and afterschool programs to develop personal relationships
with youth. After pouring in the love of Christ, His word, and
His way, as well as our love, time, and talents, we too often see
good kids walk away from the Lord. I am heartbroken that
our church kids are not able to make a committed decision
for Jesus Christ. Immersed in their secular anti-Christian
environments, these children have not gained the ability to
clearly defend their faith and fall away. We have failed them.”
These comments are representative of our daily conversa-
tions with Christians ready to engage in full-time biblical
worldview education. However, launching such an effort is
not one to take lightly. Renewanation has partnered with
pastors and parents like those at Lakeside Christian Acad-
emy and Cranesville Christian Academy over the past year
to support and coach them on their journey.
While every startup school has unique situations to
be addressed, there are several critical items that anyone
interested in starting a Christian school should keep in
mind. A Christian school is most certainly a ministry;
however, sound business principles must also be practiced
to ensure the ministry can be sustained. Common elements
such as vision and leadership, marketing, resources, and
facilities are all key ingredients in developing a solid launch
plan. Without solid planning and preparation, a new school
startup will find it difficult for parents to entrust the future
of their children to their Christian school.
First and foremost, Christian schools must be born from
God’s calling to evangelize and disciple the next generation.
Founders of successful Christian schools launch from a heart
aligned with God’s direction in Deuteronomy 6 to diligently
teach our children His ways. Proverbs 16:2-3 then gives
us confidence that our “motives are weighed by the Lord.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish
your plans.” Jesus Christ alone must be the foundation of the
school from which all other activities are built upon.
We must never lose sight of this overall purpose, and it
should be clearly stated in our vision and mission state-
ments. There are too many Christian schools today that are
Christian by name only. Their focus has shifted to superior
academics, a stellar fine arts program, or a celebrated sports
program. While these aims are certainly appropriate targets,
they are secondary to our intent of securing a biblical world-
view in the hearts and minds of students.
Often, the founder of a Christian school may not possess
the leadership qualities necessary for it to thrive. The best
intentions, the best strategies, and the best processes are
42
“Every civil government is based upon some reli-
gion or philosophy of life. Education in a nation will
propagate the religion of that nation. In America,
the foundational religion was Christianity. And it
was sown in the hearts of Americans through the
home and private and public schools for centuries.
Our liberty, growth, and prosperity was the result of
a biblical philosophy of life. Our continued freedom
and success is dependent on our educating the
youth of America in the principles of Christianity.”
Noah Webster
rendered ineffective without strong leadership. A solid
leader must be identified that shares the passion for bibli-
cal worldview education. Effective leaders will have a track
record of proven results. They will be known for a high level
of integrity as prescribed in 1 Timothy 3. They will have an
innovative, entrepreneurial spirit and take courageous, yet
calculated risks. They will possess the ability to collaborate
effectively and communicate clearly and confidently.
While our focus on leadership certainly pertains to the
Headmaster or Chief School Officer role, the leadership of
a Christian school extends to the school’s board of directors
and the host pastor, when applicable, as well. This collec-
tive leadership team needs to be unified in their vision,
mission, and philosophy and characterized by a diverse
set of skills and backgrounds. To develop a sustainable
growth path for the Christian school, the leadership team
will need to have a blend of strengths including education,
business management, marketing, community connection,
and strategic thinking. The critical nature of the leadership
element cannot be overstated. John Maxwell puts it this way:
“Everything rises and falls on leadership.”
If you are interested in Renewanation supporting your
new Christian school startup, please contact us today at
1-855-TO-RENEW or [email protected].
Ron Gordon is Executive Vice President & Chief Operating
Officer of Renewanation, and brings strong education and
executive experience to the cause. Ron holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and an
MBA from Virginia Tech. Ron’s wife, Tonya, is a trained and
passionate educator. They have twin boys, Caleb and Jacob,
and a daughter, Gracie.