January 15, 2021 |St. John’s, Antigua | Eulalie Semper
The Seventh-day Adventist Church operates a system of schools across the world. Its unique philosophy of Christian education is based on scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White. The primary purpose of Seventh-day Adventist education is to provide opportunities for students to: accept Jesus as Saviour; embrace a life of service to others; develop as a whole person; prepare academically to fulfil God’s calling; commit to a lifestyle of beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church by becoming a member; achieve spiritual, mental and physical balance and become workforce ready.
Seventh-day Adventist teachers have the awesome task of developing disciples by leading students to Christ. In preparing students for a life here on earth, Adventist educators are obligated to teach the basic contemporary subjects, however, Adventist philosophy of education dictates that this should be done within a Christian context and within the scope of a peculiar worldview. Educational instruction using this approach is the essence of the integration faith and learning.
The integration of faith and learning (IFL) is an integral aspect of education in Seventh-day Adventist schools. To underscore this, the Education department has recently completed a resource book to assist teachers in incorporating IFL in their instruction. The textbook, Integration of Faith and Learning: A Resource by Teachers for Teachers, is a compilation of IFL methods which were made possible by the contributions of teachers in the South Leeward Conference.
The integration of faith and learning gives classroom teachers amazing opportunities to share faith in dynamic and creative ways which combine with the teacher’s authentic presence to develop in students a personal love for Christ and inspires commitment to the Adventist Church. In Seventh-day Adventist schools, students learn that God is an essential part of every aspect of their lives.