The Great Divide or The Great Denominator

I have only been in Fremont for 5 1/2 years. In many ways, I am right at home. It helped that I am a pastor. For the main cirlcle that I run in, it gave me a social status and acceptance right away. But, in many ways, I am an outsider. I didn't grow up in Fremont, and neither did any of my family. My wife and I grew up in Jackson.

Today, I am going to write something that in my heart, I must admit that I am an outsider. However, I have a position that has allowed me to have dialogue with parties on both sides of this issue. And this issue is the Public School vs Christian School line in the sand.

As an outsider, I have to admit that I don't fully understand the cultural dyamics of growing up in a community that is rich in the Christian Reformed heriatage. I don't fully understand the depth the culture of the Dutch settlers and what they came to this area to do when West Michigan was made their home. I don't fully understand how changes in this small town culture may have caused some to hang on closely to something that they keep a deep place in their heart for. I have to admit, I am an outsider in many ways.

Perhaps, with that in mind, you will allow me to offer an outsiders perspective on this issue.

First of all, as a Christian, I am embarrassed. The parties that this effects have allowed bitterness to take root in the soul over which school you go to. I am not considering right now those who do not attend church. I am speaking to those who are citizens of a Kingdom. A Kingdom that is bigger than where you go to school, or any of the number of general blanket statements that are made about each other (i.e. "All the Christian school kids I know are worse than the public school kids", etc...) It's embarrassing.

Second, as a citizen of Fremont, I am sad. As with so many issues in this world, when there is a great divide like the ones between these schools, the ones who are most often effected by it are those we are trying to protect. The students. Resources in this community are limited, and we need each other. This sounds cheesy, like, why can't we all just get along.

So, I am interested on your thoughts...How do we switch our focus from those things that divide us, to our common denominator: our kids?