Higher. Education.
At Mid-America, we believe the pursuit of higher education begins with a worldview informed by a higher authority.
Education has always been central to the Christian faith, rooted in the biblical mandate to seek wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Proverbs 4:7). At Mid-America College and Seminary, we believe the pursuit of higher education is not merely an academic endeavor but a spiritual calling. As believers engage in teaching and learning, they fulfill God’s command to love Him with all their heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). From a biblical worldview, education is not just about acquiring information but about transformation, equipping students to serve God and others effectively in Gospel ministry or in their respective vocations.
The Biblical Basis for Education
The Scriptures emphasize the value of wisdom and knowledge repeatedly. Proverbs 1:7 declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse establishes the foundation of a biblical approach to education: true knowledge begins with reverence for God.
Teaching is also a God-called responsibility. In Deuteronomy 6:6–7, parents are commanded to instruct their children diligently in the ways of the Lord. This principle extends beyond the home to institutions of learning, where educators are called to shape students intellectually and morally. Jesus Himself was referred to as “Rabbi” or “Teacher” (John 3:2), modeling the importance of teaching in discipleship and spiritual growth.
The Role of Christian Educators in Higher Education
Higher education presents unique opportunities and challenges for Christian educators. Today, secularism dominates many academic institutions, even those professing to be Christian colleges and universities. In this environment, it is the professors and teachers who serve as beacons of truth, guiding students through a Christ-centered framework of knowledge. The reputation of Mid-America College and Seminary is closely connected to its faculty as the school uses a fine filter for instructional staff to maintain core beliefs and values.
Christian educators are more than dispensers of knowledge; they are shepherds guiding students toward truth. Colossians 3:23 reminds believers to work heartily as for the Lord, which applies to those who teach. Every lecture, discussion, and mentorship session is an opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love and wisdom.
A biblical worldview recognizes that truth belongs to God, and that Christian educators must integrate faith into every academic discipline, whether science, literature, philosophy, or business. Romans 12:2 urges believers not to conform to worldly patterns but to be transformed by renewing their minds. This transformation happens when students learn to see their fields of study through the lens of Scripture.
The ultimate goal of education is not just career preparation but Kingdom impact. Ephesians 2:10 states that we are created for good works, prepared in advance by God. Christian educators should inspire students to use their knowledge and skills to advance God’s purposes in their careers, communities, and the world.
Principles of Adult Learning (Andragogy) in Christian Higher Education
Adult learners require a unique approach to teaching that aligns with their experiences, motivations, and learning styles. Andragogy, Malcolm Knowles’ theory of adult learning, provides essential principles that can be effectively integrated into a biblical framework of education.
Adult learners are often self-motivated and take responsibility for their own learning. Christian educators can cultivate this by fostering a learning environment that encourages independent study, critical thinking, and spiritual discernment. Proverbs 4:7 underscores the importance of personal pursuit of wisdom: “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
Adults learn best when they can connect new knowledge with their life experiences. Jesus frequently used parables and real-life applications to teach spiritual truths. Christian educators can follow this model by incorporating case studies, discussions, and hands-on experiences that relate to students’ personal and professional lives.
Adults are more engaged in learning when they see its immediate relevance to their lives. Education should not be abstract but applicable. James 1:22 instructs believers to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. Similarly, Christian educators should emphasize practical applications of biblical principles within academic disciplines.
Adult learners benefit from interaction with peers, sharing experiences, and discussing ideas. Christian higher education should encourage community learning, where students grow together in faith and knowledge. Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” and not to neglect meeting together. This has become more challenging as online and other asynchronous platforms of education are on the rise. In some ways, higher education is reflecting trends in society as we have never been more connected through the internet and yet never more isolated from each other.
Adults often pursue education for personal growth, career advancement, or a sense of calling. A biblical perspective reinforces that learning is ultimately about glorifying God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Christian educators should help students recognize how their studies align with God’s greater purpose for their lives.
The Responsibility of Students
Education is not solely the responsibility of teachers; students also have a biblical mandate to pursue knowledge. Proverbs 18:15 says, “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” A Christian student’s attitude toward learning should be one of diligence and humility, recognizing education as a gift from God. If students pursue education through a distance method, they must seek to be intentional about connecting with other students and their professors. According to a 2014 report by Inside Higher Ed, online students experience a lower degree of completion rates, and a higher degree of withdrawal from courses and failure rates than residential students. As of February 2024, the University of California university system banned completely online degrees and other states are expected to follow.
The Need for Christian Higher Education
The need for schools like Mid-America College and Seminary has never been greater. As secular ideologies increasingly dominate higher education, Christian institutions play a crucial role in preserving biblical truth. Schools that uphold a Christ-centered curriculum provide a learning environment where faith and scholarship thrive together. These institutions cultivate not only intellectual growth but also spiritual maturity, preparing students to navigate the complexities of the world while remaining steadfast in their faith.
Conclusion
Teaching and education in higher education are essential components of fulfilling God’s mandate for wisdom and knowledge. Christian educators bear the responsibility of instructing with integrity and integrating biblical truth into all aspects of learning. Students, in turn, must embrace their education as a means of glorifying God and preparing for His calling, whether residentially or online. The principles of andragogy align seamlessly with biblical values, emphasizing self-directed learning, experiential education, practical application, and community engagement. Ultimately, higher education should not be about personal advancement alone but about equipping individuals to serve God and transform the world through His wisdom and truth. As Proverbs 16:16 reminds us, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”