Education is universally recognised as one of the foremost cornerstones of progress. Nelson Mandela called it "the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world, and Tony Blair famously declared "Education, education, education" as his top priority, as New Labour focused on putting classrooms at the heart of their 1997 political agenda. Over the years, education and schools have remained a key priority for any UK government, even though approaches to delivering the curriculum and ensuring the best possible education have, of course, varied.
Put simply, education is the discipline concerned with methods of teaching and learning: the transmission of knowledge and skills, while also preparing children for citizenship, employment, personal growth, and future success.
In 2015, then schools minister Nick Gibb delivered a speech on the purpose of education at the Education Reform Summit:
'Education is the engine of our economy, it is the foundation of our culture, and it’s an essential preparation for adult life. Delivering on our commitment to social justice requires us to place these three objectives at the heart of our education system.'
And who can argue with this? But how can a Christian perspective influence your view of education and what purposes might God have for you as you embark on your journey as a teacher?
Working for the wellbeing of creation
It isn’t hard to see how a Christian should be concerned about spiritual education in churches through youth ministry, Sunday School, and theological training. But what about ordinary school education—reading, writing, maths, understanding history, geography, and culture, or developing creativity and skills? Does this kind of learning matter to God and contribute to human flourishing?
If we believe God is creator and redeemer of all things, as His image-bearers we should be involved in contributing to God’s creative activity and restorative purposes. Education does precisely this! It reflects God’s creativity by unlocking the potential of future generations, finding innovative ways to pass on knowledge and skills, helping students thrive, and bringing order and understanding to complex subjects.
Education also supports God’s restorative purposes by helping children overcome challenges, build resilience, and learn from their mistakes. Additionally, it fosters relationships among colleagues, provides opportunities to serve as a positive role model, and promotes collaboration with families and local services to support those in need. Education can rebuild relationships with and among students and restore confidence in learners who feel discouraged.
Education and learning are central to God's plan for His people and all humanity. Even Jesus, during His time on Earth, learned and “grew in wisdom” as He grew “in stature” (Luke 2:52). If the Son of God willingly embraced the process of acquiring knowledge and skills, how much more do children today need education? Learning is essential for children to develop the ability to read, write, speak, think, and understand.
Going back to Nick Gibb’s speech, education serves not only the immediate needs of the individual but also plays a vital role in shaping future society. Along with developing intellect, social skills, and aptitude, education prepares students for adulthood, equipping them with the skills to contribute to the economy, serve the nation, and become responsible members of society. Since God cares deeply about human and societal flourishing, so should we.
Unfortunately, a modern education in and of itself does not necessarily give children the ultimate knowledge and truth they need to truly flourish. In a largely secular context, knowledge, apart from the love of God, leads to pride, and can merely end up making students highly educated fools!
Solomon wrote, “Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body” (Ecclesiastes 12:12). This may be all too true for you as you study at the moment! But Solomon’s point was that there are more important things than simply amassing knowledge—namely, fearing God and obeying Him. Christian teachers are therefore all the more essential in a system that needs the light of Christ to foster flourishing and true wisdom.
Worshipping the God we work for
If you are undertaking a teaching qualification or education degree, you have undertaken a noble calling. It is a beautiful way to honour God, and you are in the company of many other Christians! The teaching and learning of all fields of knowledge has great value - all truth is God’s truth. Exploring the complexity of nature in biology or geography, admiring beauty in art, or studying humanity’s creativity and wisdom through literature offers opportunities to point students to the Creator’s majesty and fills our own hearts with awe for eternal truths.
And Britain's education system has deep Christian roots. From the country's oldest schools, dating back to the 500s or earlier, to the founding of universities, Christians played a key role. After the Reformation, Christians championed literacy so children could read the Scriptures for themselves. These efforts intensified during the evangelical awakenings and led to a major push in the 19th century, when churches established schools to serve the growing urban poor. These church-founded schools later became the foundation of today's state education system.
Today, the context is somewhat different: we do not have the same spiritual backdrop, and educational philosophy has taken a largely secular turn. There may be more challenges to working in education as a Christian today, but the life of a Christian teacher is still one filled with inordinate opportunity. You have taken up the call to serve and care for children: precious ones whom Jesus Christ values highly.
It was not by chance that Jesus placed children as a model for adults to follow; their spirits are beautifully open and they easily receive eternal truths. Teaching serves as a powerful reminder of God's desire for us to be childlike in spirit—teachable and humble: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4).
Although the Bible tells us that each child has inherent worth and dignity, it doesn’t take long in the classroom to learn each child also has a fallen nature. Children are also weaker and more fragile compared to adults and rely on the care of those responsible for them. They can't choose the people who influence them and sometimes can't tell right from wrong. Children need their parents and teachers to care for, nurture, and guide them daily. This is why safeguarding is such an important part of the role of a teacher - and why Jesus reserves his harshest condemnation for those harm or lead children astray. To harm a ‘little one’ is to court the judgement of God.
Understanding this underpins the immense responsibility Christian teachers have in protecting children from harm, but also goes some way to recognising God’s heart of compassion for the young. And as you deepen your understanding of pedagogy and child development, you have the opportunity to worship the Creator who designed children and young people with incredible potential and hearts open to growth and transformation.
Witnessing to the world
Every Christian is called to be a light. Many Christian educators are under the impression it is against the law to witness for Christ in their schools. However, no law in the United Kingdom prevents us from shining our light, doing good deeds, or speaking about our faith when appropriate.
As Christians, we know that education begins with the reality of God’s existence and the fact that He has communicated to us through creation, His word, and His Son. And though there may not be the same cultural backdrop as when schools in our nation were first founded, there is still considerable opportunity to share ultimate truths about God.
In the UK, it is a legal requirement that education should contribute towards the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils. What’s more, state-funded schools in England and Wales are legally required to hold a daily act of collective worship that is “wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character”. Although compliance can be patchy, this requirement offers a unique opportunity to sensitively explain the Christian message. Non-Christian headteachers, recognising their own lack of expertise, sometimes look to their Christian staff to help them fulfil this obligation. What a wonderful opportunity!
Of course, this doesn’t mean Christians can neglect their teaching duties or misuse their position to proselytise. They must never use their freedom to hound students or manipulate lesson content. But government guidance is clear that, so long as it is appropriate, balanced and relevant, there is no problem with presenting a Christian perspective on topical issues in assemblies or the classroom.
Subjects like PSHE and RE naturally raise philosophical, theological, and cultural issues, offering opportunities to share a biblical perspective thoughtfully. Being a witness at school can be intimidating, especially when standing up for Biblical values on issues like gender, sexuality, and the beginning of life. But we don't need to worry because God is always with us, and we have the means and the opportunity to challenge harmful cultural orthodoxies and deliver the curriculum with integrity.
Christian education students and teachers can also witness to colleagues through their actions and character. In often stressful or challenging school environments, a commitment to integrity, humility, and service sets believers apart. While it may be tempting to join in complaints in the staffroom, showing grace and kindness in your interactions reflects the transforming power of Christ’s love.
Keep going, Christian teacher!
Studying education as a Christian is both a great privilege and a meaningful responsibility. It provides an opportunity to support the development of children and young people, contribute to the common good, and shine as a witness in a world longing for restoration. Though the path may be challenging - filled with busy timetables, challenging behaviour, and mounting marking - it is also incredibly rewarding. The Lord promises to ‘supply all our needs’ (Philippians 4:19), strengthen the weary, and sustain us. When pressures feel overwhelming, we can persevere in service to Christ. As you commit to your studies, trust that God will use your efforts to make a lasting impact for His kingdom.
Reflect and discuss
Think: Think back over what you have studied so far in your degree. Where have you seen God's fingerprints? Where have ideas presented to you challenged what you believed to be true?
Live: What do you think your coursemates would know about what is important to you from the way you live? Is there anything you want to change here?
Speak: Are there topics in your subject that are closer to talking about your outlook on life, God or the gospel? Pray for people on your course and for opportunities to share about Jesus with them this term.
Taking it further
- UCCF Teaching Network resources
- On Christian Teaching, David I Smith
- Association of Christian Teachers website and podcast