Education: Movement toward the future
It is my privilege to be part of the Did you know that if you do not know where you are going – any road you choose will get you there? I remember riding in the car with my uncle and we were totally lost, but he assured me, “We are making good time.”
How crucial it is that Emmanuel Christian Academy
The goal of Christian education is that the presence of Jesus, acknowledgment of God, and use of His Word in principle and in daily activity will assist our children to grow up “mighty in spirit (3 John: 4).” Our students must be in constant training to be prepared for the cultural battles that Satan will continue to throw at us using humanism and other forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12-13). Our kids must be surrounded by truth, not only taught and explained with excellence (Colossians 1:28-29), but lived out on a daily basis (Deuteronomy 6:5-9).
Emmanuel Christian Academy students must be prepared to meet the challenges of today’s society and we need to purposefully prepare and equip them for successful Christian living. James 3:1 makes it clear that this is not an easy task; in fact we must be sure of our calling and careful in our work for the responsibility is great and the accountability to our Lord for the lives of such precious learners is strict!
Christian education is about transformation. It must include the best practices in teaching and learning and all the tools that create a positive learning atmosphere. But it must also include a supernatural guidance that accepts the fact that man’s ways are not God’s ways and our only hope of success is to follow our God in a relationship to Jesus Christ. The impact of Jesus must touch the inner core of who we are and what we believe for Christian education is also "Heart Education (Luke 6:45)."
Christian Education that makes a difference requires our best effort along with the commitment to persevere when the going gets tough. This process is an interesting combination that requires God to work on our behalf concurrently while we use our talents, physical strength, wisdom, and insight to fulfill our mission.
Pray for me and the administrative team as we seek to keep the program and traditions that have honored the Lord, but also to improve, grow and change as the Lord may lead. Pray that the school body has a willingness to make changes when it more effectively meets a needy culture. The power of unity is a precious source of strength among those committed to the principles of Christian education. Not only is this about serving our current population, but being ready and prepared to educate those who will join us in the future. Current choices can have long term impact. It is my hope that while leading ECA under wise practices and principles, we will see the fruits of our labor supernaturally blessed as we educate and disciple a great number of warriors for Christ who are ready to make a difference in an ever changing world! Isn’t that a mouthful!? This is a lofty goal that we must strive to attain!
Matthew 11:12 tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing and forceful men and women lay hold of it. What a privilege to work with parents who are committed to raising Godly offspring (Malachi 2:15) who have put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6).
This is our job - to train, prepare and disciple students in the direction of Godly purpose. We build our curriculum today to move kids where they need to be in the future. I am so excited to get started and see God do great things in the 2010/2011 school year!
Dr. Dan Bragg, Superintendent