The 2009 Easter week cover of Newsweek spurred an ongoing controversy with its cover page and accompanying article. Set before a black background, written in bold, red letters, and shaped in the form of a cross, the title proclaimed "The Decline and Fall of Christian America." As with most cover stories, the article was rather lengthy, and though it attempted to be neutral, it clearly bore the stamp of the author's personal perspective. Nevertheless, I found it to be worthy of a thorough review.

Along a similar vein of thought, one of the latest Barna Group studies indicated only 9% of American adults possess a biblical worldview. Those labeled as "born again Christians" fared slightly higher at 19%. The survey also produced minute statistical changes from surveys that posed identical questions in 1995, 2000, and 2005.

Survey after survey seems to indicate we are in a spiritual decline. While the statistics may vary, all patterns equally point to a nation rapidly departing from an understanding of foundational biblical truths. When considering this, I am both encouraged and concerned.

I am encouraged because I hear reports of students taking a stand for Christ in their local "Jerusalem." Though not often revealed in statistics and surveys, it is evident that God is quietly at work in Christian schools all across this nation, raising a new generation of Christian leaders. Jessica De Jager from Faith Christian Academy in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is just one example of a student making a difference. Portions of a rebuttal she wrote in response to an editorial article are included in this issue of the "School Messenger" in an article titled "Speaking with the Enemies."

On the other hand, I am concerned because statistics could reveal a failure on our part that we may be unwilling to accept. At the risk of causing offense, I dare to suggest that some of the 81% in Barna Group's survey who professed to be born again Christians but did not possess a biblical worldview could very well be graduates from Christian schools. I do not make this statement to place blame or incite unnecessary guilt, but I want to encourage deeper thought and action into the manner in which developing a Christian worldview is approached in our schools.

We must develop both students' hearts and their minds. We must encourage them to "think Christianly" in every facet of their lives — not just when it comes to attending church or their Christian school. Our ultimate goal must be to release them from our care into the "gates" of their "Jerusalem" fully prepared to "speak with the enemies" without shame (Acts 1:8 and Psalm 127:5).

This issue of the "School Messenger" also includes an article from John Stonestreet, the Executive Director of Summit Ministries, about the importance of a biblical worldview education. While concerned with current trends, he also is optimistic about the solutions God has set before us. I trust you will find his article to be helpful and will also utilize the "resource" tab of their website to freely access downloadable documents.

Like me, I am sure many of you have experienced this same dichotomy of emotions: torn between encouragement and consternation. While these trends should cause concern, they should never cause utter despair. We serve a God whose power and authority reign supreme above all else. Regardless of statistics or trends, He is in control and has called us to work with Him. Be encouraged by God's Word and stirred by His Spirit, as you continue to transform our world one student at a time.

Roy Faletti
Vice President of Educational Services