Reflections on the 2026 Rooted Educator Worldview Summit

In mid-June, I had the privilege of attending the third annual Rooted Educator Worldview Summit with four of my ECS colleagues. It was hosted by ACSI and the Colson Center in beautiful Colorado Springs and was titled "Created and Called: Biblical Anthropology for Christian Education." This year's conference explored what it means to be human in light of the Christian worldview and how this vision reshapes the aims, practices, and culture of Christian education. Core topics included: 

• identity as image-bearers of God - Genesis 1:26-27
• the biblical understanding of calling - Galatians 1:15
• strategies to address cultural distortions (e.g., secular self-help, cancel culture, materialism, individualism) - Romans 12:2

I'm thankful I serve at a school where I can hear world-class speakers like Dr. Sean McDowell, John Stonestreet, and Elizabeth Urbanowicz. As Christian educators, we all must consider how a deep theological understanding of personhood informs spiritual formation, service, school, and society. By reclaiming a biblical view of humanity, we can empower students to embrace their identity in Christ, cultivate emotionally healthy relationships with their neighbors, and lovingly serve in our community and beyond.

Below are some questions we will be discussing at our in-service in August. I encourage you to reflect on these questions and perhaps discuss them with your family. Also, please be in prayer for us as we seek to partner with you to see individuals and communities transformed for the glory of God.

"To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" Revelation 5:13

Hope

• How does a biblical view of humanity as created in God's image ground a resilient hope for students?

Truth

• How can Christian education help students understand truth as both revealed and lived?

Identity

• How does being an image-bearer shape a student's understanding of personal worth, purpose, and relational belonging?

Calling

• In what ways can schools help students discern their unique gifts and callings within God's purposes?

Reviewing C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1898, Clive Staples (C.S.) Lewis wrote more than 30 books, several of which are classics of children's fantasy literature and Christian apologetics. You'll find C.S. Lewis on the lists of greatest 20th-century writers, and rarely will you not find Mere Christianity at or near the top of the most influential Christian book lists. I read the theological classic as part of a book study soon after moving to China back in 2003. Mere Christianity is less than 200 pages and is divided into four books:

1. Right and Wrong as a Clue to the Meaning of the Universe (five chapters focused on the law of human nature)
2. What Christians Believe (1942 - five chapters that include rival conceptions of God)
3. Christian Behaviour (1943 - twelve chapters covering topics such as marriage, forgiveness, hope, and faith)
4. Beyond Personality: Or First Steps in the Doctrine of the Trinity (1944 - eleven chapters comprising of time, the cost of following Christ, and more)

The books were originally given as a series of BBC radio broadcasts during World War II in which C.S. Lewis provides much-needed answers to complex questions for both believers and nonbelievers. If you have any interest in learning about the fundamentals of the Christian worldview, it is explained sensibly and logically in Mere Christianity. Some, such as the late Chuck Colson, have stated that the book was instrumental in helping them know Christ. If you have an interest in apologetics or you consider yourself to be an intelligent skeptic, I recommend checking out Lewis's Mere Christianity. It is a significant piece of work that has impacted many.

For a more in-depth look at Mere Christianity, check out this outline provided by the C.S. Lewis Society of California.

Reviewing Brian J. Walsh's & J. Richard Middleton's The Transforming Vision: Shaping a Christian Worldview

The Transforming Vision was a book I was assigned to read for a Cedarville University education class I took several years ago. It is divided into four parts and consists of twelve chapters:

Part 1: What are Worldviews?

Chapter 1: Worldview and Culture

Chapter 2: Analyzing Worldviews

Part 2: The Biblical Worldview

Chapter 3: Based on Creation

Chapter 4: Acknowledging the Fall

Chapter 5: Transformed by Redemption 

Part 3: The Modern Worldview 

Chapter 6: The Problem of Dualism 

Chapter 7: The Development of Dualism 

Chapter 8: The Rise of the Secular Worldview 

Chapter 9: The Gods of Our Age

Part 4: The Biblical Worldview in Action

Chapter 10: A Christian Cultural Response

Chapter 11: Worldview and Scholarship

Chapter 12: Toward a Christian Philosophical Framework

The premise of this 215-page book is that society is a wreck and only through a Christian worldview can it truly be transformed. Dr. Walsh and Dr. Middleton desire to see every facet of life transformed - families, schools, businesses, governments, and more. They explain how the Christian worldview is the key to that transformation.

The Transforming Vision is a good book that is well-documented and biblically sound, but it reads very much like a college textbook. It is not a challenging read, but it definitely requires some reflection. I have read a few books pertaining to the topic of worldviews, and The Transforming Vision is not at the top of my list of most enjoyable worldview reads. I recommend Chuck Colson's How Now Shall We Live? for something that is both engaging and thought-provoking. James Sire's The Universe Next Door provides a better overview of major non-Christian worldviews. Although I have recommended reading other worldview books, I did benefit from reading The Transforming Vision and believe it will continue to bless many others.

Reviewing Ken Sande's and Kevin Johnson's Resolving Everyday Conflict

As a husband with an ISTJ personality married to a Godly woman with an ENFP personality, we do not always see eye to eye. As a middle school principal at an international school, part of my job is to help resolve conflicts with foreign and national teachers, parents, and students. As a saint who must battle a sinful side that can be quite prideful, easily angered, and super selfish, you can say I have some issues. These are the reasons Sande & Johnson's book appealed to me. Even if you are single, have a blue-collar position, or others consider you to be humble, gentle, and generous, I do not see how this book cannot benefit you. Everyone has conflicts and needs to know how to resolve them. Ken Sande has served as a Christian mediator for three decades and was once an engineer and lawyer. He understands challenging circumstances and how to make peace.

Resolving Everyday Conflict consists of eight chapters of nearly 130 pages...

Chapter 1: The Nature of Conflict
Chapter 2: The Hope of the Gospel
Chapter 3: Escaping, Attacking, or Peacemaking
Chapter 4: G1 - Glorify God
Chapter 5: G2 - Get the Log Out
Chapter 6: G3 - Gently Restore
Chapter 7: G4 - Go and Be Reconciled
Chapter 8: Overcome Evil with Good

A Going Deeper section points you to Sande's popular book, The Peacemaker, as well as his website, which provides a variety of peacemaking resources. The Peacemaker is nearly 200 pages longer than Resolving Everyday Conflict and is endorsed by J.I. Packer, John Piper, and Chuck Colson. An appendix includes several questions for reflection and discussion that coincide with each chapter. Resolving Everyday Conflict is a good book supported by Scripture that I believe you will find to be very applicable in day-to-day life. I recommend it without any reservations.

Chuck Says Read a GOOD Book

Reviewing Oswald Sanders' Spiritual Leadership

I was assigned to read Spiritual Leadership as part of one of my CIU summer classes, and I am so thankful that it was required reading. Outside of the Good Book, I do not recall a book speaking to me so much and causing me to reflect and share what I read. Had I read this book prior to this year, I believe I would have simply thought it was a good book. However, due to my position in life now, much of this book really provided me with relevant insights and Godly wisdom that I was not ready to hear in years past.

Dr. John Oswald Sanders was an OMF (China Inland Mission) general director in the 1950's and 1960's and penned more than forty Christian living books. His book, Spiritual Leadership, receives high marks from some of today's great spiritual leaders, like Chuck Colson and John MacArthur. The book was originally written in 1967, and I read the 1994 version that was updated by Moody Bible Institute. A newer version was printed four years ago, which uses language that is less likely to confuse the younger generation. 750,000 copies of this 190 pager have sold over the years, and Bible verses (primarily NIV) are scattered throughout the 22 chapters. Each chapter begins with at least one Bible verse, and notes have been added to the text to identify the people whom Sanders cites.

Chapter topics include searching for leaders, insights on leadership from Paul and Peter, prayer, time, reading, improving leaders, responsibilities, tests, delegation, Nehemiah, and more. Study questions, an Index of Scripture, and an Index of Persons are found on the last 20+ pages. I found Chapter 15, The Cost of Leadership, to be the most meaningful chapter. Sanders tells us in this chapter that leaders will take up their cross and be lonely, tired, criticized, rejected, pressured, confused, and their families will also pay a price. Spiritual Leadership is not fun reading, but reading it points me to the cross. If you are in a position of leadership or if you think you might be one day, I highly recommend Sanders' Christian leadership classic. I will definitely be recommending it to others.

"Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." Psalm 25:5

Reviewing Emily Colson's Dancing with Max

During my two weeks in Indiana in January and February, I was pleasantly surprised to receive some Christmas presents. As is often the case when I am given gifts, I saw a few gifts in the shape of a book and was very pleased. One of those gifts happened to be Emily Colson's 200-page book, Dancing with Max. Dancing with Max is divided into 26 short chapters with a Prologue and Epilogue. Although this was not a typical read for me, I placed it on my Amazon Wish List several months ago for a few reasons...

1. Emily Colson is the daughter of Chuck Colson, a Christian leader and worldviews expert who has written over 15 books. I have greatly enjoyed a couple of Chuck's books and knew he wrote the Prologue and Epilogue to this book. Chuck calls Dancing with Max the most personal book he has participated in since his first book, Born Again.
2. I was also attracted to reading a true story about a Christian lady who has persevered through some difficult circumstances. In Dancing with Max, you read the story of a mother whose husband walked out on her and their autistic child, Max. I know a little about desertion and have a fun-loving autistic nephew, so I can identify a little with this story.

Ms. Colson's writing style could be described as a little over the top; however, I enjoyed her way with words and feel Ms. Colson is a gifted writer. Perhaps I could argue some theological points, but we can do that with every book. If you are not a Christian, I would still highly recommend this book. It is evident what Ms. Colson believes, but she comes across in a very non-threatening manner. If you are looking for a real message of hope and endurance, I highly recommend taking an evening or two to read this wonderful testimony of God's grace.

Reviewing Jerry Bridges' The Pursuit Of Holiness

This is the second book by Jerry Bridges I have completed. I was introduced to this member of Navigators a few years ago, and I quickly became a fan of his after reading Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate. Portions of The Pursuit of Holiness actually reminded me of Respectable Sins.

In The Pursuit of Holiness, Bridges reminds us that God commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:16). We are also told that we have a responsibility to pursue a life that is holy. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are to train ourselves to regularly practice spiritual disciplines. This, of course, includes studying Scripture deeply and praying constantly. Bridges' is not saying that our works save us, but He is saying that we cannot sit back and simply live in the same manner as the world. We are saved by faith alone in Christ alone, and if you truly believe that, you strive for holiness. You seek it out. You do not want to be God or worship other "gods", but you desire to be like God, the Holy One of Israel.

The Pursuit of Holiness is divided into 17 chapters and takes only four hours to complete. Although Bridges is covering a serious topic, the material is presented in a clear and engaging manner. I chose to listen to several chapters more than once. The book is endorsed by a number of people that I enjoy listening to, such as Chuck Colson, John Piper, and J.I. Packer. If you desire to learn about God's holiness and how to develop habits of holiness, I highly recommend Bridges' book. It is filled with tons of Scripture, real-life stories, and plenty of pertinent counsel.

Books I Read in January 2010

This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence by John Piper - I decided to read This Momentary Marriage because I wanted to learn how to be a better husband. Pastor Piper, my favorite author, has been married for more than forty years and knows the challenges and joys of this sacred institution. What separates This Momentary Marriage from most books on marriage is that this is not an instructional manual that gives you ten tips on how to build a stronger marriage. This Momentary Marriage is a theological look at what marriage is all about - the covenant-keeping love of Christ. During the first half of the book, I did feel that Piper repeated himself a few times, but I probably felt that way because I have had my nose in so many of his books lately. This Momentary Marriage hits on many topics such as leadership, submission, hospitality, romance, children, anger, divorce, remarriage, and to my surprise, singleness. Piper covers singleness in chapters 9-10, and it really needs to be read by not just singles, but those who are married. We tend to exalt marriage in unChristlike ways and fail to see the even greater blessings that will come to all Christians when we pass from this world. Of course, as always, Piper has scattered Scripture throughout the book. Each chapter starts off with a quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Letters and Papers from Prison. This Momentary Marriage concludes with a few words of thanks, a Scripture index, a person index, a subject index, and a note on Desiring God resources. If you are married, engaged, hope to be married, or called to remain single, I highly recommend this book. It is definitely the best reading I have done on this topic.

Oswald Chambers: The Man and the Message Behind My Utmost For His Highest by D.W. Lambert - Three weeks ago, I decided to pick up this book after reading Justin Buzzard's blog on the Gospel Coalition site. The article was about Oswald Chambers and the crisis of faith we sometimes face during our twenties, and it made me want to learn more about this man of many talents. Lambert's biography is part of the Men of Faith Series produced by Bethany House Publishers in Minneapolis. This particular book is actually a revision of a concise biography called An Unbribed Soul. Oswald Chambers was published almost forty years ago, and the 120 pages will take you no time to read. You will be given a glimpse into the man and the message behind My Utmost For His Highest. My only knock against the book is the book cover. The artwork reminds me a lot of the Great Lives Series by Chuck Swindoll. The books look more like books for elementary students when that is not the case at all. Despite the cover, I would recommend this book if you are looking for a simple introduction to one of the most beloved Christian teachers of our time.

How Is Jesus Different from Other Religious Leaders? by Ralph O. Muncaster - How Is Jesus Different from Other Religious Leaders? is a 48-page booklet that I have in my classroom for my sixth graders to read. This little book is easy to read and gives you an overview of the major religious leaders of the world. The founders and leaders of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, and Scientology are all examined. The book also contains 48 prophecies made about Jesus and explains how history confirms Jesus' deity. Since this is a Christian book, it ends with an explanation about how to have a personal relationship with God and what God promises to Christians. Although the information in Muncaster's book is easy enough for a middle schooler to understand, the book contains a great deal of information that most adults do not possess.

Books I Read in November 2009

Why We're Not Emergent (By Two Guys Who Should Be) by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck - A teacher in the middle school Bible department loaned me this book earlier in the school year. Why We're Not Emergent is a critical examination of the emerging church. Regardless of what camp you fall in, I highly recommend this easy-to-understand book that covers a somewhat fluid topic. I thought reading about the popular unorthodox views of the emerging church movement might make the conservative in me scream, but the writing styles of DeYoung and Kluck are a nice balance of the worlds of academia and entertainment. The crux of this book is that Christians must know the Truth. A proper understanding of what the Bible truly says is centered on the gospel - the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not just our buddy and a nice moral teacher; He is the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5), the judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42) and our great God and Savior (Titus 2:13). We must dive deep into the Word to have a biblical understanding of doctrines such as salvation by faith alone, the substitutionary atonement at the cross, and the sovereignty of God. Having a solid biblical worldview will enable us to reach out to the weary and burdened with God's love in word and deed with grace and truth.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis - For a few years, I tossed around the idea of reading this children's fantasy novel and finally took the plunge after hearing a speaker at our fellowship talk about it last month. Fiction is not my cup of tea, but if there is anyone who could give me a taste for it, C.S. Lewis would be the one. Several years ago, I read Lewis' classic, Mere Christianity, and I have had a growing interest in reading his fictional piece, The Screwtape Letters. I decided to read roughly a chapter a night to my girls, who have seen both the BBC and Disney versions of the movie. It was a little difficult for Grace, my four-year-old, to always follow the story, but Rose, my seven-year-old, enjoyed hearing about the secret land beyond the wardrobe. Upon completion of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, both Rose and Grace have expressed on one more than one occasion their disappointment that I am not continuing on with Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia, the second of seven books in The Chronicles of Narnia series. Although I do not plan on reading more fiction anytime soon, I think there is a good possibility we will continue these adventures in the land of Narnia one day.

Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney - God has done an amazing work in the life of C.J. Mahaney. Mahaney is a man who understands humility and a man who has taught me much about the cross of Christ. I highly, highly recommend watching his testimony on YouTube. Humility is the third Mahaney book I have read, and one that I just received earlier in the month. Xie xie, Fred and Carol! I have had serious problems in the area of humility, so I thought this fast read (a small book with fewer than 180 pages) could help me in the battle with my old nature. I found the last chapter, A Legacy of Greatness, to be particularly meaningful. Humility is a book that is easy to understand and contains a God-glorifying message.

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." James 4:10

A Reader's Review of The Shack by Tim Challies - The Shack is a very popular book amongst Christians and non-Christians, but I am one of many believers who find this New York Times best seller to be very unbiblical. I have read and watched some reviews of The Shack (Chuck Colson and Albert Mohler are other conservative evangelicals who have criticized The Shack), and Challies' free e-booklet continues the trend of showing me that what William P. Young writes in his book is dangerous and wrong. I realize my words here could offend and possibly surprise some, but I would encourage you to at least glance at Challies' 17-page review.

Reviewing Russell Moores' Adopted For Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches

Adopted For Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches by Russell D. Moore - Megan gave me this book as an anniversary gift last month after she learned I had placed it on my Amazon Wish List a few months ago. Dr. Moore is the dean of the School of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville and the father of two adopted boys from Russia. His book, Adopted For Life, has been strongly endorsed by many Godly men whose sites I regularly visit. These men include Tim Challies, Chuck Colson, John MacArthur, and Albert Mohler.

As the father of two girls who are not part Japanese and white bread like I am, I need to learn more about the adoption of children. Moore's book is not simply about adoption, though. It is also a book about the gospel. That makes Adopted For Life, unlike other books Megan and I have read about adoption. Although this book might be more appealing to certain kinds of people, such as the couple who are thinking about adopting or the high schooler who is trying to figure out what it means to be adopted, others would most definitely benefit from reading Adopted For Life. The nine-chapter book starts off more theological and finishes giving more practical applications; however, the entire book weaves the gospel doctrine of adoption. I highly recommend the book to all people who have been adopted into God's heavenly family.

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:27