Memphis Students Take a Different Journey with Lifewise Academy
In the heart of Memphis, a unique initiative is sparking joy and hope among students. Itโs called Lifewise Academy, and itโs making waves by offering children something beyond the usual classroom lessonsโstructured Bible study and character education. This program transports kids from their schools to a church on a red bus, where they dive into lessons that aim to shape their values and character.
A New Route for Learning
Every week, students at Riverwood Elementary eagerly hop onto the vibrant red bus that whisks them away to Grace Celebration Lutheran Church. The atmosphere is filled with excitement, as the children sing familiar hymns like โYes Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me soโ during the ride. Once they arrive, they engage in a 50-minute lesson that emphasizes not only Biblical teachings but also crucial character traits such as integrity, trust, and obedience.
โEverything is special about Jesus because he made us. He loves us. Jacob listen. He protects us,โ one enthusiastic teacher explains, encouraging the kids to embrace these uplifting messages.
Shared Goals
The vision behind Lifewise Academy is clear. As James Brodnax, the Executive Director of Lifewise Shelby County, puts it, โWhat we are seeing is lives being changed.โ This initiative is allowed under a 1952 Supreme Court ruling which states that students may be released from school during the day for religious instructionโprovided parents give the go-ahead, it happens off school grounds, and it is funded privately.
This back-to-basics approach is a promising effort to fill what Brodnax sees as a significant gap in nurturing the spiritual growth of children. โTo me this is the greatest missed opportunity that we have had as a church to pass the gospel on to the next generation,โ he says.
Community Involvement is Key
Churches like Grace Church have quickly jumped at the chance to support this valuable program. Rev. Terry Tieman, the church’s Senior Pastor, says, โA lot of churches and schools donโt know about it. When we learned this was part of the law and we had this opportunity, we jumped right on it.โ The church even received a donated bus, which has been transformed to accommodate the Lifewise Academy activities.
Excitement builds in the hearts of kids as they see the red bus approach, and church leaders are hopeful about the impact they can make. Tieman believes, โWe think we have an opportunity to change the culture of Memphis, change the characters of families and children.โ
Positive Changes Observed
So far, Lifewise Academy has been successful in creating a nurturing environment that appears to be making a difference in the kids’ lives. According to Mary Wasson, Lifewise Regional Program Director, โWhen kids are coming into this program, we are having less anxiety in their lives, less depression, less thoughts of suicide because they are beginning to realize they have a purpose in life.โ Additionally, they have observed a drop in suspension rates and an increase in attention during classes.
Encouragement to Expand
Lifewise Academy is currently operating in seven schools in Shelby County, with plans to expand to nine more by Spring 2025. They are serving approximately 144 students, and the program aims to grow with each passing month. โThis is no cost to the families, this is no cost to the schools,โ assures Wasson. Itโs all about getting parentsโ permissions and finding supportive church partners to host the classes.
A Community on Fire for Change
The enthusiasm for Lifewise Academy is palpable, especially after recent events that brought differing viewpoints to the forefront. Following the introduction of a Satanic club within the school system, Lifewiseโs leadership remains focused on their mission. Brodnax emphasizes, โWe are trying to spread the gospel as much as we can.โ
As the program continues to gain traction, students are not just learning but also receiving their very own Bibles to take home. โThey can then become the evangelists in their families and their communities,โ Brodnax states. With so much potential ahead, the excitement for what lies in the future for Lifewise Academy and the children of Memphis is truly contagious!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
