If you work or lead at a Christian school, it might feel like a given that Christ is at the center of every conversation—whether between faculty and students, in classrooms, or even in online courses. After all, the mission is clear, right? We're a faith-based institution, and that should naturally flow into everything we do. But here’s the thing: even with the best intentions, the demands of academics and administration can sometimes push faith integration to the side.

For those who have worked in the dynamic world of Christian education, especially for those who have been entrusted in leadership positions, I believe it is a fair assessment to say that striking the delicate balance between retaining high-qualified teachers while ensuring the school's healthy financial stability has always been one of the most challenging aspects of running a Christian school.

You’re sitting at your desk just before a major school event when a parent stops by and says,” Do you have a minute?” A minute turns into 45 as she reveals troubling information that is bothersome. Or imagine your school year is off to an amazing start when all of a sudden, you receive a phone call from a parent who informs you that one of your students has posted a threat on social media. How about when an accusation against a member of your staff is presented to you? Now what?

A common question asked by those involved in Christian school education is, “Will anything I teach influence the adult years of my students?” As a former minister to children and a professor in Christian education, I ask this question myself as I seek to train and equip future ministers and teachers. Pondering the connection between childhood experiences and adult religiosity led me to study the experiences in childhood that influence Christian commitment in young adulthood. During the fall of 2018, I conducted in-depth interviews with a group of ethnically diverse, young adults living in Southern California. This blog post shares three major themes that emerged from these stories which have significant implications for Christian school educators.

Emily Pigott discusses building confidence in young leaders through a Christ-centered approach, emphasizing the importance of overcoming self-doubt and learned fears.

Dr. Edward Bunn and Dr. Dave Mulder, Professor of Education at Dordt University, discuss how to teach Christianly as a faithful disciple of Christ.

Naomi Famonure, a Christian educator from Nigeria, shares her journey from Catholic upbringing to founding a school for missionary children and caring for orphans and widows.

Jerry Nelson welcomes Joe Wilson, Head of Lower Schools at Calvary Christian Academy in Florida, for a conversation about the integration of churches and Christian schools.