Christian Colleges
I went to a Christian college for 4 years (well 3.5, graduated early…still not sure how that happened).
George Fox University to be exact.
Everyone in my family has gone to Christian colleges (parents both went to one, sisters went to ones in Southern California). So I think I’m qualified to share some thoughts on Christian colleges.
There is a lot of ways I could go with all this, but I want to focus on one thing: forced religion is never a good thing.
I think, too often Christian college feels too much like forced religion.
You have to take theology and Bible classes. You have to go to chapel.
Now don’t get me wrong…schools are not trying to force religion. They “make” students do these things because they know that these classes and activities are important in growing closer to God. And it is up to the person not the institution on what their relationship with Christ becomes.
Yet why do I have so many friends who completely fell away from God while attending a Christian college?
Most high school pastors are worried about the “black hole”. This is otherwise known as the drop off devoted followers of Christ have when they go to college. Yet, I don’t think Christian colleges are doing much to adapt to the fact that this hole exists. It is as if they think anyone who decides to go to a Christian college is a Christian and has a faith that won’t ever let go of God.
Too many Christian colleges are more worried about being parents and making sure their students don’t sin. Not enough schools are focused on giving students opportunities to grow closer to God while allowing them to grow into the adult world.
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Tyler Braun.
Did I know you went to Fox? I did, too, but back when it was still “College.”
I think part of the problem is that Christian Colleges provide and environment where spiritual growth can occur, but the kids benefiting from that environment are pretty much the ones who were looking for it.
At LeTourneau (Christian Engineering University in Texas where I finished my degree), we had a “Socratic Club” where students could come and bounce issues off each other. There were professors there, but their opinions weren’t considered more valuable than the students’. That was a great environment for growing spiritually, and something that should be encouraged.
My parents bribed me to attend a Christian university. I was actually dismissed for a semester because of my behavior but when I did give my life to Christ before my final year it was a good place to find other believers.
I think the college did many things that were counter productive in me finding a faith in Jesus Christ, kind of a big brother mentality, but because of its stated goals it does give a critical mass for believers to connect with believers.
The saddest thing is I saw many kids who came in church goers and do the right things heading the other way as I was coming to Christ. I wonder if part of that is many have been raised as rule keepers and when the rules are challenged they have no response.
Maybe not. Anyway, good discussion as always.
Great Topic Tyler….I guess I have always wondered why does someone even have to go to college to become a disciple of Christ in the first place? I mean why is it that if I want to become a disciple, teacher, or leader in a church that I have to go to a university rather than a church? I mean isn’t that exactly what the church was supposed to do in the first place? Where is the word “Seminary” ever once mentioned in scripture? How did the “church” somehow loose responsibility in building disciples and instead allow colleges and unverisities to do that job for them? Didn’t Christ come so that ALL of mankind could become a “priest unto themselves”? Doesn’t it seem like this is a “man-made” requirement and not one from God??
Personally, I see seminaries as creating more division in the church and creating a aire of elitism. In other words just because someone has attended a 4-8 years studying at a seminary does not somehow make them “more godly” than others, I’ve known pastors with doctorates but still have a darkened and selfish heart. But yet how do most churches typcially qualify if someone is capable of leading a church? Spiritual growth – nope, Faith and Obedience – nope, a strong knowledge of God’s word – not necessarily – but a degree from a “prestigious” seminary – BINGO! It’s sad when you really think about it. I realize my comments might ruffle some feathers but a good topic Tyler nonetheless- thanks for bringing it up.
PS – a great book about how the church got side tracked by universities and seminaries is “PAgan Christianity” by George Barna and Frank Viola.
You bring up a lot of stuff Preston…I’ll tackle the seminary thing…because I go to seminary.
I think education teaches values far beyond just what the profs teach and the books say. This is much more valuable than any job at any church when someone wants to learn. The problem with your proposal of churches teaching new leaders exclusively is that we will never change. We need an institution outside of the church to help us learn the Scriptures, theology, and church ministry. Obviously being at a church while attending seminary is ideal (which I why I’m doing that), but seminary isn’t a life long thing. It prepares the students for all the adventures church ministry will bring. A specific word doesn’t have to be in the Bible for it to be important. Many of the apostles were schooled in Jewish training extensively. Just because they didn’t go to a school that was coined “seminary” in Greek doesn’t make it unBiblical.
My humble opinion:
Elitism has always been a problem in Christianity. One does not have to join a Christian University, or bible college to be an elitist. Through my experience I’ve seen people look down other Christians for many other reasons, even based on methods of baptism (did I just open a can of worms?)…how about “I speak in *ahem* the language of angels, and you don’t…therefore I am MORE spiritual than you”. How about “I go to bible study every week, and lead worship at church (NOT talking anybody from Sunset btw); therefore, I’m better than you.” Somebody came up to me and ask whether I was ‘converted into Christianity in America or outside America” Sorry, Made in USA Christianity is NOT better than non-US Christianity. I’ve also had a person told me “We’re both Christians, it’s just people from MY church will go to heaven faster than yours”. How am I supposed give a serious response to something as ridiculous as that??
I know if I provided more examples, I’d left my shoe print on somebody’s toes…so I’ll stop right here.
Certainly elitism is a problem. It is a problem in area of life, not just Christianity. I don’t think that elitism is a problem caused by Christian colleges. It comes from poor Biblical understanding of Christ followers.
My husband and I, parents, siblings, even a couple of grandparents all went to Christian colleges. I agree with Seth on “it depends on what you were looking for in going”. My Christian college experience expanded and grew my worldview tremendously. I learned to look at things through the lens of what the Bible says about the world around us. Went to a fairly “liberal” one … with on-campus and off-campus rules … no pledge to sign … do what you want off campus … live within these guidelines on-campus. Saw many friends sow their first wild oats only to come back to an environment that encouraged them to make better choices. I wanted to be there so there was nothing forced about the chapel, Bible classes … just part of the General Ed that you sign up for when you pick a school. It is my hope and prayer that my children will want to carry on the family tradition.
My guess is that a large portion of students who go to Christian colleges go because their parents wouldn’t be happy if they went anywhere else. Most 18 year olds aren’t make to decide on their own what college is best and why. I know I wasn’t able to do so.
Though I do definitely see your point, and I’m certainly not saying that going to a non Christian school is a better option for a believer. I just want Christian colleges to do a better job.
Tyler, I’ve never attended a Christian school, but my children were raised in them (not college, but through high school). I have mixed feelings as a result. In one way I loved that they reinforced – for the most part – what we taught at home. I loved that we as parents had ultimate say and the family was honored. But we took our youngest child out and homeschooled him in high school (his choice) because the focus came to be – as you say – on outward things rather than on spiritual formation, which was our desire. They majored on the minor – haircuts, tshirts (Star Wars of all things), and not singing a hymn even I don’t know. They missed completely the work of the heart and actually really left my children with some bad attitudes towards Christian Education. Would I do it differently if I had to decide all over again? I really don’t know. As a parent, I can testify that it’s terrifying to send your children out to the schools these days. I understand we should be a light to the world, but when it’s your kid and the school has so many problems with drugs, open homosexuality and sexual experimentation of all sorts, etc. it’s hard to really send your child into that.
It’s the age old question of Christians – defend or engage? If it’s me that’s a call that’s easier to make. When it’s my child I’ll defend every time. I do see the problem with it as believers though – if we only play defense, we cannot engage culture or play offense and share the gospel because we are truly never around non-Christians and never learn to share our faith. It’s a dilemma that is hard enough for me as an adult but is really difficult when it’s my child.
I also come from a really small town so it was nearly impossible to think of sending my child to a school with 700 in each graduating class.(I had 140, my husband 63) All of those are “defense” mechanisms for us parents to cope with our children being out in the big bad world.
I think when it comes down to it the truth is change doesn’t come from a set of rules, but from the desires of our heart, which cannot be legislated. We will follow and grow in Christ because we desire to do so, not because someone says “no earrings, or tshirts, or electric guitars or movies.”
“It is as if they think anyone who decides to go to a Christian college is a Christian and has a faith that won’t ever let go of God.” I saw this addressed head-on at our son’s freshman weekend at a Christian univ. Very proactive, hopeful, realistic and grace-giving.
Having one son just graduate from state college, by his choosing, and one son choosing a Christian college to launch into this year, I would say that it may have more to do with choice. If the student chooses/wants something that the Christian college has, that is not offered/available through a secular college, they are going to be self-motivated to embrace the opportunity to tap those opportunities.
Our state college son had a spectacular education through the honors business college at U of O.
Our Christian college son has spent his high school years in Biblical studies, apologetics and thoroughly involved in community ministry projects. He also enjoyed the performing arts. A secular school can offer the performing arts opportunities. The theological studies that he craves, is best found at a Bible-based Christian university.
Sure, he could find his own ministry opportunities, while attending a secular school, but having them already organized and enabled makes it that much easier to jump right in. Sure he can self-teach theology. Learning through a Christian college is sure more efficient.
The point is that he CHOSE this. That is what makes the difference. In fact, due to the cost, we were practically pleading with him to reconsider. He made it happen for himself, by himself. He owns his decision. It does not immunize him from growing soggy. I know that. He is already involved in the community outside of his university, ministry-wise. He is not living in a bubble. He is intentionally growing his roots and branches.
Melinda and Jan….great thoughts from both of you. Thanks so much!
You get out of it what you put into it. It’s that way no matter where you go. If you are grounded, focused and driven you’re going to grow and excel no matter where you study. Personally, I have more concern about students attending Christian High Schools when they are still so young and impressionable, yet they thing they already know it all and are invincable.
Granted, many go off to college before they are emotionally ready to be on their own. But I think that is part of the eductional process. I know at most Christian Colleges one can find mentors and positive role models who desire to speak into students lives.
My personal experience was priceless preparation for church ministry by exceptional instructors, yet poor preparation of my heart by this weak disciple. People are people.
i never went to christian college…BUT- i did go to a youth group where EVERYBODY and their dog wanted to follow in the footsteps of the pastors and attend oral roberts uni. even i did for a little while…
but here’s the problem, while the schools themselves may promote bible and chapel services, they are not going to bring anyone closer to God or their church or their “ministry” ideas. remember ministry is everywhere and NOT just in the confines of the church building.
it’s still just college and a person’s relationship w/ God must be their own and cannot grow unless they decide to take personal steps to get closer to God. it’s the 3 legged stool example…the three things we need in our christian walk are basic- fellowship w/ God (prayer), fellowship w/ others, and the word of God (bible)…you can attain these anywhere you go ….and sometimes i think that christian colleges promote themselves as the a better environment for godly people…
obviously you might get more benefit if you’re looking for christian theology or a christian spin on everything…but that attracts its own crowd and isn’t for everyone….shrug!
Definitely is not for everyone.
I guess I wish schools would have talked about this more. There is this unknown agreement…”do what we say and then we don’t care what you do” at Christian schools. It promotes people looking at Christianity through legalism. There is not one believer who hasn’t made a huge mistake EVER! I’d rather schools provide opportunities OUTSIDE OF CLASS for students to grow closer to God on their own accord. And do this without the legalism of you have to do this and this. Because the fact is a lot of kids who go to Christian schools either don’t know Jesus or could careless.
I went to Bob Jones University for exactly one year. Its been 10 years since but looking back it was counter-productive I think. Most of the kids there came from Southern Christian families and going to a Christian school is just what you did. Tyler you are so right thinking that Christian schools play parents more than mentors. There used to be people that would stake out the movie theaters and look for students trying to go to the movies, which was prohibited. I’ve learned more about God in my 10 years since attending there, though not always in the protective environment that a place like that can provide. Sometimes, you just have to learn the hard way.
I don’t knock Christian schools in general. I applaud their vision. But I think that they tend to separate themselves from the world as opposed to ministering to the world.
When schools focus is on “sin management”, the school has missed the point.