Called to Launch: Building a Christian School From Scratch

“I remember saying several times as I walked around the public school... ‘I thank you, God, that the name of Jesus is going to be spoken again in these halls.’ And one day as I was walking around the school, I felt a strong sense in my heart that I need to do something more than pray about this.” – Amber Hudson

“At my other school, I couldn’t talk about God. I couldn’t, we couldn’t learn about God. And here we can learn about God.” – Student at their school

What happens when two non-educators feel called by God to start a Christian school in a community that has never had one?

Meet Andy and Amber Hudson, who went from homeschooling parents to school founders without any formal educational background. Their story reveals both the miraculous provision and unexpected challenges of stepping out in faith to bring Christian education to an underserved area.

This episode takes you behind the scenes of launching a Christian school from the ground up. From Amber’s prayer walks around the local public school to Andy’s confirmation of the same burden, you’ll hear how God orchestrated every detail – and how they navigated the reality that even passionate vision doesn’t guarantee immediate community support.

Andy and Amber share candidly about their biggest surprises: that Christians didn’t automatically flock to their school, that even free education through savings accounts wasn’t enough to draw families, and that being non-educators presented both obstacles and opportunities they never anticipated.

Whether you’ve ever felt stirred about educational needs in your community or you’re curious about what it actually takes to start a school, this conversation offers practical insights, honest reflections, and powerful reminders that God’s timing and methods often differ from our expectations.

We also answer a question from Sarah Choate, head of school at Legacy Christian Academy in Carson City, Nevada, who asks for book study recommendations for Christian school staff. Here are the resources mentioned in the episode:

Biblical Worldview & Apologetics:

• The Reason for God by Tim Keller – An accessible introduction to apologetics
• Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller – A Christian treatment of work and its biblical foundation
• Faithfully Different by Natasha Crane – Understanding and resisting secularism
• Beyond Biblical Integration by Roger Erdvig – Practical strategies for biblical worldview (recommended by Andy and Amber Hudson)
• A Practical Guide to Culture by Stonestreet and Kunkel – Contemporary topics and cultural guidance

Kingdom Education Series by Glenn Schultz:

• Kingdom Education: God’s Plan for Educating Future Generations
• Understanding Kingdom Education: A Challenge for the Home, the School, and the Church
• Applying Kingdom Education: Following God’s Instructions for Educating Future Generations

Classroom Management & Teaching Strategies:

• The Power of Our Words by Paula Denton – Challenging teachers to think about their word choices
• Teasing, Tattling, Defiance and More by Margaret Berry Wilson – Dealing with disruptive classroom behaviors
• The Art and Science of Teaching by Marzano – Research-based teaching strategies

Character Development & Student Engagement:

• Teaching Kids to Care by Ruth Penty – Mentoring students through life’s hardships
• Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch – Practical guidance for character development
• Strong Heart: Cultivating Humility, Respect and Resiliency in Your Child by Jill Garner – Building character in children
• Just Ask Us: Kids Speak Out on Student Engagement – Student perspectives on engagement
• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth – Achievement through persistence rather than talent alone

Note: These resources cover various topics and educational approaches. Not all are written from a biblical worldview, but all offer valuable insights for Christian educators.

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!

 

About Our Guests Andy and Amber Hudson are dedicated advocates for Christian education in Independence, Iowa. Andy, the president of the board at Liberty Christian School, brings leadership and vision, while Amber, a devoted homeschool mom,