Periodically, I visit an online chat group linked to Seventh-day Adventist Christian education. So many on that chat are thrilled to have had the privilege of attending church schools, acknowledging that they have acquired a legacy of influences so strong that, even now, they continue to be excited and committed to Christian education. They have a sense of purpose, an understanding of servant leadership, a solid academic education, and lifelong friends. Others complain and find fault with our schools, focusing on what was not offered there rather than on what was provided. Evaluating church schools against institutions of the world, they are resentful, even though they are successful professionals, presidents and CEOs of major corporations, and leaders of influence in their communities.
None of what is offered at our church schools is happenstance. Morning worship with students provides strength and hope for the day; it’s a time to be happy and free, singing favorite songs and hymns that motivate, encourage, and give hope for a bright future.
At union-wide music clinics, we invite interested schools from around the union to enjoy time together, making and celebrating music. I maintain that music is God’s voice and heart. When we expose our young people to music in all its forms, we share the heart of Jesus with them.
Bible classes are chock-full of God’s plan for His children. Ellen G. White said in Education, p. 18, “Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children.” Where better to understand God’s ideal than in church schools? There young minds are exposed daily to His ideal and are reminded that nothing is too hard, no job is beyond their grasp, and no physical or mental challenge is too difficult to overcome if God is on their side, and they claim and trust His promises.
The question of “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is answered in the affirmative through the demonstration of community service and community outreach. Our children love to visit the surrounding neighborhoods and interact with seniors and others who may be isolated and in need to bring them words of comfort and care packages. Our students are happy in their pursuit of making someone else happy; this is deliberate action on the part of the church school. Our community service is so intentional and so honorable that even secular schools have mandated community service as a part of their graduation requirement.
Outdoor camps that encourage team building also provide an opportunity to be our brother’s keeper and offer a chance to develop lifelong friends. Specific to Bermuda is the opportunity to spend a week or more on the sloop, “The Spirit of Bermuda,” working to develop team-building skills.
Our Weeks of Prayer are specific and times are set aside to invite our children individually to become a child of God. Our students must never leave our schools saying no one told them or asked them to be a part of God’s family and embrace the joys that come with receiving Him personally as Savior and Lord.
Our academic curriculum provides every avenue to showcase our Creator, God. Everything we do is intentional, whether in mathematics, the sciences, physical education, or home industry. And we pray that, when all is said and done, our efforts are not in vain, but that we and our children, those who have been gifted to us to prepare for eternity, will hear from our Maker and King, “Well done. . . . Enter into the joy of your Lord”—Matthew 25:21 (NKJV).
Christ is our example. He tutored the twelve, and we are to pattern His example. We must purposefully share with our young people His love and character daily. If not, we will have failed to do the will of the One who has sent us. Christian education must, in all its forms, reflect the love of God. We must communicate with students and parents why we operate as we do, not following any pattern other than that designated by God. Then, I believe we will murmur less and appreciate God’s blessings more.
