The church expends significant resources on support for church schools, and measured by results (academic, inspection and popularity with parents) these are highly successful.
It would seem that the rationale for this could be:
a) to support mission, not in terms of immediate converts, but as their is some evidence to suggest that people are more likely to turn to Christ later in life if they have some familiarity with the Gospel from early on;
b) as part of our ministry, a contribution to the broader community, especially pertinent as these schools seem so effective, based on published stats, including those with high numbers of pupils with free school meals (ie, it's not just a middle class thing).
Which do forum members feel is (or should be) the more important of these motivations? Are there others?
I'm inspired to pose this question from a reference on another thread to Clare's school's excellent website (www.stmatthiasschool.org.uk) which is well worth a look for those who have not seen it. |
