It generally is not a good idea to air “dirty laundry” in public. That is, there is wisdom in keeping disagreements and disappointments between brothers in Christ private. But when people are getting hurt, especially when it comes to children, it is a time to call people out. And when children are getting hurt spiritually, a pastor has the obligation to point his finger. So, I am pointing mine. And I am pointing it at my colleagues, fellow pastors living in the Greater Tacoma area.
Question, why are you quiet regarding the need for the children and youth under your care to receive a Christian education? I do not understand your silence. You are aware of the charge given to all Christian parents. I am not going to insult your Bible knowledge or your training citing chapter and verse. This is not a position paper, either. We should all be of like mind. What is there to debate?
Here is my observation. You do not think Christian education is that big of deal. Most of you send your own children to public schools. Some of you, no doubt, regret the decision but see it as your only option due to a limiting salary. I am sorry for that. But I am convinced most of you do not grieve your decision at all. And it is why you are silent on the matter. How can you encourage others to do something you do not do?
Surely you are aware of the government school’s demise. Godless is a nice way of putting it. And maybe that is the way you think it should be—godless. Because you think that makes the public schools neutral when it comes to faith and religion. That is the lie of secularism. When you remove God from the 7 ½ hour school day, secularism sweeps into the void and declares itself the god of the place. The public schools, in varying degrees, are pagan temples; daily spewing their “truth” and doctrine. They are indoctrinating your children.
Maybe you think decisions regarding education should be made by each family. I agree. But as their pastor, shouldn’t they know your opinion on the matter? Spiritual concern for your flock is near the top of your job description, is it not? Or, maybe you do not want to cause problems, taking a stand for Christian education may endanger your position and paycheck. Got to keep the sheep happy, you know. No, you do not. You are to be more concerned about keeping them holy.
What prompted this screed? I guess I am irked. The Christian school my family and children have been a part of for over 20 years may be closing. There have been some self-inflicted wounds and poor decisions on their part. That cannot be denied. But it does not explain everything. Declining enrollment can also be attributed to pastors who have not done their part. They have failed. Have you?
Here is my non-scientific self-test for my pastor friends and colleagues. There should be an inverse relationship between your years in the pulpit and the percentage of the children in your church who attend public schools. That is, the longer you preach and pastor at your church, fewer children from the congregation should be shipped off to Caesar for their daily indoctrination. The percentage should go down each year because of the culture being created. Your parishioners will view Christian education a must because you do.
Have I challenged you? I hope so. Are you mad at me? I can live with that. But enough indifference, brother. You must be a champion for Christian education.
Pastor Rich Hamlin
Evangelical Reformed Church
Tacoma, Washington
April 3, 2025