The cost of Christian education
Today, I am sorting through responses written by former alumni. I am looking for specific stories that may make future, interesting articles. But suddenly, reading through the responses as one large pile starts to choke me up.
In these pages, quote after quote, life after life, a singular theme jumps out at me: Christian education is priceless.
It is priceless not only because we as parents want our children to grow up and be disciples of Jesus Christ. But it is also priceless, because when children grasp this, they bear fruit. They bear the type of fruit that changes individuals, generational lines, churches, schools and societies for eternity. Christian education changes lives for eternity. And that makes it priceless.
According to Lifeway Research, a staggering two-thirds of churchgoing young adults will leave the church and not come back. By comparison, look at what some of our young alumni have to say:
Jadyn: “With my faith, I no longer feel as safe and shielded as I did at EC. But EC prepared me to find community at college, which I valued deeply back in high school. College has taught me a lot about making my faith my own, and choosing to pursue it, even when nobody else around me might. Here at college, I currently serve as a service opener for our Cru ministry. I also attend weekly Sunday morning service.”
Jack: “I’ve been actively involved in campus ministry in the past three years, mentoring 70 guys in a residence hall. [I am] a consistent member of a SBC church.”
Claudia: “Within my church, I now walk intentionally with others both older and younger than myself, in mentorship and small group settings….EC built a foundation for my faith more than I realized…I am most passionate about being a disciple of Jesus, who makes disciples.”
Nino: “At EC, I appreciated the community of teachers filled with faith, who are with you through anything you are dealing with and there to be your mentors…[in college], I am doing great on my feet! I am passionate about sharing the gospel as well as the history of the early church. I attend church three times a week and I am the vice president of the Orthodox Christian fellowship on campus.”
Jonathan: “Lately, I’ve been reading from the book of Mark where Jesus calms the storm…I am involved in many ministries. I am a cadet leader at Unity CRC. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I am a student at the ministry Servant’s Heart in Paterson. Twice a month, I’m a youth group leader.”
Michael: “I am involved in a men’s small group and as a leader for the high school ministry. I have recently been finding deep satisfaction in community with other believers.”
Luke: “I currently work within my college’s chapel office as a worship and chapel planning intern, as well as serve as men’s ministry leader for my campus…As I continue my studies, I have developed a deep love and longing for the educational side of ministry, focusing on teaching others more about Christian formation within the Body of Christ and helping equip people to know God on a deeper level.”
Eric: “I am currently serving on our Friday and Sunday praise teams. I am also doing sound for the young adult service on Sundays.”
I am so very proud of these young adults. It wasn’t that long ago that they were walking around the halls of Eastern Christian High School. And now, they have each gone out into new environments, not only holding on to their faith, but bearing much fruit.