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Christian schools in Australia


Date Posted: 25-Sep-2009

Covenant is a member of Christian Education National (CEN). This is a group of around 80 Christian College and Christian Schools around Australia. Some of Covenant's Extension and Enrichment camps are run in conjunction with other CEN schools. Ken Dickens the CEO included this article in a recent article to the group.

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory for ever. Amen. Romans 11:36

Education and schooling are for God according to Paul. Ultimately we do Christian  education to glorify God. Certainly we believe that our schools are good for our students but this is not our starting point. We do Christian education because we believe what God says about himself and his world. We believe that when we give him his rightful honour then everything else finds its proper place. Christian schools are good for our children because God is glorified.

I see communities all over our country seeking to honour God in education. A school in Tasmania wrestles with its policy on discipline – seeking to balance justice and grace. A school in Victoria dedicates a building to year 9 students and seeks to teach them care for their world. A school in South Australia has students lovingly restoring a vintage plane. A school in Northern Territory forms a company and employs students. A school in Queensland is growing steadily as it meets the needs of a farming and mining community. A school in NSW defends its right to refer to the earth as creation in a science class. A school in the Australian Capital Territory travels interstate to share insights with other Christian schools.

Some schools seeking to honour God in education are growing despite the global financial crisis. Other schools, equally determined to glorify God, are remaining static or declining in numbers. Some are experiencing amazing answers to prayer while others’ faith is tested with ongoing frustrations.

Throughout our country I see school communities ‘maintaining the struggle to be faithful to the foundational values.’ This is how Dr Charlie Justins described his observation of our schools in his research.

We rejoice in the commitment to faithfulness and we confess that it is a struggle. So many things in the educational landscape militate against seeing our goal in glorifying God. It’s hard to seek his kingdom first in a competitive and consumerist world.

We need each other in this struggle. We are a family that supports one another. We share gifts and resources. We pray for each other and are comforted by belonging to a bigger community. We enjoy fellowship of sharing a common goal and struggle. While celebrating our identity we affirm that we are united with all Christians seeking to honour God in education. We welcome other school communities to join us to share in fellowship and mutual support. We encourage and respect those of other traditions engaged in gospel education.

To him be the glory for ever. Amen

Ken Dickens
CEO
Christian Education National

Reprinted with permission

Other Christian Education National blogposts

Financial Officer required for CEN Head Office
Christian Schools give generously
Focus on the Family partners with Christian Education National
Christian School in National Landcare Awards
Mathematics Enrichment Camp
What is a Christian worldview for teachers

In NSW the following Christian Schools are members of Christian Education National
Bathurst Christian School
Blue Mountains Christian School
Covenant Christian School
Deniliquin Christian School
Dubbo Christian School
Heritage Christian School
Hope Christian School
Illawarra Christian School
Kuyper Christian School
Namoi Valley Christian School
Nepean Christian School
Orange Christian School
Tyndale Christian School
Richmond Christian College
Southern Highlands Christian School
Sutherland Shire Christian School
Wagga Wagga Christian College
Wellington Christian School
Wycliffe Christian School





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