Christian Education

For full reports and exact statements of the CRCNA position on a particular issue, see references provided below.

Position

The CRC as a covenantal community is committed to Christian schools as the social agent that can make Christian education effective in the totality of life. The church instructs its youth in the fundamentals of the Christian faith by teaching from the creeds and confessions as part of its church education programs. Though the CRC does not own and operate Christian day schools, it affirms that Christian school education is a communal as well as a parental responsibility. Churches and groups of churches are therefore encouraged to provide congregational support so that the church’s children can be educated in a way that acknowledges the lordship of Jesus Christ in all subject areas. After adopting a report on Christian day school education in 2005, synod recommended that church members be involved in establishing and maintaining Christian schools that teach the biblical, Reformed vision of Christ’s lordship over all creation.

History

The CRC has supported the establishment and growth of Christian schools since the beginning of its history. In 1870, 1881, 1892, and 1898, synod made special declarations to that effect. Synod 1955 adopted a study committee report on the principles of Christian education. Synod 1971 broadened the scope of ecclesiastical endorsement from Christian day schools to Christian education from elementary school through institutions of higher learning.

Churches and groups of churches are encouraged “to develop and promote plans for congregational support so that all the church’s children have an opportunity to receive an education where the lordship of Jesus Christ is acknowledged” (Acts of Synod 2003, pp. 626-27). In 2005 synod adopted a report on Christian day school education (Acts of Synod 2005, pp. 352-481, 765-75; see crcna.org/SynodResources) and recommends that churches “diligently encourage . . . [their] members . . . to establish and maintain . . . good Christian schools in which the biblical, Reformed vision of Christ’s lordship over all creation is clearly taught.”

References to Agendas and Acts of Synod

Acts of Synod 1870, p. 132
Acts of Synod 1881, p. 17
Acts of Synod 1892, p. 12
Acts of Synod 1898, pp. 24-25
Acts of Synod 1951, p. 44
Acts of Synod 1953, pp. 147, 507-9
Acts of Synod 1955, pp. 48, 193-200
Acts of Synod 1971, p. 126
Acts of Synod 2001, p. 525
Agenda for Synod 2003, pp. 314-97
Acts of Synod 2003, pp. 618-20, 626-31, 704
Agenda for Synod 2005, pp. 352-481
Acts of Synod 2005, pp. 765-75