[NOTE: small update below]
I’ve had a lot of thoughts lately on the pros and cons of being a Christian educator.
PROS
- Kids are generally awesome and super well-behaved
- I don’t have to tip-toe around my faith
- I can learn about Jesus during school hours because it’s part of the job
- Regular chapel with time to praise and worship
- Many supportive parents that care about both education and a child’s morality and faith upbringing
- Instant connections with other staff members because of a common foundation in Christ
- I get to be a part of all the uniquely Christian things. If you don’t know what weird and funny stuff Chrsitians are into, learn by checking out Stuff Christians Like
CONS
- Though many staff members focus on the common bond or unity in Christ, some staff members make a big issue out of silly things like Harry Potter, going to a bar for a drink, or whether or not global warming is true
- Sometimes your colleagues just hang out with one another – you lose sight of the rest of the world or where other people are coming from. We need to know non-Christians’ perspective. (READER: if you want to reconnect with non-believers, check to see where they might be coming from on the Friendly Atheist site.)
- Reading the Bible and listening to messages sometimes become a chore rather than a joy
- Related to the above, sometimes my time spent preparing for teaching Bible classes gets substituted for my personal quiet times with God. In other words, doing ministry can get in the way of being ministered to unless I specifically implement measures to avoid this pitfall
- Teaching at a Christian school for a number of years can be a career killer if I were to ever become part of a non-Christian education system
Still, I think I there are more and stronger pros than cons. I like being a Christian educator, and I really enjoy ministering to people. Regardless of where I end up in life, I know that I am called to live a life of integrity 100% of the time – whether in school, at church, while playing ultimate frisbee, at a bar, or even just walking the crowded streets of Hong Kong (I get too easily annoyed by people with poor walking skills. If you feel similarly, you will appreciate a post from the Phantom Future blog).
[UPDATE on 25 Feb 2012: I’ve learned how to deal with inconsiderate city walkers! You can learn how by watching this Japanese video]
I am a Christian and a Christian teacher. I’m cool with this. And I look forward to the many opportunities to shine brightly into people’s lives, wherever that might be. 🙂
Let Me Be Frank-E With You 
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