The 5 P’s Framework 

Todd Clingman | Head of School | North Cobb Christian School, Kennesaw GA

There has never been a more important time for the influence and impact of a distinctly

Christian school than in the world we live in today. Imagine the impact if Christian schools across the nation boldly yet lovingly proclaimed biblical truth — shaping a generation of young people to see the world through the lens of God’s Word. What would tomorrow look like if our schools stood firm on that foundation? 

We can no longer assume that an organization labeled “Christian” truly embraces and embodies biblical principles as found in Scripture. In today’s culture, love is often equated with the affirmation of everything about a person. Yet true, biblical love calls us to love everyone deeply while affirming only what aligns with Scripture. That conviction lies at the heart of this God-sized endeavor called Kingdom education.

To fulfill this mission, we must keep what I call the Five P’s in the right order.

1. Philosophy + Theology

To be a thriving Christian school that impacts eternity, a strong biblical philosophy grounded in sound theology must come first. We know that a raging battle exists in our culture for the hearts and minds of our young people — and a Spirit-led conviction to engage in (and win!) this battle must be at the fiery center of every Christian school’s mission and vision. At North Cobb Christian School, our mission begins with the phrase: “Committed to Jesus Christ…” — and, to me, that’s great news! We don’t carry out this critical mission in our own strength, but through the wisdom, direction, and power of the Holy Spirit. 

Our calling is clear: to impact students for the Gospel every single day. When organizations lose sight of this as their top priority, they begin to drift. But when we keep Christ at the center, everything else — vision, mission, and culture — flows from Him.

2. Programs

Once philosophy and theology are established, schools can then define their programs as the means by which the mission is lived out. The program is the curriculum — the way we live our lives out in front of students and model how to view every situation and concept through a biblical worldview.

In the New Testament, Christ’s “program” was fishing. He used it as a context to live, teach, and disciple His followers. At North Cobb Christian School, our “four buckets”— academics, athletics, arts, and student life — serve a similar purpose. These areas become vehicles for discipleship, mentorship, and transformation. And, of course, our impact deepens when every program is pursued with excellence and rooted in our biblical foundation.

3. People

The heart of any Christian school is its people. Teachers, coaches, and staff members are the living curriculum. From kindergarten through twelfth grade, students will spend 15,000 hours walking alongside their teachers — observing their integrity, faith, and daily example. Think of this impact echoing into eternity!

As the saying goes, “More is caught than taught.” Christian educators teach not only through lessons, but through lives that reflect Christ. Scripture reminds us, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). That’s the essence of Kingdom education — modeling a life that points students to Jesus. It’s a calling that must never be entered into lightly. The “hidden curriculum” of authentic Christian living is, in many ways, the secret sauce of Christian education.

4. Places

Classrooms, labs, theaters, ballfields, and gymnasiums are the spaces where Christian

education comes to life. While facilities are important, they should never become the central focus of a Christian school’s culture or image. They are simply the tools that allow teachers and coaches to fulfill the mission. Notice that places are fourth in line — after a Christ-centered philosophy is established by godly people and delivered through a biblically aligned program. When this order is disrupted, institutional drift can occur.

When aligned with the Christian school’s mission, however, campus spaces become powerful environments for spiritual and personal growth. On fields and courts, students learn the power of perseverance, in classrooms they learn to view every subject through the truth of Scripture, and on the stage, they learn to shine for His glory. Well-designed spaces create environments where students grow into well-rounded Christian leaders and influencers.

5. Philanthropy

When the first “Four P’s” are in the right order, the fifth — Philanthropy — naturally follows. God provides the resources needed through those who are moved by a school’s mission and impact. This doesn’t mean that gifts will walk up and knock on the door (although I am still praying for that!), but when we boldly proclaim the mission and demonstrate its eternal value, generous hearts will respond to support that Kingdom work.

As the old saying goes, if you’re in a rowboat during a thunderstorm, should you row or pray? The answer is both. We row like crazy — doing our part with excellence and faithfulness — and we trust God for the increase.

Conclusion

The Five P’s — Philosophy, Programs, People, Places, and Philanthropy — provide a biblical framework for building and sustaining an authentic, Christ-centered school.

My hope is that this framework encourages you to pursue Kingdom education with renewed clarity and conviction. May your work be marked by faithfulness, excellence, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

God bless — and keep rowing!

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