God has entrusted the spiritual, physical, psychological, and academic care of children into the hands of their parents and guardians. The institution of the family was designed by our Creator. The Bible honestly chronicles parental successes and failures. 2KM recommends assessing both, as an impactful syllabus to raise up a generation of Godly functioning families.

In a unique way, God uses the Book of Proverbs, Chapter One, to set the stage… To know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding, ³ to receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity; ⁴ to give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion, ⁵ a wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, ⁶ to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles. ⁷ the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

In order for parents to fulfill their God-given responsibility, pastors and congregations are privileged to be a source of encouragement, a library of wisdom, and a hedge of protection. Current history is experiencing an epidemic of family dysfunction and social overreach. The intentional role of the pastor and congregation, to be a beacon of Truth, is more vital than ever. Their hands-on involvement is a God-given responsibility and privilege.

The church is a supplement, not a substitute, to the parent’s or guardian’s role in ‘bringing up’ children. Effective Sunday schools, children’s ministries, confirmation classes, and youth ministries are all part of the church’s efforts. However, the overall responsibility is far broader. First, promoting and equipping Godly parenting is essential. Second, from home schools, to Christian schools, to private schools, to public schools; pastors and congregations are to be frontline defenders of righteousness. Third, willingness to run and serve, as school board candidates, as well as, participating at school board meetings should be advocated. Informed awareness of subject matter and materials is imperative. Fourth, dedicated times of prayer and recognition, during worship services, for all teachers, staff, and administrators, provides an umbrella of God’s care.

At home and in a one-room school house in Nunda, SD, my parents and a Godly teacher daily ‘rang the bell’, looked to the Bible, declared the Pledge, and committed themselves to provide me a Godly education. I was taught that all language, literature, grammar, math, science, history, philosophy, and the arts have their origins in God alone! When the ‘bell’ is rung, don’t be tardy!