MindShift

by Lynn E. Swaner, Dan Beerens, Erik Ellefsen (Editor)

Christian education needs a mindshift. Research demonstrates that Christian education has a positive impact on student outcomes like purpose-driven career choices, community-mindedness, and stronger religious affiliation and practice. While Christian education makes a difference, it's facing significant threats. This book shares insights from over 60 leading educators on how schools can provide a deeper and more authentic Christian education, share stories of love and hope with their neighbors, and catalyze the growth of the church and the Kingdom.

Genres: Education, Teaching

288 pages, paperback

Published August 26, 2019

Reviews

[Phillip Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent road map for the future for Christian schools. Every Christian school leader should read it and check off their school’s current status against the topics in each chapter. ACSI and other thought leaders in Christian schooling have done a great job with this compilation of proposals for the way forward.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A call to change in Christian education. The chapter that impacted me the most was Lynn Swaner and Jay Ferguson's chapter titled, "From Fear to Hope." This chapter looked at some of the faulty thinking that inhibits change, and some of the scriptural truths that combat them. I had written an email recently, summing up some of my thoughts on some educational frameworks our school is examining. After reading this chapter I was able to identify the ways I was approaching the changes from a scarcity vs. abundance mindset, even though I am eager for the change.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Private educational theory from a Christian worldview. The thoughts here leap from several respected authors and the study of several Christian schools. The tone is upbeat and heavy on encouragement. The student is never lost in the development discussion. Good, practical insight for administrators as well in leadership goals.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors challenge their readers to consider a "mind shift" when looking at the contemporary challenges that threaten Christan Education.
"The challenges we face can be reframed as opportunities to provide an education that is more authentically Christian -that better engages today's students in their learning, that helps students move more deeply into a connection with God, and that equips students to actively participate in Jesus' redemptive work."
I highly recommend this book. It's pages are filled with exciting ideas, a hopeful perspective and real-life examples of communities embracing God's calling within Christan Education.

[Penny Clawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first and final chapters are amazing bookends for the compelling direction to change. Personally, change has been thrust upon me in this newest season of life. Reminders like these are strong, specific and scary! But as these authors attest, obedience to God's directives brings rich rewards for us and glory for God.