How do administrators lead a school away from humanistic, postmodern thinking in an effective manner?

Postmodernism must be intentionally combated with pure Biblical Christian educational instruction both by the administration and the teachers. While the premise of Christian education is the communication of truth, the purpose of Christian education is discipleship. The Christian school educates children academically in order to disciple them Biblically. The New Testament church exists to carry out the Great Commission of Christ to “Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel” (Mk. 16:15), which is evangelism and to teach believers to observe all things He commanded them, which is discipleship (Matt. 28:20). God instructs us to “do all to the Glory of God” (I Co. 10:31) and to do everything with all our “might” (Ec. 9:10); therefore, since we are in the business of education, we should also pursue academic excellence.

Because the purpose of Christian education is the transformation of the student into the image of Christ through the renewing of the mind – discipleship (Ro. 12:2), the teacher must first be committed to education that is thoroughly Christian. Administrators must choose teachers, not only on the basis of calling and academic qualifications, but also on their ability to relate spiritual truths to the students and to live godly lives before them (Deuink, 1991, Preparing the Christian school for the 21st century. BJUP, p. 47). The teacher must be able to instruct properly, consistently, and appropriately to help the student reach mastery.

Christian educators must understand that the premise, purpose, process, and place of education is essential to the training of children for Christian leadership. One’s philosophy of Christian education is of utmost importance in determining how to oversee a Christian school. Teachers must be able to communicate Biblical truth in order for them to effectively teach and model that truth to the students. Successful Christian education consists simply of godly teachers coming alongside parents to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Pr. 22:6) both academically and spiritually so that the students will “observe to do” and “have good success” (Josh. 1:7-8).

This battle we face is difficult, but one that is well worth the fight—the fight for Biblical truth. The communication of a Biblical worldview must be intentional, encompassing, and incorporated into everything the school does.