As education in the UK becomes increasingly secularised, and the agendas and ideologies being pushed upon young minds become increasingly at odds with Biblical teaching, there are growing conversations amongst Christians about what the best setting is to educate our children.
The topic is rife with contention – and debates between Christians on how best to educate children have not always been conducted with grace. The homeschool movement in the UK is growing (not only amongst Christians) and demand for Christian education is also increasing. Others are passionate about the reasons for Christians to stay in state education. So is there a Biblical answer on how to educate your children? The answer is… yes and no.
I’m afraid I’m not here to argue the case for any one educational setting (sorry- I still have no answers!) My children are still young and have experienced a mix of state education and homeschooling – both have been largely positive for our family but we have not settled on a long term option for our children yet. There are, however, principles which I believe are helpful if, like me, you are weighing up the different options that are available to you in terms of educational settings.
1) Keep discipleship the main thing
Our vital calling, and main job as parents, is to walk with our children towards Christ. Our children have been entrusted to us – this is set out clearly in Deuteronomy 6:7 “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
This is your calling whatever educational model you choose . We must make the best use of time we have with our children to teach that which is of the greatest importance.
The Bible gives no word for word direction on whether your children should attend a Christian school or the state school. The Lord does however make it very clear that we are to raise our children in His ways, amongst His people, in His Word. We have a responsibility, then, to be involved in our children’s education wherever it is that they are doing their learning.
We want our children to grow in their understanding of the Lordship of Christ in all areas and what growing in obedience and love for Him looks like. It is worth spending time considering what this looks like for your family – when do you talk about what your children are learning (if you are not homeschooling them)? When do you read the Bible as a family? Is church a priority? These are all vital questions that will be key in your discipleship of your children.
2) Do not make decisions based on fear
I have heard lots of arguments in my time for or against different educational models from Christians. From “your children will never be socialised or know how to function in society” from the pro school groups to “your children will be doomed to adopting a secular world view” from the pro homeschool group. There are also sorts of fear based arguments that are not Biblical. The Bible tells us that “ God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7.
This means we are able to make wise, prayerful decisions about what is best for our children without fear and anxiety ruling our decisions. It does NOT mean we take decisions lightly, or that we can’t allow our concerns to inform our decisions but fear must not rule in our minds when it comes to decision making. It may be that you have very valid concerns about the secular model of education which causes you to pull your children from your local state school – that is different to living in a state of fear of the world which the Lord has overcome: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority” (Colossians 2:9-10)
On the other hand if the Lord is calling you to homeschool, perhaps it is time to trust the Lord with your fear of losing a second income, or of not coping with the demands of teaching your children. If you are being called to put your children in Christian Education but this means a less convenient school run perhaps you can prayerfully consider the value of the education versus the inconvenience. Let us allow biblical wisdom and prayerfulness to mark out choices and not our fears.
3) Seek Godly counsel
One of the most wonderful things about being a Christian is the community of believers to which we belong- as John Piper said there are “ No Christian can be a lone ranger- we won’t make it on our own. We need each other to cling to Jesus”. If you are unsure about how to educate your children, speak to Christians with different experiences. Speak to Godly older saints who have walked the path before you and raised their children in the Lord. I have found this to be an immense blessing as I flounder through parenthood!
4) Be faithful where the Lord has placed you
We have all we need for life and godliness- this means all Christians in any circumstances are able to follow Christ in whatever circumstances they might find themselves in. It may be that you have a child with additional support needs who requires help from a specialist school, or that you are a single parent dependent on your income to support your family. Sometimes our circumstances restrict our options – and that’s ok. You have all you need to trust and follow Jesus if you are seeking to raise your children in the Lord. I find that immensely comforting and freeing. We are called to be faithful where we are -and the Lord will equip us for the “good works he has prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10) wherever in the world we might find ourselves.
5) Trust the Lord with your children
The prayer in Every Moment Holy sums this point up better than I ever could, but let us remember our children belong to the Lord, and He cares about them infinitely more than we do. Let us read the Word with them, pray with and for them, and point them continually to Christ.
“I am not the author of their story Lord,
You are.
I am not their ultimate protector Lord,
You are. (…)
I have no shield with which to guard them, but your unending faithfulness;
No comfort to console them, but your transcendent power;
No assurance to offer them, but your perfect love.”
– Extract from A Liturgy for dropping off a child at school.
