U.S. CHRISTIAN CHAMBER NEWS

Building Something That Lasts: Why Christian Business Leaders Are Helping Bring Bible Education Back to Public School Students

By Joel Penton

When people hear about the growth of LifeWise Academy, they often ask what strategy helped us go from serving two schools in 2018 to more than 1,000 public schools today.



The truth is that growth didn’t happen because of a marketing plan or a single leader with a big vision. It happened because people in communities across the country decided they were willing to build something that mattered.



As a business leader, you understand that principle. Building anything of lasting value requires more than a good idea. It takes vision, perseverance and people who are willing to take ownership. That’s exactly what I’ve witnessed through the LifeWise movement.



LifeWise Academy provides Bible education to public school students through Released Time Religious Instruction (RTRI), a constitutionally protected opportunity that allows students, with parent permission, to attend Bible classes off school property during school hours.



To date, more than 100,000 public school students across 34 states have attended a LifeWise Bible class as part of their school day.

Behind every successful program is a familiar story: local leaders saw a need and decided to do something about it.



Most of those leaders aren’t pastors or educators. They’re people who know how to bring others together, earn trust, and move an idea forward. Many are business owners who have spent years building organizations and investing in their communities. Those experiences translate remarkably well to launching a LifeWise program.



LifeWise provides the proven model and coaching. Local leaders provide the relationships and leadership that make the program possible. That's why U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce members are such a natural fit for this opportunity.



Parents want their children to have a biblical foundation. Churches want to work together to reach the next generation. Communities need leaders who can help turn that shared vision into reality.



You don’t need to teach a Bible class or have ministry experience. What matters is your willingness to use the leadership skills God has already given you. If you’ve ever wondered how your leadership could help shape the next generation in your own community, I’d encourage you to explore serving on a LifeWise Launch Team.



Local LifeWise Launch Teams work alongside other community leaders to build support, engage schools and churches, and establish a program that can serve students for years to come. The commitment is temporary, but the impact can be lasting.



Movements don’t grow because one person has a great idea. They grow because leaders choose to invest their influence where it can make an eternal difference. Christian business owners are uniquely positioned to do exactly that.



If you want to build something that lasts, the principles are the same: pursue a mission that matters, surround yourself with the right people, give others ownership, and build something that can grow beyond you. Whether in business or in your community, the question is worth asking: What are you building today that will still matter long after you’re done building it?



Learn more about LifeWise Academy at https://lifewise.org/launch-team/.


Joel Penton, Founder & CEO


Joel Penton is Founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy and a nonprofit entrepreneur with a career focused on impacting students.


A former Ohio State University football player and Danny Wuerffel Trophy recipient, Joel has built organizations that have reached millions of students nationwide.

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To be a resource for businesses and business owners, we are looking for articles (original or previously published) and book excerpts discussing topics relevant to Christian business owners.


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Christian Chamber Coalition Corner

Exciting News From The Christian Chamber Coalition!

Welcome to Coalition Corner!

Lots to Celebrate!


Momentum continues across the Christian Chamber Coalition! This week, we welcome Nick Galewski and Michelle Stokes of the Wisconsin Chamber of Faith and celebrate the Greater Phoenix Area Christian Chamber of Commerce as it begins its soft launch.


September brings even more growth, with upcoming soft launches for the Sunrise Coast Christian Chamber of Commerce in Brevard County, Florida, and the National Haitian American Christian Chamber of Commerce.

New leaders. New communities. New opportunities to strengthen Christian business across the nation.


"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." — Psalm 126:3


This Is How We Chamber!


Mina Carlson

SVP of Coalition Operations


Together, we are building Kingdom impact—one chamber, one business, and one community at a time.


This Is How We Chamber!

Kingdom Commerce - Leaders Impacting Culture Through Faith and Action

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Media Spotlight: Picks of the Week

Tag us and give us a mention @uschristianchamber and your podcast might be one of our picks of the week!

Only Explainable by God — Liza Marie Garcia on Faith, Reinvention, and Building a Life Beyond Fear.


Are you living a life that is only explainable by God?


That's the question this episode leaves hanging in the air.


Because more than once, people have looked at Liza Marie Garcia and told her:



"God is showing off through you."

And after hearing her story, you'll understand exactly why.


She Left Corporate America - Here's Why | Krystal Parker



Stacy Jo Coffee-Thorne sits down with Krystal Parker, President and Founder of the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce




UNITING IN FAITH: MEMBER EVENTS

U.S. CHRISTIAN CHAMBER EVENTS

USCCC KINGDOM AUTHORS

Date: August 25th 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM EDT

A community of Christian writers.



This is a welcoming and collaborative space for both established and aspiring Kingdom authors to grow through shared resources and mutual support led by Jacquelyn Lynn.


USCCC GROWTH SERIES

Date: August 26th 2026 | 2:00 - 3:30 PM EDT

Where faith and business collide.


A monthly dynamic 1-hour virtual networking event where faith and business converge to ignite growth, build meaningful connections, and fuel your purpose-driven pipeline. Come prepared to share, connect, and exchange ideas and virtual business cards!

 

Maximize your membership and learn how to leverage USCCC's resources for your business.


THIS IS HOW WE CHAMBER™ LABS

Date: September 8th 2026 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT

Practical training, real chamber results.


Unlike traditional webinars, these Labs are highly practical, collaborative conversations where Chamber leaders openly share what is working, what isn't, and how proven strategies can be implemented in local communities.


Each month features expert facilitators, real-world case studies, actionable tools, and peer-to-peer learning that can be immediately applied within your Chamber.


JOIN THE MOVEMENT

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

JOIN LEADERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Experience the multiplier effect and double your Kingdom contribution.


By doing business with Kingdom business owners, we are multiplying our resources.


Our Christian Chamber directory makes it easy to locate Christian businesses from which to purchase goods and services.

Burnt Fork Ranch


Christian Real Estate Network


20Two Global LLC


KDB Innovative Enterprises, LLC


SAKHAWAT & SONS TRADERS (SMC-PRIVATE) LIMITED


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U.S. CHRISTIAN CHAMBER NEWS

Alex Kendrick talks 'Flywheel' remake, why Christian filmmakers must resist pursuing their own glory


Key Takeaway: The Kendrick Brothers are re-releasing their 2003 film "Flywheel" as a Brazilian remake this October, following a partnership sparked by "The Forge" topping Brazil's box office. 


Link To Article

'Battle for Britain': Christian Leaders Call Church to Prayer as Thousands Prepare to Gather


Key Takeaway: Thousands of believers are gathering in Manchester August 20-22 for a three-day prayer and fasting event organized by Prayer Storm, grounded in Ephesians 6:12's call to spiritual rather than political warfare. 

 

Link To Article

Houston's C.J. Stroud Says Faith in Jesus Gives Him Purpose: 'He's Our Rock, He's Our Why'


Key Takeaway: Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has led Houston to three straight playoff appearances after years of losing seasons, credits his faith in Jesus as the foundation of his identity and performance, not a means to earn wins. 


Link To Article

The Culture of Death Just Crossed Another Line


Key Takeaway: Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed a law this month eliminating the state's 24-week gestational limit on abortion, replacing it with language that leaves the decision entirely to a physician's judgment and removing the hospital and medical-review requirements that previously applied to late-term procedures. 


Link To Article

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