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By: Dr. Edward Bunn

In Christian education, the formation of a Christ-centered culture is essential. At the Flourishing Schools Institute, we believe that this begins with a unified educational philosophy grounded in biblical truth. The Whole-Part-Whole (WPW) approach to professional development is our strategic framework for embedding that philosophy into every aspect of school life.

The first “whole” represents the foundational Christ-centered philosophy that serves as the organizing vision for the entire school. Before any training begins, school leaders must establish and clearly articulate this shared belief system. Without this common anchor, the school risks fragmentation—where different departments, leaders, or programs operate under divergent assumptions.

Once this “whole” is defined, professional development moves into the “part” phase. Here, each culture-forming component of the school—such as faculty, athletics, curriculum, advancement, and operations—is individually examined, trained, and aligned to the central philosophy. This step ensures that each area not only understands but is equipped to express and embody the biblical worldview in its daily function.

Finally, the second “whole” is re-established by reconnecting all these parts into a unified, flourishing school culture. When every leader, program, and practice is intentionally aligned, the school speaks with one voice and reflects the mission of discipling hearts and minds through a biblical lens.

This WPW process is more than a model; it is a way of ensuring that every corner of the school—seen and unseen—supports the development of a vibrant, Christ-centered culture. It is the difference factor that elevates professional development from isolated trainings to transformational culture-building.

Why is the Whole-Part-Whole Approach Beneficial?

The WPW approach to professional development is beneficial because it creates intentional alignment between a school’s Christ-centered philosophy and every aspect of its culture. In Christian schools, where the ultimate goal is to disciple students toward a biblical worldview, fragmentation between departments, leaders, and programs can dilute the message and hinder spiritual formation. This model helps ensure that every component of the school—academic, operational, and relational—is working in harmony to reinforce the same biblical truths.

By starting with the “whole,” schools clarify their core convictions and provide a shared language and vision for everyone in the organization. This unified foundation prevents confusion and empowers leaders to guide with consistency.

The “part” phase focuses on practical, tailored development. It allows school leaders to assess specific roles, programs, and departments to ensure each is equipped and trained to live out the school’s biblical mission. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all method, this stage provides focused development that speaks to the unique needs of each component.

Reassembling the “whole” in the final phase fosters a cohesive culture where every voice, action, and system points back to Christ. The result is a school environment where students are more likely to internalize truth because they encounter it consistently—in the classroom, in athletics, through faculty relationships, and even in administrative policies.

This approach not only strengthens leadership and improves clarity, but it also cultivates a flourishing culture where the gospel is integrated and lived out in every corner of the school.

How Can Christian Schools Benefit from ACSI's PD Offerings That Cater to Both the “Whole” and the “Part” of Professional Development?

Christian schools thrive when their educational philosophy is not only stated but lived out across all aspects of school life. ACSI’s professional development offerings are uniquely designed to support both the “whole” vision of a Christ-centered education and the “part” development of individuals and departments within the school. This dual focus helps schools move from aspirational mission statements to actualized, unified cultures rooted in biblical truth.

ACSI begins with the “whole” by helping schools clarify and align around a shared biblical philosophy of education. Through leadership development programs, biblical worldview training, and strategic planning resources, ACSI equips school leaders to define and articulate their school’s purpose, values, and guiding principles. This foundational training ensures that the entire organization is oriented around Christ and His truth.

Simultaneously, ACSI’s offerings target the “parts” of the school—the people and departments that carry out the mission daily. From classroom teachers to board members, from athletics to advancement, ACSI provides role-specific training that helps individuals understand how their work contributes to the larger mission. This empowers every part of the school to operate with clarity, purpose, and biblical alignment.

By addressing both the whole and the part, ACSI’s PD approach fosters coherence, strengthens leadership capacity, and enables schools to disciple students more effectively. The result is a school community where everyone—from the front office to the classroom—works together to reflect Christ and cultivate a flourishing, gospel-shaped environment.