How Churches Can Lead in School Choice

In a recent episode of Sunday School Choice, a new podcast series by EdChoice hosted by Nathan Sanders, Dr. Doug Richey— a former pastor and Missouri state representative—shared his unique perspective on the intersection of faith, education, and public policy. With 26 years of pastoral ministry and six years in the Missouri House of Representatives, Richey offers a compelling case for why churches should engage in the school choice movement and how to do it practically.

Richey’s journey into education advocacy began unexpectedly. After decades of pastoring, he felt a calling to run for office in 2017, winning a seat in 2018. During his tenure, which ended in December 2024, he served on education-focused committees and witnessed firsthand the challenges within public education.

“I began to see very quickly just how problem-ridden the bureaucratic element had become,” Richey said, noting how this experience fueled his passion for education reform. Now working with a nonprofit focused on constitutional liberties, Richey continues to champion parental rights and educational freedom.

One of the most surprising challenges Richey encountered as a lawmaker was the resistance to school choice from the educational establishment. He described a pervasive attitude that justified poor academic outcomes and dismissed parental input.

“It is a fairly constant refrain coming from the educational establishment that they know what’s best for children and parents don’t,” Richey said, often countering this by asking administrators simple questions about students’ personal lives—questions they couldn’t answer, but parents could. This “elitist expert mindset,” as he called it, often led to policies that undermined parental authority, a trend he found deeply troubling.

So why should churches care about school choice? Richey points to the rich history of Christian involvement in education.

“The Christian faith in Western civilization really is the impetus behind so much of the movement to have a well-educated populace,” Richey explained. From founding universities to promoting literacy, Christians have long pursued truth as a pathway to liberty—both spiritual and practical. Engaging in education today, Richey argues, is a natural extension of this legacy and a way to bless communities, even those who disagree with the faith.

Practically, Richey encourages churches to get involved in various ways, from starting private schools to supporting homeschool co-ops or micro-schools. Reflecting on his own ministry, he shared how his church launched a hybrid micro-school model, blending homeschooling with in-person learning three days a week.

“I was so delighted to see that launch,” Richey said, emphasizing how such initiatives align with a church’s discipleship mission by ensuring children can read and comprehend biblical truths. For pastors hesitant about the scale of such endeavors, Richey and Sanders stress flexibility—serving even 10 students can make a difference.

Richey also highlighted the role of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which provide financial support for families seeking private education options.

“Pastors could encourage their congregations, ‘Listen, this is an opportunity for you to be a support and a ministry to these families,’” Richey advised, noting the tax credits available for contributions. This approach not only aids dual-income or single-parent households but also empowers churches to extend their outreach.

For pastors considering this path, Richey’s advice is clear: “It is a good thing to consider and to pray about engaging this topic of education choice, education freedom.” He urges faith leaders to support parents in providing children with “what is true and right and good and excellent,” setting them up for productive lives that bless future generations. Sanders echoed this sentiment, thanking Richey for his advocacy, including his work on Missouri’s Scholars Program, which aims to expand school choice statewide.

Dr. Doug Richey’s insights remind us that education isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a ministry opportunity. By embracing school choice, churches can reclaim their historical role as champions of learning, offering families options that align with their values and needs.

For more, listen to the full podcast conversation.