Finding the right college isn’t easy. After all, who really likes thinking about transcripts, test scores, entrance essays, and application deadlines? While these are undoubtedly important, they are only one part of the process.
For Christian families, college preparation is about more than academic attainments. It also includes spiritual growth and maturity. Thinking about college is not only about considering where a student goes to earn a credential, but also about who they will become as a follower of Jesus Christ.
As a parent, minister, and professor, I believe the best way to prepare for college is to develop a theological mindset. This mindset helps both parents and students see that every stage of life is best experienced and enjoyed in fellowship with the triune God of heaven and earth. As Christians, our educational pursuits must be done by “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” (2 Cor. 13:14).
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What Is a Theological Mindset?
Theology is the study of God and everything in relation to Him. To think theologically means to view the world in light of who God is and what He has revealed in Scripture. Developing a theological mindset is not only for Bible college students or aspiring pastors. It is the calling of every Christian, no matter his or her vocational pursuits.
This approach to education challenges us not to compartmentalize the Christian faith to Sunday gatherings or our prayer closets. When students think theologically, they do not treat their studies as separate from their faith but as an extension of it. They understand that God is not only the author of salvation but also the source of truth, goodness, and beauty. Every subject, therefore, is best understood in relation to God.
From this perspective, when preparing for college, the first question should not be, “What college should I attend?” but “How can I glorify God through the education I receive?” Another way to think through this question is to read Philippians 4:8–9 with your student. How does their choice of a college help them to think on and practice whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy?
No matter where a student dreams of attending college or university, here are three ways to help them cultivate a theological mindset:
1. Read the Bible to Grow in Godliness
Semester by semester (and summer, too!), high schoolers are often called upon to read a ton of books before they graduate. But none is more important for them than Scripture. Regular Bible reading shapes our thoughts and affections. It teaches us to know God and to know ourselves, which are the key building blocks for cultivating wisdom.
Start with small, modest goals. Reading Scripture for 5–10 minutes daily is all that is needed to build a consistent habit. Don’t know where to start? Try the Proverbs or the Psalms. Another strategy is to devote an hour a week to reading a large portion of Scripture in one sitting. Start with Genesis and Exodus for the basic storyline of the Old Testament, Mark and John for the life and ministry of Jesus, and Romans and Ephesians for a theology of the gospel. As a bonus, read Hebrews to see how the Old and New Testaments are fulfilled in Christ.
Encourage your student to read the Bible with a desire to grow in godly character and likeness to Christ. Ask questions such as:
- What does this passage teach about God?
- How does it connecttotherestofScripture?
- HowshouldIrespondtowhatIread?
Asking these questions will train your student to slow down and reflect on what they read in Scripture. These skills are essential to developing wisdom.
Bible reading does not happen in a vacuum. Help your students use a solid study Bible. Introduce them to the historic creeds, catechisms, and confessions of the Christian faith. Give them a hymnal or the songbook used in your local church. These resources will help them orient their lives around Scripture, among the people of God, and toward the worship of God.
2. Take Time to Reflect on Why
One of the reasons why I like working with teenagers and young adults is that they ask really good, big, probing questions. Take a break from filling out applications and speak with them aboutthosethingsthatmattermost:
- What does it mean to glorify God in a career path?
- Whatis thepurposeofeducation?
- Whydoescollegematter?
- How can your experiences in college help you to be a more faithful Christian, serve others, and contribute to the well-being of society?
Learning to ask questions like these is an important part of growth and maturity. But these questions can’t be answered in isolation. Encourage your student to speak about these things with a pastor or mentor at church.
A theological mindset helps students see how their education fits together. It teaches them to connect what they learn in class to what they believe about God, helping them see how every subject provides new opportunities to deepen their relationship with Christ.
3. Learn from Other Christians
Students do not prepare for college on their own. God gives us pastors, mentors, and Christian friends to help us along the way. Ask a variety of people from your local church and community to talk with your student about their future. Focus those conversations on how to grow in grace and serve others.
Embracing a Christian Approach to Higher Education
Preparing for college as a Christian is ultimately about cultivating hearts and minds that see all of life through the lens of Scripture. This Christian college preparation flourishes when families are surrounded by others who share the conviction that all learning begins with the fear of the Lord.
In a classical Christian community, students learn to love what is true, good, and beautiful, preparing them not just for academic success but for faithful discipleship. Resources like those from Reformation Bible College, a Classical Conversations partner, offer families rich theological content through various media to deepen understanding of God’s Word and strengthen this theological mindset.
Together, we can raise up the next generation to think biblically and live faithfully—whether in college, career, or calling.
Ready to cultivate a theological mindset in your homeschool journey? Discover how Classical Conversations can partner with your family in preparing students who think critically and live faithfully.
Learn more about our community-centered approach to Christian education.
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