Motto: Know God, Grow Character, Achieve Potential, Make a Difference
Christian Renewal School is an integrated Christian School for students from Years 1-13. We are committed to meeting the spiritual, academic, social and physical needs of all students, with a view to having a positive impact on future generations. There are two particular areas where the Christian School is significantly different.
Difference
ONE: Academic Learning with God at the Centre
Truth at the Centre
Schooling is about learning and learning is about knowing truth. As Christians we begin with the fact that God is Truth. If we are not learning truth then we must be learning a lie. God is Truth, Jesus is Truth and God’s Word (Bible) is Truth.
- The object of education is truth.
- If we believe that God is truth then we must begin with learning about God, studying the Bible and learning about how Jesus lived.
- If there is no learning about God then there is no truth.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus and the revelation the Spirit of truth gave through His apostles are the final, ultimate revelation and definition of truth about God, people, redemption, history, and the world. Without understanding this we cannot be educated.
He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He. (Deuteronomy 32:4)
The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. (Psalm 119:160)
Only a curriculum with God and the Bible at the centre can encourage learning of truth – if it’s not truth then it is false. What is false must then be a lie.
The Bible at the Centre
All academic subjects are addressed in the Bible. To understand any subject completely we must understand the Biblical perspective. If a subject is taught apart from the knowledge revealed in the Bible then understanding of the subject is incomplete.
- Can I learn History if I don’t understand God’s role in history and man’s development?
- Is a student educated if he doesn’t know about God – who is the source of life, truth, knowledge?
- Much of modern science has come through man’s desire to learn more about God – for example Sir Isaac Newton, Michael Faraday, and Johannes Kepler are scientists who are Christians. Success is from commitment to learn more about God in every area of life.
“I’m afraid that the schools will prove the very gates of hell, unless they diligently labour in explaining the Holy Scriptures and engraving them in the heart of youth.” (Martin Luther)
Purpose of Life
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
We are here to seek God and His Kingdom. Our purpose in life fits into God’s purposes. All things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). Education should prepare us for our purpose. If our purpose is about God then God must be at the centre. The Bible is God’s revelation to us. Through the Bible we understand God and so the Bible must be foundational to all learning. The Bible helps us understand our purpose here on Earth.
“The ideas that are taught in the classroom will be the thoughts which rule in the government of the next generation.” Abraham Lincoln
Goals of Christian Education
As the purpose of Christian Education is different so also will be the goals. The reason for a student being in the Christian School is different.
- To glorify God – man is created to enjoy God and have relationship with Him. Joy and success are not found in achieving personal goals but in relationship with God.
- Biblical Worldview – to understand God’s perspective in all areas of life, and learn to think like He does.
- To love and serve God, and our neighbour – the basis of the 10 Commandment is to love God and love and serve people (society).
Thus Christian Education must focus on all areas of life – spiritual, mental, social and physical.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men. (Luke 2:52)
Difference
TWO: Christian Atmosphere/Environment
Education does not happen in a vacuum, but in an environment. The atmosphere is determined by the people in that learning environment – which includes staff and fellow students. Within the Christian School there are two important factors:
All Staff are committed Christians
Staff determine the atmosphere of the class and also the Christian School. The teacher is a positive role model for students, and has the same high morals and traditional values that parents want taught to their children. They pray regularly for their students. The student will become like the teacher (Matthew 10:25).
We have asked past students and senior students what they have appreciated most about the Christian School. The most common comment has been that the teachers are positive Christian role models, who genuinely care about every area of the student. Students like the teachers, respect them and learn from them.
Positive Peer Pressure
In a Christian School many students come from Christian homes, and have a desire to follow God. Students take on the values/beliefs of those around them.
1 Corinthians 15:33 teaches that “bad company corrupts”. People are relational; students are relational and we influence and learn from each other. The values, beliefs and standards of those around us influence and shape us.
An environment where the teachers and peers want to please God encourages Christian values. An environment where the majority are not Christians will not develop Christian values.
