Changing Christian education landscape
In the past forty years of Christian education in Canada, leaders and supporters have focused on increasing the Demand side of the Supply-Demand balance. Our driving question was “How do we increase Demand?” In other words, “How do we interest more families and students in a Christian education experience?”
After all, there is no other institution or organization better suited to nurture and shape the faith of young people to the degree possible through a Christian education. Even the most vibrant church youth programs only meet a few hours each week. If you want to see the influence of Christ in our culture expand, supporting Christian schools is a powerful way to achieve that goal.
The more students who experience a Christian education, the greater the opportunity.
Demand to Supply
The last five years have seen a significant shift. Parents are questioning their declining involvement in the dominant education systems in Canada. COVID opened windows into classrooms, right at the dining room table, and many families were left wondering if there were schooling options available to them that were more focused and more aligned with their faith commitments. Christian schools are filling up and waitlists are becoming more common. Now, the question is no longer “How do we increase demand?” Now, the question has become, “How can we increase the Supply of Christian education opportunities, so that we respond in faithfulness to the opportunities God has set before us?”
Immigration and Christian Education
Canada is in the midst of welcoming the largest wave of immigrants since the end of WWII. Most of these new immigrants are younger adults and families who are motivated to see a better future for their children. New immigrants generally place a high premium on providing their children with the best education possible. With many immigrants – as well as refugees – coming from parts of the world that are infused with Christianity, we can expect to see continued growth in Christian education.
Driving Questions for our Foundation
“What would it look like if 50% more students could experience a Christian education in Canada in the next ten years?”
“What would it take to have spaces available to accommodate this increase?”
“How can the Christian School Foundation support both donors and schools who want to meet this historic opportunity and expand the influence of Christ in our culture?”
A Question for YOU
“How might you respond in faith to this changing landscape?”
Would you help grow the Long-Term Fund your school has at the Christian School Foundation?
Would you donate for capital expansion or renovation? Would you expand our Welcome Bursary to draw in families new to Canada? Would you give a gift of stocks or shares? If you’d like to discuss your response, contact Kevin teBrake at [email protected] or 1-877-340-9555.
Sponsored Content: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the organization and do not necessarily represent the editorial perspective of Christian Courier.
