A: We are at a critical crossroads in education.  Freedom for families to make informed educational choices has become increasingly limited due to financial and geographic barriers, and this network will help to remove those barriers by helping to increase funding for students and schools through the Christian Education Network’s Scholarship Granting Organization. Eventually, we also want to provide churches with frameworks to develop new Christian schools.  In addition to financial and geographic barriers, government intrusion into schools’ religious freedom to operate according to biblical beliefs is more of a concern now than ever, Schools also do not currently have a consistent voice in the state legislature.  With the support of PA Family Institute’s long standing reputation at the Capitol, the PCEN is primed to advocate for educational freedom for its constituents.  

A: I am excited to build relationships with Christian school leaders around the state. I spent the last 20 years in public education as a teacher and administrator in York County, where I had the opportunity to lead a school and interact with thousands of students, families, and educators.  The Lord has uniquely equipped me for this opportunity through my experiences in high school and college with Child Evangelism Fellowship in Lancaster County, my undergraduate experience at Lancaster Bible College, and as a Deacon and Elder at Calvary Bible Church in Mount Joy.  It’s a privilege to serve the Lord in these capacities! 

A: Christian education has the unique opportunity to present all instructional areas through the lens of a biblical worldview.  Schools can provide a world-class education in math, science, the arts, but if it isn’t distinctly Christian, our youngest generation of learners will miss out on key opportunities to encounter the saving work of Jesus Christ.  This is an incredible discipleship opportunity for Pennsylvania! 

A: In Matthew 28, Jesus called his followers to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. The Bible calls Pastors and church leaders to equip the saints to fulfill the Great Commission. If we want to further the Gospel to transform Pennsylvania, then Pastors and church leaders must take every opportunity to promote Christian education.  More faith-based education opportunities will encourage Christians to become involved in their local and state communities, more likely to inform other Christians of local and state policy issues, and more eager to intercede for their leaders at all levels of government.