Why do parents send their children to a Christian school? The answers are varied (safe environment, solid academics, good morals, religious standards consistent with home). But the more important question is why should parents send their children to a Christian school. The answer ultimately needs to be to help their children grow to become more like Christ. I believe God is more interested in our Christ-likeness than any other issue in our lives. In fact, He coordinates circumstances in our lives to help us grow to be more like Him. This spiritual growth is so critical, not only for our own maturity and relationship with Christ, but also because we are best able to bring God maximum glory when we become like His Son. We want students to live out their faith and make an impact on this world for Christ.

How is this goal accomplished? As we look at Christ’s life and His example, we see that Jesus did not retreat from the world. He engaged, and He led His followers to engage in the world as well. To most adequately prepare students to both stand firm in their faith and to make an impact on this world, they need to be prepared for the world. Scripture emphasizes guarding ourselves – not by avoiding the world, but by knowing how to handle it (see Matthew 10:16). Certainly, there are activities to avoid – sin is dangerous and deadly. But we are useless if we are not engaged.

At Open Door Christian Schools, we strive to give students opportunities to be prepared within an environment that accounts for their maturity and what is appropriate for them to experience. We certainly emphasize positive and uplifting materials, so that students may engage in discussions of healthy and spiritually sound models. As students grow, they will also encounter examples that come from the world’s perspective, providing them opportunities to learn to think Biblically in a secular culture.

For example, we use a number of textbooks from secular publishers. We screen books to make sure we are providing the best quality available for our students. In situations where we use a secular textbook, our students are challenged to examine the worldview underlying the book. As they are guided by a mature Christian educator, students are able to see how the world often looks at truth and how that view lines up with a Biblical perspective. In theatre, we want our students to experience the joy of the stage in a way that is honoring to the Lord. We screen every play by a committee of adults to ensure that content is appropriate. Our plays may address difficult themes, and they may even portray sinful behavior on stage. However, they will never glorify sin. When sin is shown on stage, it will be done in a way that demonstrates the utter depravity that leads to sin and results from it. Similarly to plays, we may elect to use literature in class that addresses difficult themes and sinful behavior. The point is never to present this behavior as appropriate or acceptable. We want students to examine the consequences of sinful behavior and see the damage that it brings personally and to our relationships with God and others.

As we strive to prepare students to engage in the world, we are mindful that we are operating in partnership with our parents. We pledge to inform you ahead of time when a controversial or difficult topic or text will be discussed in class or on an assignment. In this way, you can be aware of what is happening and provide any supplemental discussions at home that would be appropriate for your student. We truly appreciate your partnership, and we look forward to seeing our culture impacted for Christ as our students engage in it.

God bless,

Jonathan Burton, Ed.D.

President