What kind of Christian school is Bethesda, anyway? We at BCS view ourselves as a “Great Commission School.”

In modern times, there are two primary models for faith-based education: the “covenantal” model and the “missional” model. Most Christian schools today would identify themselves as one of those two types. The specific model that a Christian school follows will affect the way it conducts admissions, the way it teaches students in the classroom, and the way it interacts with the greater community.

Covenantal schools typically require that at least one parent be a believer, and they partner with local churches and Christian homes to educate children in a manner that strengthens their faith. The primary focus is on discipleship.

Missional schools, by contrast, are generally open to the entire community, seeking to bring a personal knowledge of Christ and a biblical worldview to all students, regardless of their current faith. There is a strong emphasis on evangelism.

At Bethesda Christian School, we believe that this two-model approach to faith-based education can result in a false dichotomy. Based on the words of Jesus in what is known as the “Great Commission,” He does not instruct His followers to choose between evangelizing and discipling. Christians are called both to “preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15) and “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).

Therefore, Bethesda refers to itself as a “Great Commission School” and strives to be both a lighthouse and a launchpad.