By Dennis deGroot

THERE WAS some interesting dialogue in The Vancouver Sun and The Province last fall (Janet Steffenhagen’s ‘Faith-based schools’ and Christie Clark’s ‘Thank heaven for religious schools’) regarding funding of faith-based schools.

The discussion resulted from the heated political debate surrounding the Ontario provincial election, and lack of funding for faith-based schools there, especially in light of the fact that Catholic schools in that province do receive funding.

To me the disappointing thing is how ‘evangelical Christian schools’ are often characterized in the media. Steffenhagen says, “Most also teach a religious view of creation alongside required units on evolution in science class. Evangelical Christian schools, the fastest growing of all independent schools in B.C., tell students ‘physical and living things are created by God and not merely nature, environment or natural resources.”

We are about so much more than this and yet this narrow view is how we are portrayed in the press. Should we can blame the newspapers or writers for a simplistic or clichéd view of Christian schools?  

Or perhaps we should choose to see this as a challenge to become known for a much wider scope of beliefs and action. What would that look like?

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 I am reminded of the story in Matthew 11 where John’s disciples come to Jesus asking on his behalf if he is the One.

Jesus doesn’t answer the question directly but rather says to them, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”

He points to the kingdom of God breaking out. 

Our response to a simplistic view of Christian schools could mean sending a letter to the newspaper. We could make a greater effort to get our own stories into the media. Maybe an advertising campaign that promotes that broader vision.

At a personal level it could be an invitation to a neighbour – a fellow parent – to come over for dinner or coffee. Our children’s experience at school is important.

If Christian schools are doing a good job then that will come out. Maybe the most effective way is to point to the reality of the kingdom when we see it in action in the lives of our students.  

Dennis deGroot is principal of Fraser Valley  Christian High School in Surrey.

February 2008