The Liturgy of Life: Irrigating the Deserts of the Next Generation
Celebrating What Is Good
A Monthly Publication of the Church Ambassador Network
“I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” – Isaiah 44:3
Dear Pastors and Co-laborers,
As we navigate the shifting sands of our modern culture, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the "educational crisis" dominating our headlines. We often hear of the struggles within our public institutions and the debates over curriculum. However, in the last 30 days, a beautiful and quiet revolution has continued to take root right here in the Buckeye State—one that we should celebrate as a profound movement of God’s grace.
Across Ohio, the surge in Christian education and the massive success of the Ohio Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) program are bearing fruit that is truly good, true, and beautiful. This month, as taxpayers finalize their filings, we are seeing the tangible impact of the Church rising to support its own. By utilizing the state’s dollar-for-dollar tax credit (up to $750 for individuals or $1,500 for married couples), Ohioans are redirecting their tax liability directly into the tuition of students who need it most.
Families are no longer merely fleeing from something; they are running to something. They are running toward a vision of life that recognizes the child not as a cog in a state machine, but as an image-bearer of the Creator.
C.S. Lewis, in his prophetic work The Abolition of Man, captured the essence of this movement perfectly:
"The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts. The right defense against false sentiments is to inculcate just sentiments." (C.S. Lewis, The Abolition of Man)
When a child learns to read through the lens of Scripture, their soul is being irrigated. In a culture that can often feel like a spiritual desert—dry, cynical, and devoid of objective truth—the Church in Ohio is providing the "living water" of a biblical worldview.
And the horizon is getting even brighter. Looking ahead to next year, the "One Big Beautiful Bill" passed by Congress has paved the way for a Federal SGO Tax Credit starting January 1, 2027. This landmark legislation will allow individual taxpayers to claim an additional federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to state-approved SGOs. It is a historic expansion of educational freedom, ensuring that even more "streams" will flow into our schools and homes.
Practical Steps for the Ohio Pastor
Promote the Ohio SGO Credit: Remind your congregation that they can still participate in the Ohio SGO program to support local Christian schools. This isn't just a donation; it’s a way to choose where their tax dollars go.
Prepare for 2027: Begin educating your leadership team on the upcoming Federal SGO credit. As this "Big Beautiful Bill" provision takes effect next year, your church-affiliated school or local SGO needs to be ready to help families maximize this new federal support.
Support Your Local Teachers: Whether they are in public, private, or homeschool settings, your congregants who teach are on the front lines. Host a prayer breakfast specifically for educators this month to affirm their calling and provide them with pastoral care as they navigate the final stretch of the school year.
Evaluate Your Church Space for "Micro-Schooling": Not every church can start a full K-12 academy, but many have empty classrooms during the week. Consider partnering with local families to host a "micro-school" or a homeschool co-op. Your building can become a sanctuary of learning Monday through Friday.
Join the Movement
We invite you to partner with Center for Christian Virtue as we protect and expand these opportunities for Ohio's children:
Protect Parental Rights in Education: Join CCV in supporting legislation that ensures parents remain the primary stakeholders in their children’s upbringing and medical decisions.
The Christian School Start-Up Guide: If your church is considering launching a school or a hybrid program to take advantage of SGO funding, access our resources and legal guidance.
Pastors, let us rejoice! The "monopoly on the mind" is breaking, and in its place, the Church is rising to offer a more excellent way. Let us continue to point our families toward the Truth that sets them free.
The Church Ambassador Network is a ministry of Center for Christian Virtue. They exist to serve and resource the Church in Ohio to understand the times and know how to respond. Read more about their mission at ccv.org/can.
