EDUCATION is a powerful shaping influence in the life of every child. Every book, teacher,
and curriculum has a worldview and will impact a child’s faith in Jesus.
tion to take. As a result, many Christian schools do not see
immediate fruit from the education fair.
4. Bring the education fair to
your people. When are there
large numbers of parents
in your building? Offer the
education fair at one of these
times. Our first education fair
was offered on a Saturday morn-
ing, and 150 people attended. For
the past three years, we have hosted
the education fair on Wednesday evening when
large numbers of people are already coming through
our building, and our attendance has been much larger.
worldview. Parents are looking for guidance on education
and are grateful for the assistance. A Christian Educa-
tion Fair is a great way to champion
Christian education and encourage
parents to choose an educational
option that will build their child’s
faith in Jesus.
5. Contact area Christian schools and invite them
to participate in the Christian Education Fair. We
contact schools three months in advance of the event
and ask for an RSVP within weeks of receiving our
invitation. We average 20 to 30 different Christian education
options every year at our education fair.
6. Collaborate with local Christian school leaders to ensure
what is offered is helpful for them. Invite key schools to help
plan the education fair, provide a seminar on the value of
Christian education, and promote the event to their network.
7. Decide what components to include at the fair. Our
education fair consists of three components: educational
options, seminars, and educational resources. Educational
options are the Christian preschools, schools, colleges, and
homeschool groups available for families to explore. This
will be the main draw. Seminars help families weigh options
and consider reasons to choose Christian education. Educa-
tional resources are books that help parents disciple their
children and pass on a Christian worldview. We sell 100-150
different biblically based books at a resource table and
encourage parents to build a Christian worldview library for
their children.
Education is a powerful shaping influence in the life
of every child. Every book, teacher, and curriculum has a
worldview and will impact a child’s faith in Jesus. For this
reason, pastors—as shepherds over their flock—are wise to
help parents understand how education shapes their child’s
Josh Mulvihill is pastor to children and families at Grace Church
in Eden Prairie, MN, an adjunct professor at Crown College,
and a member of the Renewanation board. He is completing
his Ph.D. at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in family
ministry with a focus on the biblical role of grandparents. Josh is
married to Jen, and they have five children and a Beagle.
FOOTNOTES
1. Clarion Vol. 47, No. 16 (1998)
31