To become a Christian school

To start and end a school day with Bible reading and prayer is only the start of a school becoming a Christian school. Bible classes are the next step, but much more is needed to being a fully-fledged Christian school.
   
What also is required, became clear during a Christian education course that was held on Mukhanyo’s KwaMhlanga campus on 22 April, attended by some 60 teachers and teacher students. They were addressed by Mukhanyo’s Dean of Students, Rev Isaac Maleke, two ex-headmasters, Pieter Bisschoff and Jackie Tredoux, and a Reformed education expert from The Netherlands, Dr Gerrit Heino. Here are a few of the critical points made at the seminar:

• The teacher should be a living Christian, an example or role model for the learners, love the learners and build up a good relationship with them – and also with God.  Be honest to yourself, to the children and above all to God.
• Teachers should know that teaching is not a job, but an important and high calling.
• Teachers should also know that the same God who is the Creator of heaven and earth, is in control of everything, and is also the God of the Bible. The laws of the universe which He created cannot be in conflict with what He teaches us in the Bible. Only Christians can understand this.
• A teacher is a lifelong student of the Bible and of the subjects he/she teaches. A teacher’s love for the Bible and the subjects rubs off on the children. If she/he is dedicated, the children will also be.
• Every subject is part of God’s creation and teachers must teach this. The point of departure and the contents of every subject have to be taught in the light of what Christ, the greatest Teacher, teaches.
• Don’t expect children not to misbehave. They are born sinners, like all of us.
• The most important thing to teach children is to believe in the grace of Jesus Christ as well as His righteousness and forgiveness for those who believe in Him.  And to get to know God, our Father, and his Son, one has to study the Bible, which is a lifelong task.

Many other important points were made and could be made. A similar seminar will be held later in the year. An important little book on practical aspects of a real Christian school was made available at the seminar, entitled Building Blocks for Christian Normative Education. It can be ordered from the Mukhanyo Study Centre in Pretoria at 012 333 9993.

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