To the class of 2024.

The race has sparked something in me. Something I had only heard of and seen a few times in people in my life. The unrelenting and full pursuit of Jesus. But it is just a spark, and sparks can die. I am nowhere close to understanding what it means to have a true relationship with Jesus. Paideia gave me all the knowledge; I could tell you everything you wanted to know about Christianity or the Greek root of John 3:16. But I don’t think I opened my bible once outside of Omnibus class. This is not me taking shots at Paideia. I chose to stay when my family left, and the place was falling apart. (Side note: shout out to Mr. Carr; I have heard you doing a great job.) I love Paideia, but it is lacking something. And this problem extends to all Christian schools, but I think Paideia has a specific problem. Is it true that we have more knowledge? Yes. But that doesn’t mean we are holier. And I think students get those lines blurred. Knowledge does not equal salvation or relationship. We know a crap ton about George Washington, but we don’t know him.

We graduate as modern Pharisees, and this applies to me more than anyone. Having a “bible class” or “Omnibus class” trivializes the gospel. In our heads it can put it on the same level as Algebra 2. In the last two graduating classes of Paideia, there are few walking with the lord now. In two years, the fall-off rate is wild. And even me the main reason I joined the race is because I didn’t want to go to college. Not because I was on fire for the lord. Clearly, there is a disconnect here. This isn’t necessarily Paideia’s fault or the teachers. The teachers are some of the best parts of that school.

But if Christianity can flourish in places where people are being decapitated and tortured but not in schools that literally proclaim his name, there is a problem.

A relationship can not be taught. You learn through experience. And the American education system generally leaves no room for a spiritual experience. It is completely structured and leaves no room for God’s quiet, still voice. I don’t have answers, but the results speak for themselves.

Most of my squad didn’t know where they stood on Christianity coming here. Most of us were lost and confused. I was lost and confused, and I had all the knowledge. But we experienced Jesus, and now we are a unified body in pursuit of the God of the universe. But we had demons. We came in with trauma, substance addiction, alcohol, etc. We were by no means perfect to any degree, but Jesus saved us and unified us. And he can do the same at Paideia, CAK, or any other school, but we have to recognize a problem.

To Paideia’s graduating class of 2024. You have the opportunity to make a difference you have people who will listen to you if you try. You have the knowledge; now, pursue Jesus. You will fall into darkness unless your identity is in him. Look in the mirror and ask yourself who you really are. If you don’t believe this, then stop with the BS; you aren’t doing yourself any favors by lying.  And if you do, now is the time to stand up and fight. This world is dark, and the devil is hungry. If you are fighting, keep it up. God is with you. Don’t become apathetic because your peers are going off the deep end.

Soli Deo Gloria

Love you all,

-Drew McKinney