Christ-Centered Higher Education

Synopsis: If the Christ-centered college or university did not exist, would it have to be invented? Back in the 1950s, the answer was in doubt. With few exceptions, Christian colleges wallowed in defensive self-doubt and divisive competition while under attack from the rising public sector. Students of American higher education predicted that they would soon become as extinct as the whooping crane. Rather then succumbing to doomsayers, leaders in Christian higher education bonded together around the commanding truth that "all things come together" in Jesus Christ. They drove their stake for the future in the integration of faith and learning as the reason for the existence of Christ-centered higher education. Out of this commitment came a renaissance movement of common cause and unprecedented cooperation through the Consortium of Christian Colleges and the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Will integration continue to be the energizing and all-pervasive influence that gives the Christ-centered institution its reason for existence? Trustees, presidents, deans and faculties in each generation must think and rethink the concept in the light of theological, academic, technological, and cultural change. David McKenna opens the conversation by remembering where we were, confirming who we are, and envisioning what we can be. Endorsements: "Amazingly specific historical notes and insights. Ends with a new vision to guide the way. What a gift this will be." --Robert Andringa, President Emeritus, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities "This is extremely well written. . . . I commend [this book as] another wonderful statement for those of us who continue to lead the way for Christian higher education." --Phil Eaton, President, Seattle Pacific University "I found this a great read with so much resonance with my own life's purpose . . . I already have a list of people to whom I want to give this book." --George Brushaber, President Emeritus, Bethel University "I . . . applaud as loudly as I am able the book's key message, that Christian colleges and universities should be eager to celebrate God's call to wholeness in Christ as the foundational premise of their work in providing collegiate-level education for all of God's human creation." --Richard Stephens, President Emeritus, Greenville College "Without doubt, this is an important and compelling work. Important because it gives us first-hand insight into the conditions that prompted the re-emergence of Christ-centered higher education in North America. But even better, we see anew the vision that inspired it. And for that reason, it is worth our attention." --Stan Gaede, President, Christian College Consortium "Combining intellectual autobiography with a penetrating analysis and critique of the plight of higher education, McKenna offers a powerful overview of the forces at work shaping our universities and colleges as they, in turn, shape each new generation of students. . . . Beyond the numerous insights sprinkled throughout the book, the analysis of the evolution of higher education in America is one of the most riveting and provocative of any available." --Gayle D. Beebe, President, Westmont College Author Biography: David L. McKenna served as President of Spring Arbor University, Seattle Pacific University, and Asbury Theological Seminary. He also served as the first Chair of the Board of the Consortium of Christian Colleges and later as consultant to the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. Retired since 1994, McKenna continues to add a book a year to the 32 volumes that he has written. He and his wife, Janet, resid