I often get asked, why education?
Why a Christian grad school focusing on theology, justice and leadership studies? Why sink time, energy and money into something like that—aren’t there enough schools out there?
The answer is that education, and Kilns College specifically, is not just a project that takes time, energy and money; but, rather, it’s a passion, a conviction and a calling that commands my life. I believe education is not just a good thing, but a necessary thing.
Only a culture privileged enough to have government supplied education through 12th grade and an abundance of academic institutions to go farther and deeper takes education for granted. I have met men and women from around the world where education (and certainly quality education) is scarce who know that at a deep level it isn’t just one good thing among many, but that it is indispensable. This is true for gaining wisdom, knowledge and maturity and it is true for advancing in business and creating vocational opportunity. It is also true for theology, history, religion and faith—Christianity becomes a cut flower the minute we disconnect ourselves from the deep and sustained teaching of scripture, church history, and the intersection of faith and culture.
I believe in education. I believe in quality and advanced Christian education. I have given much of my adult life tirelessly to advance it.
Unfortunately, like the seeds sown in spring, the fruit of education is always farther down the road and manifests in a different season. It’s hard to demonstrate its value on the spot, in the moment, or on demand. Education is less a felt urgency than a needed priority.
Because it doesn’t register as a felt urgency—a burning building—education is one of the hardest things for which to raise capital and development funds.
No school is able to operate purely as a business; government schools are government funded. State schools are subsidized. Private schools depend heavily on grants, endowments and alumni associations.
Likewise, Kilns College requires outside help from those who recognize the value of education.
Kilns College needs thoughtful individuals who recognize many of the urgent problems we long to address are best dealt with through education—through the training of Christian men and women, through equipping more effective and efficient engagement in culture locally and globally, through investing into the future of the church and future leaders. Isn’t that how Jesus dealt with the house on fire when he walked Palestine?
Certainly Jesus helped and healed, but primarily he was a Rabbi… a teacher, a professor. In fact, Jesus was teaching “advanced” or graduate studies to twelve students within the Jewish system of his day. He was dealing with the contemporary by investing into the future.
As the end of year approaches, I’d humbly ask you to consider partnering with us… our vision at this point far outstrips our resources.
I know of very few organizations who know how to invest and stretch a dollar like Kilns College.
Would you consider joining us with a Year End Tax Deductible Donation?
[If you would like more information about our distance learning options, click here.]
