The Christian education landscape is rapidly changing. Even the interpretation of what professional ministry looks like is changing. There are several issues that need to be considered as we look to the future of Christian higher education (See “Trends” sidebar).

The realities of today’s educational environment are affecting who is enrolling in faith-based institutions and why. Many students are older and attend for a different purpose. Some are women who had children early in life and are now ready to begin another journey.

Others are changing careers—an average person is likely to change jobs five to seven times during their life. Bible colleges who gear marketing only to high school students are losing out on the new, emerging market of mature students.

There continues to be a need for increased value. Students want to experience their Christianity and are looking for institutions that can provide that feeling. The old models of learning, with emphasis on “chalk and talk,” are failing to attract younger, visually-oriented, hands-on students.

And because many students are faced with short-term positions when they enter the ministry, there is an increased desire for crossover degrees that are seen as viable in both ministry and secular vocations.

There is also a need for moral instruction. With increased family breakups and the redefining of the family, more students are seeking healing as well as education. Those who have experienced healing and new hope—for example, after a divorce—often want to enter the ministry. But although more divorced people are training for ministry, in reality they typically experience difficulty getting placements.

Challenges and threats

There are several threats to the future of Christian higher education, including a changing political landscape, the continued reevaluation of Christian charities and questions about the legitimacy of Christian education (See “Challenges” sidebar).

With rising education costs, the baby boom generation wants value-oriented education. However, many see a long-term degree in biblical education as a waste and that does not lead to a viable, financially secure future. Biblical education is often considered in the short term—a buffer year before going on to get a “real education.”

This reality has directed some schools to implement a university model with the hope of attracting more students and retaining them for a longer term. The university model is also more likely to access possible government funding. Christian institutions need to stay cost-competitive—and that requires more subsidized learning.

Opportunities for higher education

Bible colleges and Christian universities across Canada will need to embrace change and continually evolve their strategies in order to be effective and to survive the new realties facing them. They need to plan for the future but they also need to be willing to let that plan evolve and become a living document.

Change is the word for this new era of education. The goals of sharing Christ with the world and training and equipping leaders for ministry have not changed. However, the way we accomplish these goals must continually evolve. Leaders who will be effective are those who embrace change, study culture and remain firm in their biblical grounding.

Several opportunities can reshape our programs and delivery of education (See “Opportunities” sidebar).

A focus on equipping women for ministry is a great opportunity. The ability to develop certificates and non-credit education will enhance and recruit new students. Schools need to seek after the second-career students. The baby boom generation is a key market—they have made their money and many are now looking for new meaning and purpose.

How we package and deliver education will be essential. Schools need to invest in marketing and expand their markets.

No matter the program or approach to education, these are essential elements to developing a viable future. Neglect of any one element will endanger not only the interest in Bible colleges, but provide unbalanced training.

Programs will come and go but the purpose of what we do as providers of Christian higher education will not. The evolving institution helps students develop character through constant self-assessment, seeks to provide a solid knowledge base so students will learn to critically think through the issues of the day and gives opportunity for skill development through hands-on experiences.

Derrick Mueller holds a doctorate of ministry and has been involved in Christian higher education for the past 15 years. He is currently president of Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener, Ontario.