Eight Characteristics of a Truly Christian School

Guest essay by Dr. David Gibbs, Jr.

Education, n. The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners.

Education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper,and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties. Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language

1. Priority one is to lead every child to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. (John 3:3)A Christian teacher is permitted to take seriously their most important obligation– leading the children to salvation.
2. Lead every child to the knowledge of the Word of God. (Psalm 119:9)The teachers at GLCA are dedicated to leading children to a knowledge of the most important text in man’s history– God’s Word.
3. Teach every child how to lead another person to Christ. (Proverbs 11:30)Because Christian schools are given the freedom to equip children for what they are commanded by God to do– lead others to Christ.
4. Teach the children to fear God. (Job 28:28)The Bible teaches that the beginning of wisdom and knowledge is the fear of God. Children will be taught that learning is more than remembering dates and learning to add and subtract; they will be taught true wisdom—fearing God.
5. Teach the children to live holy. (Ephesians 1:4)Striving to live holy is essential in the victorious Christian life. Our educators may teach the importance of personal holiness to the children.
6. Teach the children the stewardship of life. (Galatians 2:20)Stewardship is teaching students that everything they are and everything they have is God-given and is to be used to glorify Him.
7. Teach the children Biblical excellence. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)Your child will be taught the importance of doing everything in the most excellent manner possible as unto the Lord Jesus Christ.
8. Teach the children how to worship God. (Psalm 95:6)Children will be taught how to worship God– how to fall into reverence alone before Him, talk with Him, praise Him, commune with Him, and meditate on what He is doing in their life.

This article comes from the Gospel Light Baptist Church website.

Dr. David Gibbs Jr. is founder and president of the Christian Law Association. Since 1969, Christian Law Association  has been providing free legal assistance to Bible-believing churches and Christians who are experiencing difficulty in practicing their religious faith because of governmental regulation, intrusion, or prohibition in one form or another. Dr. Gibbs represented Terri Schiavo in her family’s right to life justice appeal.

© 2015 Used by Permission