Evangelical Church Leaders Discuss Pushback Against Progressive School Policies

Sonja Shaw, a former elementary schoolroom mom and volunteer P.E. helper, found herself unexpectedly running for a school board seat in 2022. Her journey began when the COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted her daughters’ education and daily routines. Determined to advocate for their schooling, Shaw joined a parent group and attended school board meetings. Around the same time, her family left a church that had drifted from sound Bible teaching and joined Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, where Pastor Jack Hibbs preached clear Biblical messages that resonated with the issues she was witnessing in schools.

The local school district was pushing to limit parental involvement in policies related to children’s sexual choices, while California and activist groups promoted progressive ideologies. Shaw’s parent group encouraged her to run for an open school board seat. She returned home and shared the news with her husband, who responded, “Well, I guess God opened the door.” Despite facing a well-funded opponent backed by a teacher’s union, Shaw and a small group of volunteers campaigned door-to-door, often working six hours a day.

Shaw’s campaign, with limited resources, succeeded. She won by more than 300 votes out of about 10,000 cast. Her victory reflects a growing movement among Christians who are advocating for the educational and spiritual interests of children in public schools. These believers, often from conservative or evangelical backgrounds, are increasingly active in local communities, challenging progressive policies they believe conflict with Biblical values.

The story of Sonja Shaw is part of a broader trend of Christians engaging in public education issues. In liberal and “purple” states, as well as suburban areas, parents are pushing back against what they see as left-wing social indoctrination in schools. This movement includes members of various Christian networks, such as Calvary Chapel, which has been vocal about issues of gender identity and sex education in public schools.

The pressure on public schools to adopt new social ideologies has intensified in recent years. Parents report being excluded from decisions about their children’s gender identity and concerned about sex education that they believe is not age-appropriate. These concerns have mobilized a small but growing group of believers who are seeking to influence local school policies in alignment with their understanding of Biblical teachings.

In the face of political and financial challenges, believers like Shaw are finding ways to make their voices heard. Their efforts highlight the intersection of faith and civic engagement, as Christians seek to protect the educational and spiritual well-being of children. This movement underscores the importance of community involvement and the role of faith in shaping public policy.

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