Bible2School CEO Encourages Parents to Support Faith-Based Education in Public Schools

Kori Pennypacker, CEO of the ministry Bible2School, is encouraging Christian parents to actively prepare their children to live out their faith within the public school system. In her new book, Backpack Faith, Pennypacker argues that families can effectively integrate biblical teachings into their children's lives despite the secular nature of public education. She emphasizes that providing children with the Word of God serves as a powerful counter-cultural influence.

Bible2School facilitates off-campus religious instruction during the school day, a practice known as release-time religious instruction. Pennypacker notes that these programs are legally permitted under U.S. Supreme Court rulings, such as the 1952 Zorach v. Clauson decision, provided they occur off school grounds, utilize no public tax dollars, and require parental permission.

According to Pennypacker, the ministry currently serves thousands of students, many of whom have no prior church affiliation. Data from the organization indicates that 54% of participants last year were unchurched, and 22% of those families began attending church following their child's involvement in the program. Pennypacker describes these classes as a vital outreach tool for connecting families to local congregations.