Keeping faith: Christian education as tradition and transformation

Throughout this study I collected qualitative and quantitative research data in an attempt to discover what makes Edmonton Christian School a Christian school. I wanted to understand how this school community perceived and experienced Christian education. Thus my question: “What do parents, teachers and students perceive as features that make Edmonton Christian School a Christian school?” Within this research, I hoped to discover various worldviews and to reflect upon my personal response to issues predominant in Christian education. Ultimately, I wanted to understand the importance of continuing the struggle for Christian education.

Using questionnaires, a rating scale survey and interviews I heard descriptive stories, feelings and personal perceptions from over 400 participants. Upon summarizing, interpreting and analyzing the results, participants stated clearly that, for them, Christian education is: (1) integrating the Christian perspective into life and learning, (2) Christian teachers modeling the faith, (3) a Christian community that learns to live their faith, and (4) a leadership/governance paradigm whose policies and personnel are distinctly Christian in word and action. Undoubtedly, the greatest strength of Christian education at ECS was the perceived integration of the Christian perspective into all of life and learning by Christian teachers who model faith. On the other hand, the ability to live in community in ways that show unity between words and actions appeared to be the greatest challenge.

For me, this study has confirmed that Christian education is about creating and nourishing difference. It is education with a specific intention reflected in goals, curriculum, educational philosophies and a vision of life that claims to place God at the center of all life. Nevertheless, I was struck by the tension between different Christian views on Christian education evident in the participant responses. To find balance between tradition and transformation is an ongoing dialogue.

Christian education at Edmonton Christian School is a dynamic process. It is the struggle toward the goal of a better practice of God-learning and God-living. It is the desire of a Christian community to keep faith by providing a better Christian education that honours tradition and seeks transformation.