We have been talking in our youth group about college the last several weeks. Realizing that each young person is different, we still encourage them to consider a Christian college over a secular institution, at least for their undergraduate work. That being said, there are still differences between Christian colleges.
Not all Christian colleges are created equal. There are many differences: location, focus, academics, quality of education, extracurricular opportunities, campus, theological position, and the list could go on. The “feel” of each college campus is different, and different people will be attracted by different things.
Why the Choice Is Important
More than likely where you choose to go to college will be one of the biggest decisions you make in your life. It will impact the rest of your life. Where you go to college will probably affect:
So what should you be looking for in a Christian college? What is important and what is not?
Not all Christian colleges are created equal. There are many differences: location, focus, academics, quality of education, extracurricular opportunities, campus, theological position, and the list could go on. The “feel” of each college campus is different, and different people will be attracted by different things.
Why the Choice Is Important
More than likely where you choose to go to college will be one of the biggest decisions you make in your life. It will impact the rest of your life. Where you go to college will probably affect:
- Who you marry
- Where you go to church
- What circles of churches you will fellowship with
- Many of your friends
- Your position on many theological issues (whether you realize it or not)
- Your personal convictions in many areas, such as entertainment, music, and dress
So what should you be looking for in a Christian college? What is important and what is not?
- Academically: Classes are important— after all, isn’t that why people go to college? Are the teachers well-educated themselves? Your teachers can’t take you farther than they have already been.
- Philosophically: What is the direction of the school? What are they trying to produce? Do they just want to give you a good education so that you can go out and earn lots of money? Or are they trying to disciple young people to be more like Christ, regardless of their occupation?
- Theologically: What does the school believe? What would they think of your church or your pastor? Would they be in agreement with your church? Remember, more than likely, you will believe what your school does after four years.
- Spiritually: What is the condition of the student body? Are they interested in serving the Lord? Do they look like what you hope to look like in four years? Are they at the school because they want to be or because their parents made them go? Will you be able to find good friends who will help you grow in the Lord?
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