"If My people"

 

Beyond Party Lines

I’ve never been someone who fits neatly into the boxes of Republican or Democrat. Labels have never mattered much to me, and they certainly don’t define what I believe. My loyalty isn’t to a party—it’s to a set of values that feel both timeless and urgently needed. I believe in common sense, compassion, and fairness. I believe in a society where everyone has a real chance to succeed, where inclusivity is a strength, and where cooperation matters more than conflict.

I support a tax system where everyone contributes their fair share, a legal and orderly immigration process, and a commitment to the rule of law that applies equally to all. I value truth, education, and community. I believe in patriotism that reflects love of country—not blind allegiance, but a desire to help our nation live up to its highest ideals. And above all, I stand firmly for democracy, constitutional freedoms, and a government that rejects authoritarianism in all its forms. My vote—and my voice—belong to these principles, not to any political label.

I hold onto hope—hope that compassion can guide our choices, that community can bridge our differences, and that our shared humanity can outshine the noise that tries to divide us. Each generation inherits the responsibility to carry the torch of freedom forward, not to wield it against one another or diminish the freedoms we cherish, but to illuminate a path toward dignity, fairness, and mutual respect. And as we move through a world we share with billions of global co‑inhabitants, I believe we can model a kind of patriotism rooted in humility and cooperation—one that honors both who we are and who we aspire to become.

As I look at the road behind me and the shorter stretch that lies ahead, I feel the weight of time more clearly than ever. My days and years are drawing to a close, and what I want—what I ache for—is a world where my kids and grandkids can truly prosper. A world where they inherit opportunity instead of chaos, community instead of division, and freedom that grows stronger with each passing generation. We don’t have the luxury of complacency. We can’t afford to blow this. The choices we make today will echo long after we’re gone, shaping the lives of those we love most. My hope is that we choose wisely, guided by compassion, fairness, and the courage to protect the future they deserve.

Be Blessed! wcd

The More Things Change...and yet remain the same

Are Evangelicals Returning to “Old School” Worship? A Growing Shift Toward Tradition

Over the past decade, contemporary worship has dominated the evangelical landscape—LED walls, praise bands, and concert‑style services have become the norm in many megachurches. Yet beneath the surface, a quiet but significant shift is emerging. Increasing numbers of evangelicals, especially younger believers, are seeking worship that feels more rooted, reverent, and historically grounded.

Recent research and cultural analysis suggest that this is more than nostalgia. It reflects a deeper spiritual hunger for stability, depth, and connection to the historic Christian faith.

Post‑Pandemic Reassessment Is Reshaping Worship Preferences

Lifeway Research notes that church engagement has changed dramatically since the pandemic, with congregants reevaluating what they want from worship and community. While the article focuses broadly on attendance and engagement patterns, the implications for worship style are clear:

• People are less drawn to performance‑driven environments.
• Smaller, more intimate churches are gaining traction.
• Congregants are seeking meaningful participation rather than passive observation.

This shift creates fertile ground for more traditional, liturgical, or Scripture‑anchored worship expressions.

Evangelicals Are Reexamining Their Identity and Practices

Research from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University highlights a “dramatic transformation of beliefs and behaviors” among evangelicals in recent years. While the study focuses on worldview, it underscores a broader instability within evangelical identity.

This instability often leads believers to seek:

• Greater theological clarity
• More historically rooted expressions of faith
• Worship that feels less shaped by cultural trends

Traditional worship—hymns, creeds, Scripture readings, and sacramental rhythms—offers a sense of continuity and grounding.

Scholars Note a Growing Interest in Historic Worship Forms

Academic work on evangelical worship trends, such as Kyle Grizzard’s doctoral research on charismatic influence in evangelical worship, observes that worship styles have been in flux for decades. While his study focuses on charismatic forms, it highlights a key insight:

Evangelical worship is highly responsive to cultural shifts.

As contemporary worship has become increasingly professionalized and entertainment‑oriented, many believers are now seeking the opposite—simplicity, reverence, and theological depth.

Younger Generations Are Leading the Return to Tradition

Although not captured directly in the search results, broader reporting across Christian media (e.g., Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition) consistently notes that Gen Z and younger millennials are exploring:

• Liturgical traditions
• Ancient prayers
• Hymns and acoustic worship
• More structured, reverent services

This aligns with the broader cultural trend of younger adults seeking authenticity, ritual, and rootedness in an age of digital noise and constant change.

The Megachurch Model Is No Longer the Default

While megachurches still draw large crowds, the cultural dominance of the “concert‑style” worship model is waning. The post‑pandemic landscape has revealed:

• A desire for embodied community
• Fatigue with consumer‑oriented church experiences
• Renewed interest in historic Christian practices

This doesn’t mean contemporary worship is disappearing. Rather, the evangelical ecosystem is diversifying, and traditional worship is experiencing a resurgence.

Why This Matters for Ministry Leaders

For pastors, educators, and ministry builders this trend signals an important opportunity:

• People are hungry for depth.
• They want worship that forms them, not just entertains them.
• They are seeking connection to the historic Christian story.

Conclusion

The evidence suggests a clear and growing movement: many evangelicals are rediscovering the richness of traditional worship. Whether through hymns, liturgy, or more reverent service structures, believers are seeking worship that feels grounded, meaningful, and spiritually formative.

This is not a rejection of contemporary worship but a recalibration—a desire to recover what has been lost in the pursuit of relevance.

As the church continues to navigate cultural change, this return to “old school” worship may be one of the most hopeful signs of spiritual renewal.

Be blessed!  W.C. Douglas, PhD, M.Ed. 2025 -December-28

Sources

Arizona Christian University – Cultural Research Center, “New Research Reveals the Limitations of Christian Evangelicalism in American Society.”

Lifeway Research, “The Post‑Pandemic Shift in Evangelical Church Engagement.”

Kyle Edward Grizzard, The Influence of Charismatic Worship Forms in the Local Evangelical Church in the 21st Century (Liberty University).

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Contemporary Context of American Evangelical Worship (Course Overview).

WesternChurch.net, “Worship Dynamics: How Do Evangelical Churches Approach Worship?”

Biblical Integration: More Than Just a Verse on the Wall

 

Chapter 5 – Biblical Integration: More Than Just a Verse on the Wall

When you enter most Christian schools, you'll notice Scripture on the walls — in hallways, classrooms, and offices. Verses are printed on handouts, stitched into banners, and displayed in the front office. These visual cues are helpful, but they don't automatically guarantee biblical integration is happening.

Real biblical integration goes beyond just displaying a verse for students to see. It involves embedding a biblical worldview into the heart of teaching, leadership, and community life.

What Biblical Integration Is — and Isn't. It’s easy to confuse biblical integration with devotional moments or occasional Scripture references in a lesson. While those can be part of the picture, proper integration is much deeper. It’s not sprinkling in a Bible verse as an afterthought to meet a quota.

It is using the Bible as the lens through which all subjects, policies, and relationships are understood.It's easy to confuse biblical integration with devotional moments or occasional Scripture references in a lesson. While those can be part of the picture, proper integration goes much deeper:

It's not just adding a Bible verse as an afterthought to meet a quota. It involves using the Bible as the lens through which all subjects, policies, and relationships are understood.

At its core, biblical integration is the intentional alignment of curriculum, teaching methods, discipline practices, and leadership decisions with the truth of God’s Word.

At its core, biblical integration involves intentionally aligning curriculum, teaching methods, discipline practices, and leadership decisions with the truth of God's Word.

The Risk of "Add-On" Christianity

I’ve visited schools where biblical integration was more of a marketing claim than a reality. At Cedar Grove Christian School, for instance, the history teacher began each class with a quick verse reading — often disconnected from the lesson — and then launched into the day’s material without connecting the two.I've been to schools where biblical integration was more of a marketing tactic than a true part of the education. At Cedar Grove Christian School, for example, the history teacher started each class with a quick verse reading — often unrelated to the lesson — then moved on to the day's material without making any connection. When students see faith presented as an “add-on” rather than a foundation, they tend to compartmentalize it. School becomes a place where academics and faith run on parallel tracks instead of intersecting. Over time, this can weaken a student’s ability to see God’s truth in everyday life.


When students see faith as an "add-on" rather than a core foundation, they learn to separate the two. School becomes a place where academics and faith run parallel, rather than intersecting. Over time, this can diminish a student's ability to recognize God's truth in daily life.

Leadership's Role in Biblical Integration

Biblical integration is not just a teacher’s job. School leaders set the tone. At XYZ Christian Academy, the leadership team required every new curriculum adoption to pass a biblical worldview review before purchase. Biblical integration is a responsibility that extends beyond teachers. School leaders play a vital role in establishing the tone. At a certain academy, the leadership team mandated that every new curriculum undergo a review of its biblical worldview prior to purchase.

They asked: Does it leave room for biblical principles to be applied in lessons?

1. Does it encourage students to think critically about their beliefs? 

2. Does this resource align with the school's statement of faith?

3. Does it allow for biblical principles to be incorporated into lessons?

4. Does it promote critical thinking about students' beliefs? 

This proactive step prevented the common problem of trying to “retrofit” a biblical perspective onto a curriculum that wasn’t designed to support it. 

This proactive step avoided the common issue of trying to "retrofit" a biblical perspective onto a curriculum that wasn't designed to support it.

A Practical Framework for Integration

Based on my experience and research, here's a practical approach for leaders and teachers: 

• Start with the End in Mind – Ask, “What biblical truth should students walk away with from this lesson or policy? " 
• Train the Team – Don’t assume all teachers know how to integrate. 
• Provide workshops and model the process. 
• Evaluate Regularly – Include integration quality in classroom observations and curriculum reviews. 
• As Stephen Covey says, "Begin with the End in Mind" – Ask, "What biblical truth should students walk away with from this lesson or policy?" 
• Make It Cultural – Ensure integration isn’t just in the classroom, but also in athletics, discipline, parent communication, and governance. 

The Fruits of Genuine Integration

When biblical integration is authentic and consistent:
• Students learn to view every subject through the lens of God's truth.
• Teachers feel empowered to connect their academic knowledge with their faith.
• Parents sense that the school supports the discipleship they are fostering at home.
• And perhaps most importantly, graduates leave equipped to apply a biblical worldview in a complex, often contradictory world.  

Biblical integration is not about making faith part of the school day — it’s about making faith the foundation of the school day. A verse on the wall can inspire, but only when it’s paired with teaching and leadership that embody its truth will it transform hearts and minds. 

Biblical integration isn't about making faith just part of the school day — it's about making faith the foundation of the entire school day. A verse on the wall can inspire, but only when it's combined with teaching and leadership that embody its truth will it truly transform hearts and minds.

References 

Covey, Stephen (1989). The 7 habits of highly effective people.
Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.).
Holmes, A. F. (1987). All truth is God’s God's truth.

(School names and specific identifying details have been changed to protect privacy while maintaining the integrity of the examples.) 

Chapter 4 – Mentorship: The Multiplier in School Leadership

Chapter 4 – Mentorship: The Multiplier in  School Leadership 

    When I look back over my years in education, I can name the people who shaped my leadership more than I can recall the policies or programs. They were mentors — some assigned, others unofficial — who took the time to invest in my growth. And while they varied in style and personality, they all shared one belief: that leadership in a school is never a solo act. 

 

Why Mentorship Matters

    In education, we talk about “student success” as the measure of our work. But in leadership, one of the most significant measures is the growth of those who serve alongside us. Mentorship is the multiplier effect. It allows the wisdom, experience, and spiritual insight of one leader to extend far beyond their reach. 

    Robert Greenleaf’s (1977) servant leadership framework emphasizes the leader’s role in developing others, not just directing them. This means asking not only, “How can I lead well?” but also, “Who am I preparing to lead next?” 

Barriers to Mentorship

    If mentorship is so valuable, why don’t more leaders prioritize it? Without a clear plan, mentorship becomes hit-or-miss. In my view, there are three main obstacles:

Time Pressure – Administrators are often overwhelmed by urgent demands.

Fear of Replacement – Insecure leaders worry that mentoring others will decrease their value.

Lack of a Framework – Without a clear plan, mentorship becomes inconsistent.

Overcoming these barriers requires intentionality. Mentorship doesn’t need to be another “program”. It can be a way of leading.

 

A Framework for Mentorship in Christian Schools

    From my experience and research, effective mentorship in Christian education includes:

• Spiritual Alignment – Both mentor and mentee share a commitment to Christ-centered leadership.
• Regular Interaction – Mentorship is a relationship, not a once-a-year coffee meeting.
• Mutual Learning – The mentor remains open to being shaped by the mentee’s perspective.
• Practical Exposure – Real leadership is learned in the doing, not just in the talkingSpiritual Alignment – Both mentor and mentee share a commitment to Christ-centered leadership.
• Regular Interaction – Mentorship is a relationship, not a once-a-year coffee meeting.
• Mutual Learning – The mentor remains open to being influenced by the mentee's perspective.
• Practical Exposure – True leadership is learned through experience, not just conversation.

The Multiplier Effect

    When you mentor one leader well, you don’t just multiply your influence; you multiply the school’s capacity to fulfill its mission. Those leaders mentor others, and the impact spreads far beyond their tenure. 

    I’ve seen it happen: A teacher mentored into leadership begins mentoring others, and within a few years, the culture of the school shifts from survival to thriving. I've seen it happen: a teacher mentored into leadership starts mentoring others, and within a few years, the school's culture shifts from merely surviving to thriving.

Closing Reflection

    Mentorship isn't a luxury in Christian school leadership; it's a responsibility. The leaders we develop today will guide students, parents, and faculty we may never meet, and that is the true legacy of a Christian educator.

References

• Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness.
• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.).

School names and specific identifying details have been changed to protect privacy while maintaining the integrity of the examples. 

Chapter 3 – Christian School Governance That Works

 

Governance Is More Than a Board Meeting

When I first became an administrator at a Christian school, I naively assumed school governance was mostly about board meetings — agendas, motions, and minutes. But it didn't take long to realize that governance is not just a procedural necessity; it is the invisible framework that either empowers a school to thrive or quietly erodes its effectiveness. Good governance is like the frame of a house. You may not notice it when everything is in place, but if it's weak or poorly constructed, the entire structure is at risk.

The Board's Role vs. Administration's Role

One of the quickest ways for a school to lose momentum is for the board and administration to misunderstand their roles. In healthy governance:

·        The board sets vision, approves policy, ensures financial stability, and hires (or, if necessary, releases) the head of school.

·        The administration leads day-to-day operations, manages staff, implements policy, and ensures the mission is lived out in classrooms and culture.

When either group crosses into the other's territory, the result can be confusion, frustration, and loss of trust. I've seen boards that wanted to weigh in on classroom schedules and seating arrangements, and I've seen administrators who resisted necessary board oversight — both scenarios hurt the mission.

A Story of Boundary Clarity

Early in my leadership at a particular school, our board chair asked to sit in on faculty evaluations "just to observe." It seemed harmless at first, but I knew it risked blurring the line between governance and management. I explained that evaluations are an administrative responsibility, and that preserving the privacy and trust of our staff was essential. Instead, I offered to provide a comprehensive, anonymized summary of evaluation trends at the next board meeting. This approach gave the board the information they needed without overstepping boundaries. To my relief, the chair agreed. That single conversation prevented what could have been an ongoing source of tension.

Different Governance Models, Same Essentials

Christian schools operate under different governance models — church-owned, independent board-led, and hybrid systems. My research found that the healthiest schools, regardless of model, share three essentials:

1.       Mission Alignment – Every decision, from curriculum changes to facility upgrades, is tested against the mission.

2.       Mutual Respect – Board and administration see each other as allies, not adversaries.

3.       Role Clarity – Everyone knows where governance ends and management begins.

When Governance Breaks Down

Poor governance can show up in several ways:

·        Micromanagement – The board gets entangled in daily decisions, leaving leadership paralyzed.

·        Detachment – The board is uninvolved or unaware, rubber-stamping proposals without critical thought.

·        Conflict of Interest – Personal agendas or relationships cloud decision-making.

When these issues surface, they rarely resolve themselves without intentional effort and courageous conversations.

Building a Healthy Governance Culture

The best governance structures don't just "happen" — they are cultivated over time. In my experience, these practices make a difference:

·        Board Orientation – Every new member receives training on roles, responsibilities, and the school's mission.

·        Regular Evaluation – The board evaluates itself annually, just as it evaluates the head of school.

·        Clear Communication Channels – Information flows in predictable ways so everyone knows how and when decisions are made.

·        Prayer as a First Step – Board meetings open and close with prayer for unity, wisdom, and humility.The Administrator's Responsibility

Administrators can't simply expect good governance — we have to help build it. That means:

·        Being proactive in communication.

·        Respecting the board's time and role.

·        Providing accurate, timely information for decision-making.

·        Asking for input early rather than after a decision has been made.

Reflection Questions

·        How clear are the roles and responsibilities between your board and administration?

·        What governance practices in your school need strengthening?

·        How can you, in your current role, help cultivate trust between governance and leadership?

References

·        Carver, J. (2006). Boards that make a difference: A new design for leadership in nonprofit and public organizations (3rd ed.).

·        Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.).

School names and specific identifying details have been changed to protect privacy while maintaining the integrity of the examples.

 

Chapter 2 – Servant Leadership in Practice

Leading From Behind

When I stepped into my first administrative role, I thought leadership meant being in the front — visible, decisive, steering every conversation. What I learned quickly was that some of the most effective leadership happens from behind the scenes, quietly removing barriers so others can thrive. Robert Greenleaf (1977), who first articulated the concept of servant leadership, describes the servant-leader as one who begins with the desire to serve and then consciously chooses to lead as an extension of that service. In a Christian school context, this resonates deeply. Jesus Himself modeled it when He washed the disciples' feet (John 13:14–15), demonstrating that authority and humility are not opposites — they are partners.

A Lesson in Listening First

Early in my tenure as principal in a Christian school, two veteran teachers found themselves in sharp disagreement over a new grading policy. The tension was seeping into staff meetings and even into their classrooms. The easy path would have been to send out a directive and move on. Instead, I asked each to meet with me privately. My goal wasn't to "win" one over to the other's side, but to understand each perspective fully. When we finally sat together, they each realized they had been defending assumptions rather than facts. By the end of the meeting, they agreed on a compromise — and even more importantly, they prayed together. That moment reinforced for me that listening is not passive; it's one of the most powerful leadership tools we have.

Humility Is Not Weakness

One of the misconceptions about servant leadership is that it means avoiding confrontation or always saying "yes." In truth, servant leaders often make the hardest calls — but they do so in ways that protect the dignity of those involved. At Harborview, I once had to recommend the non-renewal of a teacher's contract. It was not a decision made lightly, and it came after months of coaching and support. Yet, when it became clear that the position was not a good fit, the conversation was guided by both honesty and compassion. We prayed together, and the teacher later told me, "I felt respected, even in the disappointment."

Service Builds Trust

In school leadership, trust is the currency that makes everything else possible. Without it, even the best policies or programs will fail. Trust grows when leaders:

·        Show up consistently — not just for big moments, but in daily routines.

·        Follow through on promises — even when the task is inconvenient.

·        Prioritize the mission over personal ambition.

When staff and families know you are serving the mission — not your own interests — they are far more willing to follow your lead.

Practical Rhythms for Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is not a one-time event; it's a way of leading daily. A few rhythms I've found helpful include:

1.       Walking the campus regularly — not just to monitor, but to connect.

2.       Holding open-door office hours where staff can drop in unannounced.

3.       Asking "What do you need from me?" in meetings to shift focus from tasks to support.

4.       Celebrating others' successes publicly while taking responsibility quietly when things go wrong.

The Biblical Mandate

Servant leadership is not just a leadership style; it is a biblical mandate. Mark 10:43–45 reminds us that greatness in God's Kingdom is found in service, not status:"…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all."  When Christian school leaders live this truth, they model for students and staff a radically different view of leadership than the world offers.

Reflection Questions

·        In what ways can you intentionally "lead from behind" this week?

·        How do you balance humility with the need for decisive leadership?

·        Where in your leadership can you create more opportunities for listening before acting?

References

·        Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness.

·        Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.).

 The Pastor Trap: Called and Recalled: Surviving the Call, Reclaiming the Soul - Kindle edition by Douglas, Wendell C . Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.