“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing…”
Isaiah 43:18–19
There may not be a more dangerous phrase spoken in a school than this:
“We’ve always done it that way.”
On the surface, it sounds harmless. It often comes from well-meaning people who deeply love their school. They remember traditions that have shaped generations of students. They want to protect what has made the ministry special. There is nothing wrong with honoring the past. But there is everything wrong with worshiping it. One of the greatest dangers facing Kingdom Education is confusing faithfulness with familiarity. As Dr. Schultz stated many times, “It is easier to be Traditional, than Biblical.”
Faithfulness means remaining unwavering in God’s truth. Familiarity means becoming comfortable with our own methods. One is biblical. The other can quietly become an idol. Throughout Scripture, God continually challenged His people to trust Him in fresh ways.
Noah had never built an ark.
Abraham had never left everything familiar for a land he had never seen.
Moses had never confronted Pharaoh.
Joshua had never led a nation across the Jordan River.
Peter had never stepped out of a boat onto water.
The disciples had never taken the Gospel to the nations.
Each new assignment required the same unchanging truth but demanded a fresh act of obedience. God has never changed and His mission has never changed. But His people had to. The same is true in our schools. The mission of Kingdom Education has never changed. We exist to disciple students, cultivate a biblical worldview, partner with families, and prepare the next generation to influence culture for Christ. That mission is eternal.
However, the methods we use to accomplish that mission should always be evaluated.
If a process no longer serves students well…
If a meeting no longer produces clarity…
If a policy creates unnecessary barriers…
If a tradition overshadows the mission…
Then courageous leaders must ask difficult questions. Not because change is fashionable. Because stewardship requires it. Jesus Himself challenged traditions that had drifted away from God’s heart. He did not reject truth; He rejected anything that kept people from experiencing it. Likewise, Kingdom leaders must constantly ask whether our systems are helping people know Christ more deeply or merely preserving what is comfortable.
This does not mean we chase every educational trend. In fact, Kingdom schools should be the least interested in following culture. Our curriculum is rooted in God’s unchanging Word. Our worldview is anchored in eternal truth. Our convictions do not shift with public opinion. Yet because our foundation is secure, we should have the freedom to innovate wherever Scripture gives liberty. Technology changes. Students change. Families change. Communities change. Challenges change. The Gospel does not Change.
Our foundation remains immovable while our methods remain flexible. The healthiest schools are filled with humble leaders who are willing to say, “There may be a better way to accomplish God’s mission.”That kind of humility invites growth. It invites collaboration. Most importantly, it gives the Holy Spirit room to continue shaping us. Perhaps the question this school year is not, “How have we always done this?” Perhaps the better question is: “Lord, what are You asking us to become?”
Kingdom Education is not about protecting yesterday. It is about faithfully preparing tomorrow. As you begin this new school year, celebrate your history. Honor those who built the foundation. Thank God for His faithfulness through the years. Then open your hands. Ask Him to refine your leadership, strengthen your school, and reveal fresh opportunities to advance His Kingdom. After all, the God who never changes is still doing new things.
Leadership Reflection
- Is there a tradition I am protecting simply because it is familiar?
- Are our systems helping us fulfill our mission, or merely maintaining our routines?
- Where is God asking me to demonstrate courage rather than comfort?
Leader’s Prayer
Father, thank You for the faithful men and women who built the foundation upon which we serve today. Help me to honor their legacy without becoming captive to routine. Give me wisdom to know what must never change because it is rooted in Your Word, and give me courage to change whatever hinders the mission You have entrusted to us. Mold my heart, refine my leadership, and keep our school focused on making disciples above all else. May we never settle for what is comfortable when You are calling us to something greater. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Methods should evolve. Truth never does. Kingdom leaders honor the past, embrace God’s work in the present, and prepare faithfully for the future.”
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