Recently, a powerful reminder of the long-term influence of Christian education began circulating online. Dr. Denny Burk, Professor of Biblical Studies at Boyce College, shared a brief but striking story that had been sent to him by theologian Wayne Grudem. Though simple in form, the story captures something profound about the ministry of Christian educators: the fruit of faithful teaching often grows unseen for years, even decades, until it suddenly blooms in the life of a student—and through that student, in the world.

Grudem’s note recounted how, in 1982, his wife Margaret felt a growing burden that their community north of Chicago needed a distinctly Christian school. There was none nearby. After prayer and discussion, they gathered other parents, formed a committee, and began meeting in homes and churches to cast a vision for Christ-centered education. Two years later, Christian Heritage Academy opened its doors with just 59 students in grades K–6. Today, that same school in Northfield, Illinois, educates over 400 students from kindergarten through high school.

Among those students, years later, was an eleven-year-old boy who came to faith in Christ after a teacher challenged his class to consider the gospel personally. That boy’s name was Charlie Kirk—a name now familiar to millions as the founder of Turning Point USA, whose public witness for Christ has impacted a generation.

Wayne Grudem’s story is a beautiful illustration of the unseen ministry of Christian education. The Lord often writes His most significant chapters through the quiet faithfulness of teachers and parents who refuse to separate truth from education, or Christ from the classroom. As Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” What we plant in the heart of a child—truth, virtue, reverence for God—often grows into spiritual fruit that outlives us.

The Long Game of Christian Influence

For educators and pastors, the temptation is to measure success by what can be seen right now: attendance numbers, test scores, or immediate behavioral changes. Yet, as Grudem’s experience shows, the true harvest of Christian teaching is often generational. God calls us to faithfulness, not instant results. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:6–7, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth… So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

The teacher who prays over her classroom, the parent who opens Scripture at the dinner table, the pastor who urges the congregation to stand firm in truth—all are laboring in the same vineyard. And though the results may not appear for years, God is at work in ways unseen.

Why Christian Education Still Matters

In every generation, the world competes for the hearts and minds of children. Education that excludes God inevitably reshapes how young people understand truth, morality, and purpose. As we’ve discussed in past His Good News articles, a Christ-centered education is not simply an academic choice—it is a discipleship decision. Christian schools and homeschools exist to cultivate hearts that love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).

When the classroom becomes a place where truth is not just taught but lived—where math, science, art, and history all point to the Creator—students begin to see that faith is not an extracurricular activity; it is the foundation of all learning. Every Christian teacher and parent who labors in that calling participates in a spiritual legacy that stretches far beyond their own lifetime.

Encouragement for the Faithful

Perhaps you, like Margaret and Wayne Grudem, have wondered whether your quiet efforts will ever make a lasting difference. The story of Christian Heritage Academy—and the testimony of a fifth-grader named Charlie—remind us that God often works through small beginnings. He multiplies faithfulness in ways we could never predict. As Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Christian educators, pastors, and parents: your work matters. The words you speak, the truth you model, the prayers you whisper over your students—none of it is wasted. One conversation, one challenge, one act of love can become the spark that ignites a lifelong faith. And sometimes, as in the story above, that spark becomes a beacon that lights up the culture around us.

Reflection Question for Readers

As you serve in your classroom, church, or home this week, ask yourself:

What seeds am I planting today that God may bring to harvest long after I am gone?