In today’s world, the need for Classical Christian education has never been greater. Why don’t more churches start schools? Far too many pastors straddle this issue so they don’t offend their members who hold different positions in their congregations. This is baffling to me. I will develop this more later, but here are four reasons churches should start schools:
1. Theological
The scriptural argument is clear—Christian discipleship is the primary calling and priority of the church. The service and contributions to families, congregations, and the common good are profound. By starting schools, churches can significantly enhance their service and contributions to families, congregations, and the broader community. Christian discipleship is central to the church’s mission, and schools provide a daily environment for reinforcing virtue.
2. Historical
The church has a rich history of commitment to education, providing a robust precedent for modern Christians. Influential figures such as Augustine, the Reformers, and Thomas Chalmers have prioritized the propagation of schools and Christian education. Today, we are grossly out of step with this historical mission, highlighting the need for a renewed focus on educational initiatives.
3. Cultural
In today’s shifting cultural climate and increasing secularization, there is a pressing need for strategic Christian engagement. Schools can act as outposts for upholding Christian principles, equipping students to thoughtfully and effectively engage with the world.
4. Strategic
The window of opportunity for educational reform in America is wider than ever. Many parents are dissatisfied with current options, and numerous factors favor the establishment of church-led schools—such as unused church spaces, available support resources, and the growth of the classical Christian school movement.
The time is now and the need is urgent. There is not one narrow path to pursue. Get some people together. Pray about it and see what happens. Churches – start schools, but please, don’t start bad ones! We can help, but don’t start schools that are operationally weak, financially feeble, and propped up with ill-equipped leaders (more on this later as well).
For fun, I ran a scenario and did some quick math. The PCA has been averaging around 30-40 new church plants per year. Let’s say the PCA committed to planting a school every time they planted a church. Do that for a decade and watch what happens. Or, suppose the PCA church allocated 1% of its budget to education. This would amount to a mere $5,000 per church annually. With around 1,540 churches in the PCA, this would generate approximately $7.7 million per year towards educational initiatives. Do we have any idea what the collective impact would be if churches took this seriously? Have we considered how to leverage the immense resources that Christians are sitting on right now? Am I missing something?
We have seen courageous leaders like Karen Elliott, Russ Gregg, and Kevin Clark, DLS, and others step out in faith. They have overcome incredible obstacles and persevered to advance classical Christian education in needed places. Must we wait for our own version of Waiting for Superman when the resources are right in front of us?
Consider David Stroud’s words of encouragement to us at our recent summer conference”
“[Thomas] Arnold was a strong advocate for hospitality..maybe it looks different then to now…It’s time for some new Thomas Arnolds. Leaders who would have a great vision for a renewed society. Leaders who would have a great vision for the power of education and its ability to shape a generation who would live differently, who would live counter-culturally. Don’t worry if people think you’re crazy. You’re living differently, and you’re teaching differently to the spirit of this age. I am not sure the spirit of this age is working too well right now. And it’s time for a fresh vision of what our children can be as the leaders and citizens of tomorrow. We must remember it is often the darkest moment which is actually the moment before a new dawn. Leaders in previous generations have lived that way and shown that, over a long travel in the same direction, that that is the case. Philippa and I pray for you and trust that the same might be said of you and this movement in the generations to come.”
~David Stroud, SCL Summer Conference 2024
Co-founder of Forum, Senior Minister of Christ Church London
Society for Classical Learning
Are you inspired to start a school at your church but unsure where to begin? Society for Classical Learning (SCL) is here to help. With nearly 30 years of experience in equipping classical Christian schools, SCL provides comprehensive mentorship and support to guide you through the process. From initial planning and resource allocation to leadership training and operational management, our team of experts is dedicated to helping you establish a thriving educational institution. Join our community of like-minded leaders and access exclusive resources, workshops, and personalized consulting services designed to ensure your school’s success. Become a member of SCL today!
