For discussion



1. What percentage of the adults in your congregation attended a church school at some level? Do you agree that fewer young people are choosing Mennonite schools today? What is the major deterrent? Should congregations provide tuition assistance to encourage students to attend Mennonite schools? Does yours?

2. What are the education options in your community at the elementary and secondary level? Do parents have concerns about the values being taught in public schools? How prevalent is home-schooling? How much support would there be for a Christian/Mennonite school in your community?

3. Gail Schellenberg believes that graduates of church schools are more likely to become pastors and church leaders than other young people. Do you agree? Does declining enrolment show a lack of vision and commitment to the church?

4. Menno Simons Christian School in Calgary, Alta., worked out a public-private partnership. Is that a model for other struggling church schools? Should schools that are having financial difficulties simply be closed? How important is it for the church to have input into the education of children?



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