Image Credit: Lifewise Academy / YouTube
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
A program operating in some Memphis Shelby County schools provides public school students with an opportunity to attend a Bible class during school hours.
Lifewise Academy was started in 2018 as an outreach to provide Christian education to public school students. It is described as “complementary to before and after-school programs” in that it involves students who might be less able to participate outside of the school day.
Shelby County integrated the program two years ago, allowing students to receive Bible instruction with a focus on character education such as integrity and trust. Currently, there are seven schools participating with 144 students involved. Another nine schools may be added for Spring 2025.
Our sources tell us that the program may be coming to Wilson County soon as well.
While some have argued against the legality of the incorporation of religious instruction, Lifewise Shelby County Executive Director James Brodnax says a 1952 Supreme Court Ruling allows students to be released from school during the day to receive Christian instruction.
There are restrictions to the program. Students must have parental permission to participate, all instruction must take place off-campus, and the program must be privately funded.
Grace Celebration Lutheran Church is one of the sponsors of the program at Riverwood Elementary. The church uses a bus that was donated to them to take children to the church for a Bible class.
“We think we have an opportunity to change the culture of Memphis, change the characters of families and children,” said Senior Pastor Reverend Terry Tieman.
Lifewise Regional Program Director Mary Wasson says they are already seeing positive results in the city.
“When kids are coming into this program, they are having less anxiety in their lives, less depression, less thoughts of suicide because they are beginning to realize they have a purpose in life. We are also finding suspension rates in classes are going down. Attention is increasing,” Wasson said.
Many welcome the opportunity for students to receive Christian education after some local schools allowed the Satanic Temple to hold their “After School Satan Club” on campus. The group advertised “Educatin’ with Satan” at Chimneyrock Elementary.
The group also recently announced the launch of their Hellion Academy of Independent Learning (HAIL) for middle school students in Bristol. This program uses the same legal ruling regarding religious education to allow students to be released to participate.
Lifewise Academy is hopeful that the community will step up to provide more support. They are looking for churches to provide space for classes, businesses to sign up as partners, and additional schools to provide opportunities for students.
“We haven’t even hit the surface of the potential for what we can do in our city. We’re excited about the next phase,” said Broadnax.
One Response
My Father, RIP, was a TEACHER. 1st thing each AM students were required to read at least one Bible verse. It made a difference.