In an age described as full of "moral relativism", churches and Christian schools are seeing the dire need to collaborate to battle common problems. An example was the gathering at the 2014 North American Christian Convention, where representatives from Emmanuel Christian Seminary, Milligan College, Ozark Christian College and others joined a workshop to talk about building better ties between educational institutions and Christian churches.
"We're living in a post-Christian culture, as exiles in a foreign land. We're also living in an age of moral relativism, and our colleges and universities can teach the correct idea of what it means to live as and to be God's people," said Milligan College president Dr. William Greer.
Attendees of the workshop addressed problems Christian institutions face in a growing secular world. Specific strategies such as tackling the modern culture from a Christian perspective were discussed.
"The changing landscape in America requires kingdom workers with a global perspective who can confront a secular culture with a Christian worldview. How can our Christian colleges and universities best prepare students to minister in the church and marketplace? How can our churches and Christian higher education work together to produce world-changing disciples?" said director of church relations and Milligan College Youth in Ministry program director Phyllis Fox who coordinated the workshop.
The role of government and how it plays a part in Christian ministries was also mentioned. More government involvement was seen as leading to rising threats towards religious freedom, a crucial issue for schools and churches.
"For one thing, federal involvement is increasing, and that means potential threats to religious freedom," said Greer.
Several church leaders in attendance pointed out how Christian churches and schools must submit to the idea that they need all the help they can get in achieving goals, and that includes collaboration.
"We live in one of the most difficult mission fields in the world. Our schools offer not only education and spiritual formation, but connections to our larger movement that can help us be more effective," said Harvester Christian Church senior pastor Brian Jobe.
Fortunately, several schools have began working with churches through training programs and special courses. There are new course choices available online and on weekends to provide flexible schedules for school staff and church members.
Senior pastor of Mountain Christian Church, Joppa, Maryland Ben Cachiaras stated, "Neither academic institutions nor local churches can do it alone. These schools were launched in a different era for a church with different needs, and they can't prepare workers for the church in the same way. At the same time, churches need to understand they need help beyond what they can provide; refusal to continue learning can lead to a shallow practitioner approach. Both need to contribute what they do best and stop pretending that what they can't do doesn't matter."
Financial costs were another important issue tackled. Rising tuition costs and having to incur student debt typically deter people from seeking further learning that will benefit their respective churches. The need to provide financial aid when possible and encourage students to get degrees were also discussed by the church leaders and school representatives.
Professor of Christian education and ministry at Ozark Christian College Dr. Teresa Welch emphasized, "Send your students! They'll get a great education, but it's more than that—there is no better training for ministry formation. So send your staff members, or consider pursuing a graduate degree yourself."