In today’s world, education is more than just an academic exercise—it’s a foundational battleground for the hearts and minds of our children. As Christians, we are increasingly aware of the secular influences that pervade public school systems. The alarming statistics on youth suicide, exposure to inappropriate material, and the indoctrination of unbiblical worldviews have left many parents feeling disheartened. But there is hope: the local church can take action to safeguard the next generation by providing Christ-centered education.
One pastor who is answering the call is Justin Walker from Salt and Light Church in Lagrange, Kentucky. His journey into education began with his own family’s struggles and grew into something much bigger—a tuition-free Christian school as a ministry of his church. In this article, we explore how churches can engage in Christian education and create lasting impact, both for their congregations and their communities.
Justin Walker’s Story: How a Tragedy Sparked a Mission
Justin Walker’s journey began as a personal one. After losing his wife in 2021, he found himself taking on the education of his six children, spanning from elementary to high school ages. As a homeschooling father, he quickly realized how inadequate and morally compromised many public educational resources were. One experience in a local library cemented his conviction when his daughter was offered inappropriate books promoting unbiblical views.
That moment was a catalyst for action, as Justin and his church began discussions on how they could offer a Christian alternative to the public education system. With persistence and prayer, they launched First Principles Academy, a tuition-free school rooted in biblical values.
A Radical Approach: Tuition-Free Christian Education
What sets First Principles Academy apart is its radical approach to education—tuition-free. Justin's model is simple: instead of tuition, they rely on donations.
He believes that Christian education should not be a luxury, but a ministry. Churches, with their long history of service, generosity, and outreach, are well-equipped to sustain such initiatives through donations rather than tuition.
Walker often shares, “The church has been sustained by donations for over 2,000 years. Why couldn’t a school operate the same way?”
This model is based on the idea that access to Christian education should be available to every family, regardless of their financial situation. It removes the barrier of cost, allowing the church to minister to all children in their community.
How Churches Can Follow Suit: A Call to Action
Walker’s vision is not limited to his church alone. He dreams of seeing this model replicated by churches across the nation. He believes every church has the potential to open its doors to Christian education, and here’s why:
The Need is Great: Walker cites that there are over 50 million students in the U.S. public school system, many of whom are being taught values contrary to the Christian faith. The second leading cause of death among 14-17 year-olds in America is suicide, and this statistic alone should stir churches into action. Children need hope, and the church knows that hope can only be found in Christ.
Churches Have the Facilities: Most church buildings are unused throughout the week, offering vast potential for classrooms and educational activities. By leveraging these existing spaces, churches can provide Christ-centered education without significant upfront costs.
Christian Education is Ministry: Schools run by churches can provide more than academics; they can be a place where children learn about Christ daily. Churches already minister to families, and education is an extension of that ministry.
Collaboration is Key: Not every church needs to offer a K-12 education right away. Churches can partner with one another to offer different grades or subjects. Some churches may have the resources for elementary education, while others might provide middle or high school education. By working together, the Christian community can provide a comprehensive educational solution.
Overcoming the Challenges: Funding and Sustainability
One of the primary concerns pastors might have is funding. But Walker insists that once people see the vision and the heart behind Christian education, they are eager to help. In just a few months, First Principles Academy raised over $200,000 purely from donations, allowing them to pay teachers and provide resources. While there is still work to be done, Walker believes this is just the beginning. “People want to give to something that matters,” he says, “and what could matter more than our children’s future?”
Practical Steps for Churches
If you are a pastor or church leader wondering how to begin, Walker provides these practical steps:
Vision Casting: Share the vision with your congregation. Explain the need for Christian education and the potential impact it can have on your community. You may find people eager to get involved.
Leverage Existing Resources: Start small by using your church’s existing resources. Whether it’s a few classrooms, a multi-purpose room, or even the sanctuary during the week, you can begin offering classes without a huge financial investment.
Partner with Other Churches: If your church doesn’t have the resources to offer a full K-12 education, partner with other local churches to provide different grade levels. Collaboration can make Christian education possible for more students.
Tap into the Homeschool Community: Walker’s school also reaches out to local homeschooling families, offering them support and resources. This partnership benefits both the school and homeschooling parents, who may need additional help with subjects like math, science, or art.
Conclusion: The Church’s Role in Shaping the Future
In a world where children are bombarded with conflicting messages and secular ideologies, the church can be a beacon of light and truth. Christian education is not just an option; it’s a necessity for many families seeking to raise their children with biblical values. By stepping into this role, churches have the opportunity to impact not just their congregations, but their entire communities.
As Justin Walker boldly puts it, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” It’s time for the church to rise and take action—our children’s future depends on it.
For more information on how to support First Principles Academy or to learn more about starting a Christian school in your church, visit Salt and Light Baptist Church’s website or follow them on Facebook at First Principles Academy.
This blog post was generated from the following episode of the WISE and Otherwise Podcast with Dalena Wallace. Find more at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wiseandotherwise
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