Most schools that identify in some way as Christian have some sort of formal relationship to one of the myriad Christian denominations in the US. However, many, if not most, especially under the Protestant umbrella, are serving a declining number of students from the respective denomination. While originally intended to reinforce denominational identity and culture by serving students with some connection to the respective denomination, it is difficult to assert that missional intent has much credibility today (an exception might be a few relatively recently established schools that serve immigrant groups). Similar to the framework of a Missional Outpost, I have found thinking of a college as a ministry of the church to be helpful and prefer it to the more common language of being an institution of the church. From that starting point, I would argue that the focus should be on student outcomes, which your last paragraph begins to articulate. The current and somewhat trendy language of human flourishing can be broadly helpful. Spelling that out in ways that do not assume nor require certain outcomes in terms of faith is, I think wise. If a commitment to Christian faith is an assumed goal or outcome, then any student who graduates without that faith commitment is a failure in terms of mission. The approach I am suggesting assumes nothing about the student at admission - no faith requirement, but a clear understanding of the nature of the educational experience provided by the school, to which the student has been attracted and has come to desire. Seeing Christian colleges as tools in cultural battles or even as contributors to the expansion/growth of the Christian footprint do not inspire me. Those are paths toward the Zombie outcomes you mention. As Frances said in his homily on Christmas Eve and summarized by a friend: "He (Francis) contrasted a Caesar who was obsessed with counting his constituents with a God who intentionally stripped himself of all his Godly prerogatives in order to become human." Much of the endeavor of the church has been toward "counting" and growing the movement. Christian colleges will be best served and serve best by un-burdening them with empire building.
A crucial chapter in an important book — I've appreciated reading along with you as you go, John. I like the "mission outpost" idea a great deal. You may want to look at David Swartz's recent book, Facing West — seen in that light, colleges (like some of the missionaries Swartz profiles) take lessons they've learned from the "missions field" back to their sending churches.
Most schools that identify in some way as Christian have some sort of formal relationship to one of the myriad Christian denominations in the US. However, many, if not most, especially under the Protestant umbrella, are serving a declining number of students from the respective denomination. While originally intended to reinforce denominational identity and culture by serving students with some connection to the respective denomination, it is difficult to assert that missional intent has much credibility today (an exception might be a few relatively recently established schools that serve immigrant groups). Similar to the framework of a Missional Outpost, I have found thinking of a college as a ministry of the church to be helpful and prefer it to the more common language of being an institution of the church. From that starting point, I would argue that the focus should be on student outcomes, which your last paragraph begins to articulate. The current and somewhat trendy language of human flourishing can be broadly helpful. Spelling that out in ways that do not assume nor require certain outcomes in terms of faith is, I think wise. If a commitment to Christian faith is an assumed goal or outcome, then any student who graduates without that faith commitment is a failure in terms of mission. The approach I am suggesting assumes nothing about the student at admission - no faith requirement, but a clear understanding of the nature of the educational experience provided by the school, to which the student has been attracted and has come to desire. Seeing Christian colleges as tools in cultural battles or even as contributors to the expansion/growth of the Christian footprint do not inspire me. Those are paths toward the Zombie outcomes you mention. As Frances said in his homily on Christmas Eve and summarized by a friend: "He (Francis) contrasted a Caesar who was obsessed with counting his constituents with a God who intentionally stripped himself of all his Godly prerogatives in order to become human." Much of the endeavor of the church has been toward "counting" and growing the movement. Christian colleges will be best served and serve best by un-burdening them with empire building.
Thanks, Mark! You are basically summarizing the entire book project!
A crucial chapter in an important book — I've appreciated reading along with you as you go, John. I like the "mission outpost" idea a great deal. You may want to look at David Swartz's recent book, Facing West — seen in that light, colleges (like some of the missionaries Swartz profiles) take lessons they've learned from the "missions field" back to their sending churches.
Just bought it. (David can have another milkshake!)
Sorry but I hadn't read the earlier posts. Chris Gehrz pointed to this one in one of his posts.
No apologies! I was just excited that your comment echoed what I’ve been trying to argue. You made it feel much less like screaming into the void!