Building a Stronger Future for Christian Education in Europe

Christians and the Christian Church have been involved in education for centuries. In fact, Christianity gave birth to the idea of public education in Europe, providing a clear application to the truth that God can be known to all people. He makes Himself known first through Holy Scripture (revelation) and in the Person of Christ. This reality is confirmed also through His creation (investigation). This Christian innovation, namely that public education is the natural right of every girl, boy, woman and man, has been a defining mark of a democratic society.

Boys and girls may develop holistically based on restored relationships with God, themselves and others. This prepares them not only to thrive professionally but also to live lives of integrity and purpose that reflect their God-given identity. A further consequence is a living out of grace filled and accountable relationships within our societies. 

Christian education in Europe faces growing challenges as societal norms shift and regulatory frameworks become increasingly complex. To navigate these challenges effectively, collaboration among schools, parents, school associations, and international organizations is crucial.

Since 2014, several national school organizations and school leaders from all over Europe have met regularly, mainly in Brussels. Their desire is to improve the quality of Christian education in Europe and to influence educational policy in the EU. The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI Europe), other national associations including the German Christian School Association (VEBS) and the Dutch Christian Reformed Schools (VGS), and the newly forming European Alliance for Christian Education (EACE) are at the forefront of fostering this cooperation, ensuring that Christian education remains vibrant and relevant in today’s rapidly changing environment.

A Collaborative Approach

Schools and parents play a foundational role in shaping the next generation, but they cannot achieve this mission alone. The evolving legal and cultural landscape often introduces regulations and expectations that can conflict with Christian values. By working together, schools, parents, and associations can create a unified voice to advocate for these values and navigate the complexities of compliance with European Union policies.

ACSI Europe has long supported Christian schools in their mission to provide high-quality education grounded in biblical principles. By equipping schools with resources, training, and networking opportunities, ACSI Europe helps educators and administrators meet both spiritual and academic goals. Meanwhile, the newly forming European Alliance for Christian Education (EACE) will complement this work by serving as a bridge between schools and the broader regulatory environment. Together, these organisations enhance the ability of schools to focus on their core mission of educating students while addressing external challenges as a community.

Empowering Parents and School Communities

Parents are key stakeholders in the educational process, and their voices are essential in ensuring that education aligns with their values and beliefs. By working alongside EACE and ACSI Europe, both parents and school leaders are able to stay informed about regulatory changes and actively participate in advocacy efforts. Through this partnership, parents can join a larger community that shares their vision for preserving the distinctiveness of Christian education as well as promoting strong educational choices for their children.

Local and national Christian school associations also play a pivotal role in this ecosystem. They provide a platform for schools to share best practices, pool resources, and address common challenges. When these associations work in harmony with international organisations, they amplify their impact, ensuring that schools across Europe can benefit from shared knowledge and coordinated advocacy.

Strengthening the Voice of Christian Education

ACSI Europe and EACE's collaborative efforts focus on building a robust support network for Christian schools. This united front is vital for advocating policies that respect religious freedoms and promote educational choice, ensuring that Christian education remains a viable option for families across Europe.

By providing practical resources, facilitating dialogue, and representing Christian education at the European level, EACE and ACSI Europe can help ensure that schools and parents are equipped to navigate the complexities of modern education. There is great value in this collaboration which addresses the shared challenges toward building a brighter future for Christian education in Europe.

The meetings in Brussels in January of 2025 included representation from Christian school associations in more than 12 countries committed to this work and praying together for God's wisdom in supporting parents in accessing quality, Christ-centered education. This will not only benefit their own children, but also provide a valuable alternative to the secular bias in many schools. We must give voice to the hope that we have in Christ and the reality of objective truth that can be found in His Word and even through His creation (Romans 1:16-20).

There were several resources also shared during the meetings, including a booklet by Dr. Georgia du Plessis on "Your Rights & Duties as Parents". ADF International produced this booklet and operates as a valuable partner in the work of defending parental rights, freedom of expression and freedom of educational choice for people of faith across Europe.

A Call to Action

As the cultural and regulatory landscape continues to evolve, it is more important than ever for schools, parents, and associations to work together. We are working together to provide the tools, resources, training and advocacy needed to uphold the values of Christian education and its positive impact across Europe. By joining forces, we can ensure that the next generation receives an education that nurtures both their faith and their future. Pray with us toward this end and in building quality, Christ-centered education that strengthens the communities it serves for the glory of God and His Kingdom at work in our children.

About the Author

Paul Madsen is a husband, father, teacher and learner who has lived in 4 countries and many cultural contexts. He has taught in Christian schools in the US and abroad for many years. He now works as an educational consultant with ACSI Europe developing professional resources, providing training for both teachers and students and directing the annual Student Leadership Conference. He can be reached via email at paul_madsen@acsi.org.