What Makes a Troubled Teen School Christian?

Jan 25th, 2010 by Trace

Christian troubled teen schools are a dime a dozen. But, what really makes a troubled teen school Christian? The question is asked, because so many troubled teen schools have compromised biblical principles for secular theory and political correctness. In some cases they have compromised for the sake of funds or enrollment. There aren’t a lot of parents who are willing to be stretched by enrolling a troubled teen in a place that may actually stretch them! Consequently, the Troubled Teen School is willing to compromise biblical principles to appease a doting or politically correct parent who takes his or her parenting and theological cues from Oprah rather than Scripture. But an institution devoted to Christ isn’t as concerned with political correctness, enrollment, litigation, or money, as it is honoring the Savior on a regular basis. This isn’t always so easy in this postmodern and relativistic age we live in today; but, it is what makes a troubled teen school Christian.

But, if the good name of Christ is going to be adequately represented before troubled teens and parents who are genuinely open to what the Truth actually is, the politically incorrect mold must be broken. Shepherd’s Hill Academy at Shepherd’s Hill Farm is committed, not necessarily to breaking molds, but to obeying, serving, and honoring Christ. Another thing that makes a troubled teen school Christian is the fact they hold individuals, including their students and their parents, accountable for living out a biblical worldview. This isn’t always comfortable either—especially when parents are investing huge sums of money to support their child’s stay in one of these troubled teen schools. But, this doesn’t deter the staff at Shepherd’s Hill Farm. The staff is committed to helping troubled teens and their families with the Truth of God’s Word, and let the chips fall where they may. Parents, who are willing to occasionally hear a hard word and deal with it, are helping in the extremely rewarding process of seeing a troubled teen transform into a Child of the King.