Whether you are a parent, educator, or in children's ministry, you have a tremendous opportunity to help the children in your life live their lives for Jesus. But with the towering influence of today's culture, how can you make the most of the precious time you have to shape a child's worldview for Jesus? How can you train up a child instead of putting them in a bubble?
In Rethinking Discipleship, Dr. Alan Pue explore the importance of shepherding a child's heart by looking at the biblical principles that should drive behavior, values, and beliefs. Plus, he details how a joint approach of home, church, and school is foundational to Christ-centered education and weaving faith into every aspect of life.
You have an incredible mission. Now, it is time to seize it.
Dr Pue challenges us to consider the importance of Christian schooling for our children. While at times a bit polemical, he argues clearly for the necessity of a Christian school, wherever possible for children given the secular nature of public schooling and its increasingly anti~Christian stance. His focus is on the preparation of children to liv3 as disciples of Christ and the important role a quality Christian school can play in that. I like his proposal that, “Christian schools are, or should be, ‘boot camps’, places where kids are being prepared to step into that real world as mature discerning adults.” He proposes schools going beyond just the idea of instilling a Biblical world view in students but picks up on J. K. A. Smith’s notion that, “…education…is not primarily about the absorption of ideas and information but about the formation of hearts and desires.” A great challenge to us in Christian schooling to get our purpose clear and our programs aligned with that purpose.
A hard hitting, and truthful, expose of why discipleship is vital. We know that people become like those that they spend time with. With whom are our children spending the most time? Are those people following Christ and leading them to a deeper understanding of God and His purposes? If not, why are parents choosing that option for their children. The most effective way to disciple children of school age is to put them in schools where teachers with a biblical worldview will walk with them into a deeper relationship with God. Where can those teachers be found? Most often in a Christian school. So, parents, choose wisely.
Dr. Alan Pue challenges readers to take a deep dive into exploring the purpose of schooling. He writes specifically to Christian parents and churches asking some poignant reflective questions about their stance on education. There is a variety of research presented in the book, and Dr. Pue roots much of his claims with scripture. The best thing about this book is the reflection that the author creates for the reader.
Really changed my perspective on how important a Christian school is to young children and their families who truly wish to raise up a God fearing child. Dr. Alan pue dispelled a lot of myths that would lead many Christian families to pursue an education (and ultimately discipleship program because it’s not a matter of if a student is discipled but by who) anywhere but a Christian school.
Over all this was a good read. I agree with this. “ The purpose of Christian schooling is not to ensure the outcome. Rather, it is to plant the child in the right soil and nurture and cultivate with care on a daily basis for as long as we are given”.