We find ourselves in another academic and ministry year by God's providence. Routines and sanity are being restored. We are beginning to get into the grind of daily mental and social development. However, I wonder where this grind leads us? How exactly are our minds being formed? I ask these questions because many of us submit our children and ourselves w/out much thought of what and why we are educating. Of course, the obvious answers are; being able to get a job, to progress to the next level of education, etc. If we are honest, as parents of young kids who have spent the summer, 24 hours a day, trying to keep their children fed, entertained, clean, and alive, many are just grateful to have some space away from them during the day. (In part, there is nothing wrong with that motive.) Others realize that a good education is the key to success in life. Regardless, of whether child or adult students, we all pursue our education for mostly utilitarian purposes: achievement, scholarships, entrance to the next level of study, securing job opportunities, or simply seeking to grasp a sense of vocational calling.
Unfortunately, I do not hear many Christians talking about education from a biblical or Christian worldview, asking questions about God’s thoughts and purposes for education in general. And even when there is dialogue around the issue the topics lean towards answering the question of whether one should pursue Christian school versus Public school versus Homeschooling. Do not misunderstand me, these are valid considerations and deserve thoughtful discussion. Even so, these conversations tend to remain focused on how education in these different iterations will get our kids or ourselves where ‘we want to go.’ (Usually with a focus on opportunities, economics, cultural preferences, status, position, and comfortability) But the silence is deafening when more penetrating biblical and theological questions about education and the life of the mind are posed.
As we are starting another ministry calendar year, which includes education both in and outside of the church, I think it would serve us well to spend some time contemplating God’s heart for our minds and their development. Therefore, the staff and I will be writing 3 to 4 pieces to stir the pot in hopes of developing a greater appreciation and purposefulness for our education to the glory of God and His kingdom purposes.