“Nearly 90% of children raised in Christian homes spend 30 to 35 hours a week in public schools typically run by people who do not espouse a biblical worldview,” Joseph Backholm of the Family Research Council writes. Unfortunately, that often results in children “absorbing lessons that run counter to their family’s Christian beliefs.” “To paraphrase Voddie Baucham, if we send our kids to be educated by Caesar, we have no right to be surprised if they act like Romans,” Backholm noted.
This sobering fact has spurred many churches to create their own private schools. In fact, the Washington Stands reports that a wave of these church-led schools is sweeping the nation. One such startup was founded right here in Washington State, through The Pursuit NW Church in Snohomish.
Pursuit Elementary adopted what they believe is the “both/and” mandate of Christian education: “It’s not just about the development of the mind, equally important is the nurturing of the soul. Our vision is that each child would excel academically and at the same [time] grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ,” their mission statement explains.
Pursuit believes that the Bible has full authority over students’ lives, and they value the partnership between parents and educators. They understand that God ordains parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children, and schools are meant to aid in that process – not overtake it. Finding a school that respects and supports parental rights is more important now than ever.
“Our curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education that encompasses not only academic subjects but also spiritual growth and character formation. We believe that by instilling strong Christian values and principles, we are preparing our students to become responsible and compassionate individuals who positively impact their communities,” the mission statement continued.
Pursuit isn’t the only church to start a school in Washington – Grace City Church in Wenatchee launched a private K-12 Christian School this fall. Cascade Christian Schools was founded in 1991 after three local churches collaborated to create a biblically-based school system. Today, nearly 2,000 students are enrolled. If there is a “Woke Baptism” taking place in your child’s current school, we encourage you to protect your child and explore your options!
“Every church needs to start a Christian school. We don’t need to retreat from the world, we need to build the communities and institutions that allow the gospel to be the most significant influence on our children. We have to stop outsourcing education,” Backholm instructs. And if churches are not able to start their own school, suggests Heidi St. John of Firmly Planted Family, another option might be to consider supporting local homeschooling movements by letting them have church facility access during the week.
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