Why More Churches Are Turning to Christian Education—and How to Start

Starting and sustaining a quality Christian school is no small task. From hiring staff to managing budgets, the responsibilities can quickly pile up, especially for those without formal training in school leadership. That’s where the Herzog Foundation steps in.

In a recent episode of Sunday School Choice, host Nathan Sanders sat down with Chris Vas, Senior Director at the Herzog Foundation, to talk about how the organization is helping grow Christ-centered education across the country. Founded in 2021 with a mission to advance and accelerate K–12 Christian education, the Herzog Foundation has quickly become a go-to resource for Christian schools, homeschoolers, and churches exploring educational ministry.

The foundation’s programs are designed to meet real needs. One of the biggest issues they identified early on was the lack of professional development for leaders in Christian education. Many times, the head of a school is promoted from within, perhaps a beloved teacher with years of classroom experience but no training in things like fundraising, marketing, or facilities management. The Herzog Foundation offers intensive multi-day trainings on exactly those topics, completely free of charge. They’ve now trained schools in 49 states through in-person hubs across the country.

Another key initiative is the SchoolBox platform, an online course designed to help pastors and church leaders launch new Christian schools, homeschool co-ops, or hybrid models. As Chris explained, many churches are eager to step into education but don’t know where to begin. SchoolBox provides a roadmap, walking users through every step from forming a nonprofit to choosing curriculum and setting up enrollment systems. As groups progress through the course, they’re matched with mentors who have successfully launched similar models, offering personalized guidance along the way.

Herzog’s impact is especially evident in Missouri, where they support families through the MoScholars tax credit program. This initiative provides scholarships to low-income families, giving them access to schools that better fit their children’s needs. Chris shared that families use the program for a wide range of reasons, from seeking smaller class sizes and faith formation to fleeing situations like bullying. The program includes both religious and secular schools, and it’s helping students find environments where they can thrive.

The conversation also touched on the rise of hybrid and micro-schooling models, particularly homeschool co-ops that meet in church buildings a few days a week. These setups are gaining popularity for their affordability, flexibility, and sense of community. They also open the door for dual-working parents to consider homeschooling in ways they couldn’t before.

For church leaders thinking about stepping into education, Chris had one message: get started now. With kids spending more waking hours at school than at home or church, pastors and congregations have a vital opportunity to shape the next generation by providing educational environments that align with their values.

To learn more about the Herzog Foundation’s resources, visit herzogfoundation.com or check out their news platform at readlion.com.