See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
There are many books and pamphlets on choosing the right college or university for your student. Christian parents are faced with an additional challenge because some wrestle with choosing a secular institution or a Christian institution. For some this is a “no brainer” because they have no interest in sending their son or daughter to a secular institution whose faculty seems determined to destroy a young student’s faith. Consequently, they, instead, send their son or daughter to a “Christian institution.” The assumption is that their student will be safe in such a place. If you entertain such thoughts: think again.
The problem for many parents is they naively assume that a Christian label assures the spiritual and emotional safety of their student. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you doubt what I’m saying click here and here (for starters). “The Christian Label” is no guarantee of doctrinal or spiritual safety.
What to do? First firmly ground your students in the truth. How? Invest large quantities of time training them yourself. So many parents neglect their primary responsibility for their son’s or daughter’s spiritual development and discipleship. Admittedly, the local church has a role to play but no amount of AWANA or ‘youth ministry’ will replace a parent’s involvement. The best your local church can do is augment or supplement what a parent does. That said, by all means see to it that your son or daughter is in church AND youth group (i.e. Student Ministries), “religiously.” Discuss the sermon every week. Don’t evaluate it—discuss it! Ask your son or daughter what they learned. Encourage them. Teach them to journal (depending on their age). Talk to the student ministries staff. Whatever you do—don’t punt and don’t allow yourself a passive role. If you have to develop some skills on the fly, a little spiritual OJT (on the job training) isn’t going to harm anyone.
What else? Secondly, as your son or daughter heads into their sophomore year, try and determine where they might be headed. Identify several institutions that will provide excellent life training and education in your son’s or daughter’s chosen field. What’s the best school you can afford? Consider, if necessary, a first year at a community college.
Thirdly, don’t assume it has to be a Christian school. Not all Christian schools are created equal—equally good, theologically or educationally. Some are Christian in name only. Not all Christian institutions will have the degree program your student needs. A secular institution may be your only avenue. If it is, then choose wisely.
WHATEVER YOU DO, CONNECT THEM WITH A LOCAL CHURCH NEAR CAMPUS. Whether you choose a Christian college or university or a secular institution, choose a school with an extraordinary church nearby. This is one reason why you’ll want to start your research early. For too many parents a good local church is an afterthought. That’s usually an indication of a larger problem. DO NOT LET THEM SUBSTITUTE CRU OR IVP OR ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION FOR A CHURCH. These groups are not churches and more often than not one ends up with “the blind leading the blind.” These organizations are often like MacDonald’s franchises: they vary in quality by location. Also—good churches usually have campus Bible studies and they are always better off with a campus Bible study sponsored via a local church than a parachurch organization. I know some of you will not like this statement but it is true. Good local churches provide good accountability.
For those looking for a formula or step by step guide do this. Choose 5 potential colleges that offer your student the best degree choice. If it is a Christian institution that can be a plus. Now, find a great church in each location. If only two have great churches nearby then you’ve already narrowed the field to two. Think eternally (memorize Mark 8:36). How will you determine a good church? This is why you start early. Start with your own pastors. Google churches in the area or near the college. Scour their website. Read their statement of faith. Listen to a couple of sermons. Email the pastor. Ask the hard questions. Plan to visit the church if you are going to visit the college or university campus. This takes work but it’s worth it if you love your student.
If considering a Christian college or university follow the same procedure. Find a great church. Do your homework. The institution may make recommendations but don’t just take their word for it. Campus chapels do not count as worship services or churches. Don’t be naïve and fall into this trap. Don’t assume the Christian college is “okay.” Do your homework (remember Mark 8:36?). Go to the university’s website. Scour it. Look at chapel speakers. Check out the faculty. Review commencement speakers and commencement addresses. Email (write) the institution. Check faculty biographies. Check out the Bible department and the faculty’s resumes. As you investigate local churches, ask the pastors about the college or university. Are they really and solidly Christian? This takes work but your student’s spiritual well-being or eternity is at stake. Review Mark 8:36.
As your student goes off to school, regularly check in with them. Ask them about the Sunday sermon. Ask them if they’ve met anyone at church. If they say something stupid like “church is boring” and “I’m going to Cru or Intervarsity or some campus organization in place of church,” require them to attend church. Keep in touch with the pastor. No church—no money; no school. You’re the parent. God holds you accountable for your student’s care. They are accountable to you. If required—bring them home for a semester.
Something like 75% of the students who graduate high school go off to college and do not attend church. Why is that? The 80%-90% chance is the parents have not done their job. They have not preached the gospel in the home, discipled their children, and they have emphasized sports, music, or recreation over Sunday worship. There is a 10% or less chance that the local church is at fault. Remember, the local church can only augment or supplement what you do at home—at best.