going to college for an education, but many
times they are coming out with a spouse. Plus, the friends
that they established at the Christian schools are still good
friends with them now. And that is special too. When you go
to a non-Christian college, you are going to find the dorm
life is unbelievable. Co-ed living and lots of temptations.
When they go off to college, they are going to be out of sight
and not in a situation where they are getting your input on a
regular basis. I want to place them in a wholesome environ-
ment where they are going to be encouraged to go to church
and pursue the Lord.”
“There is no such thing
as religious neutrality
in education. The bottom
line is that a Christ-less
education never leads to
a Christ-like maturity.”
Andy and Karen are been-there, done-that grandparents
who have experienced the value of Christian education in
helping their children find godly spouses, form lifelong
friendship in Christ, and solidify faith. True, there are chil-
dren who go to public schools and secular colleges and grow
up to love Jesus Christ. But this is becoming the exception
rather than the rule. Public schools have slowly shifted away
from teaching children how to think. Instead, they are teach-
ing children what to think. That is a big shift. Unfortunately,
in many places, public education has become hostile toward
Jesus Christ and the truths of Scripture, making it all the
more imperative for grandparents to do what they can to
see that their grandchildren are not in these environments.
Lastly, Psalm 78 informs grandparents that they are
educators themselves. God has given every grandparent a
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teaching role in the life of a grandchild. Psalm 78:5-6 states
that God, “commanded our [grand]fathers to teach their
children that the next generation might know them, the chil-
dren yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children.”
In case you weren’t counting, that’s a four-generation vision,
and it revolves around grandparents teaching children and
grandchildren “the works of God and his commandments
… so that they may set their hope in God … and not be a
stubborn and rebellious generation” (Ps. 78:5-8).
Grandparents, do you want your grandchildren to
treasure Jesus?
Then teach them the mighty works of God, tell them the
commands of God, and share with them the hope you have
in Jesus. This is Christian education. Regardless of whether
a grandchild attends public, private or homeschool, they
need this more than ever. Your role is to teach them the core
truths of the Bible and help them embrace a biblical world-
view rather than a secular one. A few resources that you
might find helpful toward this end: The Gospel for Children
and Renewanation’s By The Way Series, books that enable
parents and grandparents to help their children discover
biblical truth in everyday life and are excellent for grade
school-aged children. Bitesize Theology is good for young
teens, and 100 Essential Truths of the Christian Faith is valu-
able for older teens.
Grandparents can have a hands-on role passing on a life
skill, reading and discussing a book from a reputable Chris-
tian author, or leading a grandchild through a Bible study. If a
grandchild is home educated, grandparents could help teach
an academic subject they enjoy. If you live a long distance
from grandchildren, technology such as Skype, makes
all this possible. Most adult children would be delighted
if grandparents wanted to read, study, discuss, and teach
grandchildren the truths of Scripture. Most grandchildren
would be excited to spend additional time with grandma or
grandpa doing any of these activities.
I’ll end with a question: How can you use your financial
resources, godly wisdom, and incredible influence to give
your grandchildren the gift of a Christian education?
Josh Mulvihill is pastor to children and families at Grace Church
in Eden Prairie, MN, an adjunct professor at Crown College,
and is completing his PhD from the Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary in family ministry with a focus on the biblical role of
grandparents. He is married to Jen, and they have five children
and a Beagle.