Suprotni vjetrovi pušu u pramac kršćanskoga visokog obrazovanja

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges facing Christian higher education institutions, focusing on trends and “headwinds” that threaten operational viability. These institutions are argued to be at risk due to a loss of mission, rooted in a broader cultural shift away from biblical Christian discipleship. The paper uses a Wall Street-style risk assessment to categorize institutions into four quadrants based on headcount and investment: Thriving, Hoping, Inertia, and Struggling. The analysis reveals that a significant majority of Christian schools fall into the Struggling or Hoping categories, suggesting potential long-term viability issues. The paper suggests that the root cause of these challenges is not in attempting or failing to compete with secular schools, but rather, the neglect of discipleship as taught by Christ, predominantly in churches, thence passed along as under-discipled rising students. The paper proposes a return to “Empyreal Discipleship,” emphasizing the importance of faculty members as visible disciple-makers. By focusing on discipleship, Christian educational institutions can regain their competitive advantage and fulfill their mission of creating educated disciples. The paper concludes that the path forward involves prioritizing discipleship over mere education to navigate the social headwinds facing Christian higher education.