Christian education is gaining momentum. But as more families choose Christian schools and universities, the conversation often turns to the same pressing question: Why does it cost so much? And maybe even more importantly, is it really worth it? Dr. Greg Miller, President of Malone University, joined Dr. Smith recently on an episode of the Clearly Christian Podcast. He offered a perspective that most parents and even many educators don’t always see.

Running a Christian school is like juggling three jobs at once. You're not only an educational institution, but also a ministry and a business. Balancing all three is challenging, especially because you can’t simply operate at a loss.  No matter how good your intentions, or what impact you seek to make, you must make money. 

Social and Emotional Learning, known in education as SEL, is a hot topic in today’s educational world, is also a problem.  The effects are being felt in every school district, and it’s really stirring up concern among Christian parents and educators. Why?  Because it leaves God and what it means to be human out of the equation.  What was meant as a well-meaning focus on improving kids' emotional well-being has done more damage than good.

In the latest episode of Clearly Christian, Dr. Cy Smith, Superintendent of Mansfield Christian School welcomed Dr. Dean Ridder, Head of School at Isaac Newton Christian Academy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. With over 150 schools worldwide implementing the spiritual formation benchmarks developed under his leadership, Dr. Ridder is shaping the way Christian education is preparing students to become resilient disciples in today’s culture.