Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with hundreds of students and their families. We have welcomed many new families, and said goodbye to others. When a student leaves Christian Education for a public school, my heart always breaks. When I ask parents why they are making this choice, the common reason we hear is that they want their children to have more experiences and activities. While HCA is not the right for every family, I am so convicted that government schools are not the right fit for Kingdom Students. When I see Christian children leaving Christian Education in favor of public education systems for “experiences,” I am reminded of the words of Jesus, as we read in Mark 8:34-36. As Jesus was speaking with His followers, He asked a simple, yet very convicting question. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” The only experience your child will have that is eternal is their relationship with King Jesus. Being the best athlete, having the best art experience, or engaging in lots of clubs and social events will not save your child’s soul. It will not make a difference for Christ’s Kingdom. It will not make a mark for eternity. While all the extra activities are fun, engaging, and can be a meaningful experience in the present, none of them are eternal. If there are specific activities that you believe the Lord is guiding you towards for your child, seek out a Christian School that can meet that need. Better yet, help HCA bring that activity to our school! But please, do not prioritize experiences above conviction. Kingdom students NEED a Kingdom education!
