As I observe our broader culture’s rapid descent into confusion and chaos, it forces me to question: As Christ’s ambassadors to our broken world, are we going to keep doing the same things we have always done to shine for Jesus like a city on a hill (Matt 5:14-16)? Or are greater levels of desperation and urgency stirring in the hearts of God’s people serving in our schools?

Partly based on a Barna survey, I have calculated that there are approximately 1.5 million K-12 public school educators in the United States who take their faith somewhat seriously—they say their faith is important to them, and they attend church at least once a month. What would it look like for this enormous army of educators (plus the hundreds of thousands of Christians serving in private schools and higher education) to get more desperate to shine for Jesus in this postmodern culture? 

In an effort to find answers to these critical questions, a growing number of us gathered together in Colorado Springs the last two summers to press into Jesus. During these week-long, transformational Leadership Development Summits, we worshipped passionately, prayed intently, and loved sacrificially, letting the Holy Spirit change us as we laid down our offenses and pride and humbly followed His lead. Together, we grew in the conviction to let go of concerns about our security, reputations, and comfort (Matt 6:33). We sought to develop unoffendable (Matt. 18:21–22) and courageous (Joshua 1:9) hearts. 

After gathering, we returned to our communities in teams to multiply ourselves through prayer, transformative events (like LIFT America Gatherings and AWAKE Experiences), and relational connections. 

The initial results are promising. Over the last two years, we have hosted 82 events in 20 states, impacting more than 3,200 educators. These educators will impact nearly five million students over the remainder of their careers. In ever-increasing frequency, I am receiving stories of educators bringing God’s transformation to their schools and communities by letting the Holy Spirit lead them in ways that sometimes seem counterintuitive—a practice we at Christian Educators have come to call “walking in the opposite spirit.” 

And, we are just getting started! Despite doubling capacity, we have already filled the Leadership Development Summit for this summer, and many of our members have expressed interest in attending next summer.

Is God stirring a hunger in you to see Him move more powerfully in our schools? If so, let me suggest two first steps:

1. Visit the Christian Educators website and prayerfully ask the Lord if He is inviting you to partner with us through one or more of our many ministry opportunities and events. If so, contact us!
2. Learn more about the Leadership Development Summits in Colorado Springs. These summits require additional resources beyond what we receive in membership dues. Would you pray about partnering with us financially? Could you see yourself being part of a future summit? If so, let’s talk. You can reach out to me at david@christianeducators.org. 

 Thank you for letting your light shine for Jesus in our schools!