WHAT IS THE VALUE OF A KINGDOM EDUCATION ?
By Dr . S . L . Sherrill
Cultivating a Thriving Christian School Series : Addressing Major Components for Institutional Health in Christian Schools
Education has been defined as “ the process by which children and youth develop knowledge , skills , and character , especially through formal instruction , training , and study .” According to Webster ’ s Dictionary , philosophy is “ a pursuit of wisdom ; a search for truth through logical reasoning ; an analysis of the grounds of and concepts expressing fundamental beliefs .” The Greeks defined philosophy as “ the love and pursuit of knowledge and truth .” Adding Christianity , the indispensable ingredient , our philosophy of kingdom education is like an artist who steps back from his work to view the masterpiece in its entirety . How he relates the parts to each other and the whole reveals the mastery and success of his work . The effectiveness and outreach of our ministries hinge upon the development of our philosophy of kingdom education .
Dr . Glen Schultz defines the philosophy of Christian education in a broader sense as kingdom education which is “ a life-long , Bible-based , Christ-centered process of leading a child to Christ , building a child up in Christ , and equipping a child to serve Christ .” This definition identifies the five pillars of a true philosophy of kingdom education : Bible-based , Christ-centered , Holy Spirit-controlled , pupilrelated , and social-oriented .
BIBLE-BASED : The Bible-based philosophy of kingdom education presents the Bible as the foundation of all knowledge . Every aspect of education must be integrated into God ’ s truth . The scope of God ’ s truth is universal . God ’ s truth is not dependent upon what education does . The integration of education should merge into a living union with God ’ s truth . A living union of all aspects of education must take place .
The truth must be the unifying factor between the home , church , and school , and they must establish their precepts upon the Bible . Their premise must be that all truth is God ’ s truth ; their communication must speak the truth in love
PUPIL-RELATED
HOLY SPIRIT-CONTROLLED
CHRIST-CENTERED
BIBLE-BASED
SOCIAL-ORIENTED seasoned with grace , and their conduct must speak louder than words , realizing the powerful influence of godly behavior . The result will be children of integrity and honesty balanced by God ’ s Word and fit for the Master ’ s use : “ Sanctify them by the truth ; your word is truth ” ( John 17:17 ). Let us integrate the truth in every discipline : “ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching , for reproof , for correction , and for training in righteousness ” ( 2 Tim . 3:16 ). May the truth come alive in their hearts .
48 THE RENEWANATION REVIEW