The Spartan Blog

As partners in discipleship, our goal to transform student lives through Jesus Christ in a world that’s running the other direction is full of challenges! It can be tempting to want to shield them completely from external influences. Calvary is not designed to simply be a shelter that blocks out the world, but a greenhouse that nurtures growth over time while allowing students to form deep roots in God’s Word as they grow in their understanding of a Biblical worldview.

The Shelter

If we think about a shelter, while protective, by definition is isolated from the outside world. It creates a barrier between them and any potentially harmful influences, but this can also prevent them from developing the resilience, discernment, and wisdom needed to navigate life beyond our doors. As they eventually step out into adulthood, the sudden exposure to the world can be challenging, like a fragile plant abruptly placed in harsh conditions.

The Bible reminds us that while we are "not of the world," we are sent "into the world" (John 17:14-18). Jesus prayed not for His disciples to be removed from the world, but for their protection and sanctification as they remained in it. It’s not possible nor desirable to be completely sheltered to the world, but a safe place to grow deep roots is essential while critical worldviews are being formed.

The Greenhouse

A greenhouse, on the other hand, creates an environment where plants can flourish. It provides sunlight, water, and warmth; elements essential for growth, while still protecting young plants from harsh winds and cold. The greenhouse doesn’t shut out the world; it provides the proper environment for what’s growing inside to truly flourish in time.  

In the same way, Calvary strives to provide an environment where students can be exposed to challenges while still under the nurturing care of godly teachers and supportive parents. Proverbs 22:6 instructs us to "train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." The greenhouse approach aligns with this principle, allowing roots to grow like an anchor while students are being grounded in biblical truth. Rather than merely shielding our students, we aim to equip them with the tools they need to engage with secular culture in a biblical manner. Ephesians 6:10-18 speaks of putting on the full armor of God so we can stand firm. Just as a plant in a greenhouse grows stronger through carefully measured exposure to the elements, our students grow stronger in faith, character, and wisdom as their roots deepen in God’s Word. We want to foster young believers who are firmly rooted in the Word of God and ready to stand strong, living as "salt and light" (Matthew 5:13-16). Our role is to nurture this growth through Christian education in a way that protects and prepares, discipling our students to become witnesses for Christ in whatever environment they are placed in.

In our greenhouse, students can safely practice using the biblical tools they’ve been given. They will learn how to discern truth from falsehood, respond to challenges with grace, and stand firm in their faith while being compassionate and wise in their interactions with the world.