Now More Than Ever
The task of educating the next generation is a long, slow grind. And, it’s never been more important.
The dust is starting to settle after the shocking events surrounding Charlie Kirk’s assassination on September 10th. His incredible and powerful funeral in front of more than 100 million people worldwide has come and gone, and people are moving forward. For many people, there is a clear “vibe shift” taking place in numerous sectors of society, specifically in politics and religion.
But I would like to consider what this moment in American culture and history should have us thinking about regarding education, and more specifically Christian education. While Charlie famously did not go to college (and credibly pointed out the scam that higher education has become in many - though not all - places), he was an avid learner, an intellectual giant, and in recent years became a vocal proponent of classical Christian education itself.
I believe moments like this require reflection on what we’re actually seeking to do here at Eden. Speaking for myself, if I’m not careful I can get easily lulled into the weekly rhythms of classes, routines, small matters of discipline, occasional conflicts to get sorted out, and decisions to change this or that policy to make Eden a pleasant experience for all. The longer this goes on, the easier it is to perpetuate the status quo, get ready for the next round of new family applications, choose the next curriculum, and set next year’s budget.
And hear me: all of that is good and necessary - rhythms are important, discipline needs to be done, conflict needs to get resolved, budgets get made, new families apply and get admitted. But my concern is that all of those good and necessary things can easily become the end in themselves. If these things become the sum total of Eden, then quote me now that the flame of passion and zeal for the project that is Eden Classical Academy will eventually go out.
What we need is a regular reminder of the BIG picture. What are we seeking, beyond all the necessary-but-not-ultimate matters that take up so much of our time? We are after nothing less than educating and discipling the next generation, through classical Christian education, to become passionate, virtuous, disciplined, skilled citizens who bring God glory doing whatever he would call them into. We’re after shaping minds and hearts, submitted to God’s Word and Christ as Lord in every area of their life. We’re about partnering with parents to train up these soon-to-be-adults and launch them into a world hostile to their faith, to be light shining in the darkness and to bring the hope of the gospel where there is so much despair all around.
So with the big picture in mind yet again, what do we need to focus on in this season? Below I provide several big categories to focus on, with the realization that these need to be done consistently, patiently, and for a long (long!) time. These are not events and seminars, and they don’t happen in one class or one school year. And, they need to pervade both home and school life if they’re going to have the best shot at bearing fruit.
Root everything in Christ
Our students must know that their true meaning and purpose is found only in Christ. Their future career or calling is not divorced from them being a Christian. Their study of history is the study of God’s providential leading of all things according to his will. Their study of language arts and fine art and math and logic are processes of discovery of the world God has made and the beauty and goodness he’s placed in the world. Their aspirations for achievement, strength, excellence and adventure all find their proper place when it is seen in connection to Jesus as Lord over all things.
Seek opportunities to train and display courage
The world’s hostility to the gospel and to Christians living for Christ is not an occasion for fear and trepidation. It’s an opportunity to live boldly, trusting that God will be glorified in our losses as much as our wins, and even in our death as much as our life. These formative years of childhood and then teen years are not for sheltering; they are years for preparation and training to increasingly live in sacrificial love and courage for the good of our neighbors and the glory of God. We need to regularly speak of godly courage through stories, in history, and everywhere we can in real life to help point students to the need to take steps of courage, both small and great.
Keep wisdom and virtue central
Whatever subject is taught, or whatever skill you’re helping your child grow in, cultivate them in wisdom and virtue. It is certainly true that not every single thing a student learns will stick with them all the days of their life. But if the lessons are bathed in wisdom and virtue, even when the specific lesson may be long forgotten, character formation will remain. They may not remember you as a teacher 20 years from now (unfortunately!), but even so you can know you are playing a small but meaningful role in the shaping of each young soul you pour into to grow into a wise and virtuous servant of Christ.
Do it all in a vibrant community
This work simply cannot be done alone. Charlie Kirk, the face of the TPUSA organization, is a testimony to the power of bringing people together for a common mission. While he did so much good in his short life, we see in his wake this truth: the strongest organizations are never only about one person. And we see time and again throughout history that if a movement or endeavor will be successful, it cannot only be about the founder or president or most famous person in it. It must be a God-ordained, God-blessed community all rowing in the same direction to see progress and growth.
These are but four categories, four commitments, out of many more than could be listed. Now more than ever, we must be firm in our resolve to keep the big picture in mind. The details are important, but we cannot become so narrowly focused on them that we lose sight of what God is doing over the months that turn into years. By God’s grace, our faithfulness will turn into great fruitfulness. Be patient, keep at it, and to God alone be the glory!
SDG,
Pastor Ritter