January 20, 2026

The Real Challenges Facing Christian Education Today | Jeff Keaton | Ep. 165

45 minutes

“I want schools and school associations to be vigilant… We need to do whatever it takes to maintain our ability to teach biblical truth at all costs.” - Jeff Keaton

Christian education is growing, but growth brings new pressures.

In this episode of Teacher Edition, Jenny welcomes back Jeff Keaton, founder and CEO of RenewaNation, for an honest, wide-angle conversation about where Christian schools are today and where they’re headed next.

Drawing from decades of experience as a church planter, school planter, and national speaker, Jeff offers a candid “field report” on what he’s seeing across the country. From post-COVID enrollment shifts to deep worldview challenges, he identifies three critical pressures facing Christian schools right now: secularized parents, secularized teachers, and government funding.

Key Themes & Takeaways:

Why post-COVID enrollment growth is leveling off—and why that isn’t a bad thing

The danger of prioritizing growth over culture

How secularized parents influence school direction (often unintentionally)

Why biblical worldview formation must be intentional, not assumed

The challenge of secularized teachers—even inside Christian schools

Why vetting, training, and ongoing formation matter more than ever

Government funding: opportunity, caution, and vigilance

Together, Jenny and Jeff unpack how schools can protect culture, strengthen biblical worldview formation, and lead courageously without compromising truth.

“The reason why I love the BJU textbooks so much is because they show in real time what biblical worldview thinking… actually looks like.” - Jeff Keaton

“If they’re not studying outside of the classroom… they’re not going to have an overflow of it.” - Jeff Keaton

Every day in the classroom is YOUR day to impact and inspire through God’s power and grace working in you.

Go do what God has called you to do!

Resources Mentioned:

Saving Our Children In a World Gone Crazy by Jeff Keaton: https://a.co/d/2JeYUEp

Website: https://www.renewanation.org/

RenewaNation Viewfinder: https://www.renewanation.org/the-viewfinder

RenewaNation SEED Program: https://reap.renewanation.org/seed/

Authors referenced: Nancy Pearcey, Francis Schaeffer, Chuck Colson

Scripture focus: Numbers 11:1–17

About Our Guest:

As a successful pastor, church and school planter, and ministry entrepreneur, Jeff Keaton has spent his adult life believing that through Christ anything is possible. As the founder, chairman, and CEO of RenewaNation, he now speaks across America, challenging the church to reach the world for Christ and to get involved in the great cause of giving children a Christian worldview education.