(22.) C is for Christ the Center

(22.) C is for Christ the Center

If possible, I would like to discuss this without sanctimony and God-talk. Is there any educational idea more revolutionary, more self-defining, than to put Jesus Christ in the center? No, because a formal invitation to God transforms everything, whether you are an individual or a learning community. The term Christ-centered seems more descriptive, less nebulous, with a little less baggage than the adjective Christian, so let’s unpack that idea. What does it look like for a school to be centered on Christ? Some radical principles might include: Historic, orthodox Christianity is the central distinctive; Godly wisdom is its reason for being; Gospel values shape its success model; Scripture is the organizing principle in its curriculum; the Mind of Christ is sought unashamedly; Loving God with all your mind (reason, conscience, imagination) is paid more than lip service; Jesus Christ is the reference point when it comes to the character of its campus culture; Academic competence is seen as good stewardship; Every person in the community (student,teacher, staff, parent) is viewed as sacred and treated with dignity.

Whatever qualities we look for in a believer, we also look for in a believing school. So, schools orbiting Christ will no doubt flesh these ideas out differently. After all, when it comes to Christ-centered schools, variety is the spice of life. Why is Christ-centeredness so important? Because Christ is true, and with Him life makes sense… “Jesus existed before time, matter and space. Everything was brought into being through him, and in him everything continues to exist, held together by him alone. He is the upholding principle of the whole scheme of creation, and in union with him all things find their proper place. Yes, Jesus holds it all together.  And with Christ in the center, all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe, people and things, animals and atoms, get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmony.” (Colossians 1, a paraphrase, Message).