Colossians 2:6b-7 (NIV) reads, “Continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” This is one of my favorite verses to visualize. It reminds me of the tree planted by a stream of living water referenced in the first chapter of Psalm. How I long to be that tree “yielding its fruit in season…whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1:3, NIV)

The 6th and most important C in education is, Christ-centered. Seventeen years ago though, my answer would have been very different. When my husband and I were dating, I firmly let him know that I would never teach in a Christian school. I also went on to share if we were blessed with children, they would never attend a Christian school. Well, never say never! I ended up student teaching in a Christian school, our children have been a part of Christian education from the moment they could attend school, and I was transformed by being a part of a Christ-centered graduate program at Calvin College. Each of these experiences were used by God to lead me to start Bethel Community Education – a new, innovative Christ-centered school.

Done with the desire to seek and discern the work of the Holy Spirit, Christ-centered education has the power to continually transform us. Christ is at the root of all we do at Bethel, and it is humbling to have a front row seat to see God work.

Bethel’s current exploration is survival. Though we are apart learning, we point each week’s theme back to what we remain rooted in.

• Week 1 – Find Your Way (Psalm 23, Psalm 119:105)
• Week 2 – Take A Hike (Psalm 19:1-2, Psalm 96:11-12)
• Week 3 – Do KNOT Give Up (Galatians 6:9, I Corinthians 9:24)
• Week 4 – Sow and See the Harvest (Isaiah 58:11, Jeremiah 29:5)
• Week 5 – Worry Warrior (Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 91)

Each week’s theme points us to our Guide, Waymaker, Creator, Faithful Sustainer, Gardener, Peacemaker, Savior, and so much more. Rooting all we do in Christ, we are able to be in awe as we see God in all things.

Those in education are well aware of the 21st century skills called the 4 Cs: Critical-thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity/Innovator (NEA, A Guide to 4 Cs). Last week, I focused on the importance of what I called the 5th C, Community. Distance learning has shown how much we yearn to be in the presence of one another. To check it out, you can read it here: What About the 5th C?

Yet, the 6th C, Christ-centered, is far more valuable, life-transforming and kingdom advancing than any other “C” out there. Witnessing the power of an education rooted in Christ has changed me. Bethel’s educational model is an innovative, collaborative approach meeting the needs of all learners. Most importantly though, Bethel is rooted in Christ. We long to firmly plant our roots deep in Christ, thirst for truth, grow strong and firm in our faith in order to bring glory to God.

How has a Christ-centered education impacted your life and/or your child’s life?