From the Editors of The Arkansas Razorbaptist…

Should Southern Baptists pursue an "exit strategy" for removing their children from public schools?

A resolution has (again) been filed calling for an exit strategy to be developed by Southern Baptists to pull their kids out of the public school system.

No doubt this proposal will be controversial.

Having attended both private-Christian and public schools growing up, we understand there are merits on both sides of the argument.

Those advocating a withdrawal would say that the situation in the public schools has become untenable. Evolution, liberal sex education, crime, secular humanism, historical revisionism and political correctness are just some of the secular plagues upon our system of public education.

Many of these arguments are valid and indeed, these are troubling problems. We certainly are not opposed to a resolution on the theme encouraging Christian education. Though, we think the use of the term "exit strategy" may not be helpful here. We think that that particular language sends the wrong signal. For one, it's just bad public relations.

The resolution drafted by Roger Moran and Dr. Bruce Shortt and the related op-ed penned by Albert Mohler in 2005 give the impression that the culture war has been lost and we must therefore withdraw from the fight. We do not believe that, as a denomination, we should cut and run. Nor should we fence ourselves off from and diminish our influence within society's institutions. At an early age, we are all taught to let our light shine. Are we to hide it under a bushel? "No!"

The resolution commends Baptist adults who work in public schools for their missionary efforts. Yet, Baptist adults working in the public schools should not be the only ones commended for their missionary work. Christian students who are making a difference among their peers should be commended as well. They must not be written off as inadequate witnesses or hopelessly impressionable. At one time or another, we have all witnessed the efforts of young people, inspired by their faith, seeking to make a difference. We sought to make a difference when we were youth ourselves. New efforts to encourage leadership and inspire this generation of youth and the next must be made.

We do like several of the points made in the proposal. The resolution suggests drawing on existing buildings for use as school facilities. The resolution calls for tapping members of our congregations, including pastors, to help teach. Further development of educational Christian media is encouraged. The drafters of the resolution also recommend that the process make considerations for helping orphans, single parents, and the disadvantaged. We couldn't agree more. These are all wise suggestions.

This issue is important and it has caused us to consider some additional new ideas toward Christian education and we would like to share them.

We believe homeschooling is a useful alternative for many families and should be encouraged for those willing to make that commitment. The principle of educational cooperation and shared resources has already been demonstrated among members of the homeschooling community as evidenced by the many homeschool groups that exist around the country.

We believe that more cooperation should be encouraged among Baptist churches at the local level. Article XIV of the Baptist Faith & Message states, "Members of New Testament churches should cooperate with one another in carrying forward the missionary, educational, and benevolent ministries for the extension of Christ's Kingdom."

The purpose of Baptist associations is to encourage cooperation and the pooling of resources toward common efforts. "No [church] is an island, entire of itself," to paraphrase Donne. Autonomy of the local church should not mean independent isolation. Yet, many Baptists likely have little knowledge of their local association and the activities of other churches in their area. We think the associational model should be forefront in the development of Christian schools along with other social programs such as food banks and crisis pregnancy centers. Of course, these efforts will require active leadership from our associational missionaries.

Funding will obviously be a consideration and all options should be explored for that as well.

We believe that lessons could be learned by looking at the education model created by the Catholic Church. Whatever differences we may have with Catholics, they are to be credited for constructing an extensive system of education that is considered a mainstream alternative. Our colleges and seminaries have already proven that we can establish reputable academic institutions. As the largest Protestant denomination, we should be bold in our development strategies for K-12 schools as well.

This debate, if anything, should reinforce the importance of parental involvement in the lives and development of their children. As we said, we prefer to leave the term "exit strategy" out of the mix, but we wholeheartedly encourage the furthering of Christian education and the offering of new options and alternatives. In light of this, we hope that Southern Baptist families, churches, associations and state conventions will review all available opportunities for children's education and make choices based upon serious consideration and prayer.

Related Links
============
Albert Mohler’s 2005 column, "Needed: An Exit Strategy"

Text of the 2006 resolution