Gates of Hell, Part Six - It Gets Better
From David Sikkink:
Important differences among Christian schools are submerged in accounts that see them as organized and run simply according to religious dogma.
One reason is that the religious dictates themselves vary more than is generally understood....
It appears that the Bible can justify very different schooling strategies. For example, for deeply religious reasons, some conservative Christian schools require that parents share the religious orientation of the school, while other Christian schools invoke biblical commands to support admissions policies that do not include religious qualifications....
This was a topic of discussion in the Sharper Iron Forums:
tlangeMarch 8th, 2005, 01:59 PM
This has been a controversy for a while.
There are some that believe a Christian school should be open to anyone who meets the admission standards, etc. because there is a great possibility to reach children and families with the gospel. ( I was saved through the ministry of a good Christian school and church)
There are also some on the other side that believe that the school should only be for Christian kids or for kids within that particular local church.
My question is why exclude children from the opportunity from getting a good education and potentially learning the Bible and getting saved. Honestly I think it is limiting to any school... I know of a school where the child cannot be admitted unless one of the parents "has a Christian testimony" I am glad that my school did not impose such a restriction on me....
rickdobMarch 10th, 2005, 05:31 AM
I believe that Christian schools should be open enrollment. If someone is willing to put their child under teaching that honors and glorifies God, then that choice could lead to their child's salvation and possibly even the salvation of the family. I do not believe that allowing open enrollment is a choice that does not glorify God. Also, many "Christian" students who go to Christian schools end up getting saved some time in the future. Many younger elementary students are not even professing Christians at the time they enter a school, but their parents are. Do we limit schools then to the students being Christians, or the parents? And if it is a requirement for the parents to be saved, then what if one parent is unsaved?
GoWestMarch 10th, 2005, 12:26 PM
I am an associate pastor and principal in California. Our enrollment is just over 200. Our philosophy would viewed as open. Ken Boa wrote that the arrow of the Great Commission finds its impetus in the bow of the Great Commandment. A large amount of the young families we have in our church have come through outreach in our Christian school. We maintain open enrollment and take anyone in the K-3rd grades. It narrows in 4-6th grades (a winnowing process) until grades 7-12 require attendance each week in a church of like mind. Almost all of our seniors continue their Christian school education by attending schools like Bob Jones University and Maranatha Baptist Bible College. Some have indeed returned and labor in our ministry as teachers.
The school is the main arm of our evangelistic thrust in pioneering the Gospel (Philippians 1) in a very difficult place. I see no biblical reason to discontinue such a philosophy. Some may ask, “Are you able to give the heathen a Christian education?” My response would be, “How many heathen sit in our pews on any given Sunday?”
Additionally, some of the biggest problems in the Christian school movement have developed through the children of “church” kids or even the children of leaders. Our desire is to bring families to Christ. We provide a stimulating academic program, but our overriding concern is evangelism and edification.
Take Heritage Christian School:
Heritage Christian School has an open enrollment policy. While we are a decidedly Christian in our approach to education and evangelical in our presentation, we are not affiliated with any church or religious organization. We do not require a church or denominational membership or any particular set of religious beliefs for a student to attend. Any student may apply and be accepted as long as that student demonstrates a desire and a willingness to comply with Biblical standards and the codes of conduct, policies and requirements of Heritage Christian School. If the classes desired are available, part-time students may enroll as long as they agree to the same code of conduct and respect for Biblical standards expected of full-time students.
Enrollment priviledges may be subject to academic or behavioral probation. Students are expected to abide by Heritage Christian School behavioral standards and codes of conduct throughout their enrollment whether at home, school or elsewhere. Students who are repeatedly found to be out of harmony with the overall spirit of Christian brotherhood may be required to withdraw whenever the general welfare of the school demands it, even if there is no specific violation of policy.
No parental litmus test.
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