CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PARENTS' CODE

The Christian school needs a high degree of involvement by parents to develop into an effec¬tive educational institution. The role of the parent is significant and cannot be filled by the teachers or by the administrator. The suggested code pre¬sented here is not intended to bind the conscience of any parent. Rather, it is a recommendation of ten things that Christian school parents may do that will have clear, measurable outcomes on behalf of the school.

1. I will pray regularly and fervently for the Christian school.

The Word of God teaches that the prayers of a righteous person have a powerful ef¬fect. Through prayer you can influence every aspect of the school each day. Writ¬ing shortly after the Civil War, E. M. Bounds said that the absence of prayer is a sure sign of work done in the flesh. Con¬versely, the presence of prayer is a sign of work done through the Spirit. Jesus said that men ought always to pray. He did.

2. I will cooperate fully with the educa¬tional function of the Christian school.

Do your best under God to make Christian education effective in the lives of your chil¬dren. Teach them to love and to respect their teachers and principal. Help them to be diligent workers. Teach them to get along with others. Encourage them to love and to serve the Lord Jesus Christ while they are young, and all of their lives.

3. I will pay my financial obligations on time.

The board and the principal are careful in preparing the budget and in controlling ex¬penditures. Money must come in on time or the school will go into debt for operating expenses, a serious problem. If you are un¬able to pay, notify the treasurer in advance giving a reasonable explanation of the delay and stating when you will pay.

4. I will support the school with gifts in addition to my tuition and fee.

If the Christian school raised tuition enough to cover the entire budget, families would be priced out of the school. Give as the Lord prospers you, proportionate giving. Some can give more than others, but all can give something. Do this as unto the LORD, cheerfully.

5. I will fulfill my work obligations.

The school depends upon parents to help with periodic cleaning, maintenance, and other activities. Many hands make light work. There is blessing as you fulfill these obligations on time and happily. You be¬come a deeper part of the school through these efforts.

6. I will undertake volunteer duties.

All parents do not have an equal amount of time for volunteer service at the school. As God provides time and strength, take advan¬tage of opportunities to serve at the school. The school cannot afford to buy the work you do voluntarily.

7. I will recommend the Christian school to other families as opportunities are opened.

Statistics show that most new families enter upon the recommendation of a family al¬ready in the school. The warm, personal endorsement of parents is the school's best public relations. Many students have been directed to Christ because friendly parents spoke to their parents about the school.

8. I will attend meetings and parent func¬tions regularly.

Most of the meetings at the Christian school are lively, informative, and worthwhile. Sel¬dom does a meeting bomb out. To grow in an understanding of the purposes and objec¬tives of the school, attend the meetings. Many are designed to help you understand your children, enabling you to be better parents.

9. If I become dissatisfied with the Chris¬tian school in any respect, I will seek to resolve the matter.

A school lends itself to dissatisfaction by its very nature. Teachers vary, students vary, principals vary, and parents vary. The variables having the potential to add up to dissatisfaction are numerous. Always go to the person or persons Involved. Guard your lips and your heart against spreading criticism and against developing a bitter attitude. Bitterness always spills, and it defiles many, the Scriptures say.

10. I will seek the advancement of the Christian school in every area—spiritually, academically, and physically.

It is wondrous to be involved in a school that bears the LORD's name in the educa¬tional world. The school is committed to excellence in each area mentioned, but needs your wholehearted commitment to make excellence reality. Advancement does not come easily. It takes sacrifices. Those sacrifices are worth it when the Lord's school is effective in the lives of your own children and the children of others.

Dr. Lowrie's material is used by permission.