Covenantal vs. Missional

Covenantal vs. Missional Christian Schools: Where Does BHCA Stand?

By Mrs. Natasha Brady, Head of School

If you’ve been in the Christian school world long enough, you’ll hear people throw around words like “covenantal” and “missional.” And if you're like most normal humans, you’ll think:

“Uh… okay? What does that even mean?”

Don’t worry. I’m here to translate. And I promise this will make sense by the end.

So, what is a Covenant Christian School?

“Covenantal” basically means:

“We partner with Christian families who are already walking with the Lord and want a Christ-centered education for their children.”

In these types of schools:

• Parents are expected to be believers

• Students are expected to be believers (or being raised in the faith)

• Home and school work together to disciple kids
  
  

Think of it like a team:
🏠 Home discipleship + 🐝 School discipleship = strong foundation.

This model is beautiful, intentional, and very focused.

Okay, so what is a Missional Christian School?

“Missional” schools take a different approach:

“We exist to reach and minister to families—even if they don’t know Jesus yet.”

These schools:

• Accept families from all backgrounds

• Share the Gospel openly

• See their role as part of outreach and ministry
  
  

Also beautiful. Also intentional. Just a different heartbeat.

So… which one is BHCA?

Ready?
This might shock you.

BHCA is BOTH.

“But Mrs. Brady… you can’t be both!”
Oh, but we are. 😄

Here’s how:

We are covenantal in:

• Our expectations for students

• Our academic integrity

• Our biblical worldview

• Our partnership with Christian families

• Our desire to raise strong believers
  
  

We want families who are serious about their children’s spiritual growth.
We want students to know the Lord—not just show up for chapel donuts (I'm looking at you, life group leaders).

We are missional in:

• Our heart for the community

• Our desire to reach the lost

• Our willingness to welcome families who are seeking

• Our hope that unsaved students will come to Christ
  
  

If a family is hungry for truth—even if they’re brand new to faith—we’re here for that.

So how does this affect YOU?

It means BHCA is a place where:

• Your child will hear the Gospel

• Biblical truth isn’t just a class—it’s woven into everything

• Teachers genuinely care about your child’s spiritual life

• We partner with parents, whether you’ve walked with Jesus for 30 years or 3 weeks
  
  

It also means:

We won’t compromise our values.
But we’ll always extend grace.
We will stand firm.
But we will also open our arms.
We will disciple your kids.
And we will love them like Jesus does.

At BHCA, Our Mission Is Simple:

Love God. Love students. Love families.
Teach truth.
Do it all with joy.

And if we can laugh along the way? Even better.