Stewarding the Minds of the Next Generation
After being in the rural Central Minnesota community since 1938, the congregation had dwindled and become a mission church under district supervision. In 2010, Amos Self, who returned to his Minnesota roots for Bible college after serving in the military, was asked to assume the pastorate for a restart as Verndale Family Life Church.
Self saw a need to target the area’s young men for discipleship, resulting in more families attending the church; and in 2012, another Minnesota native, Kenny Kjeldergaard, joined the staff as children’s pastor. Also in 2012, the church’s original building was rendered unusable by a fire, but what seemed like a huge setback actually enabled the church to accommodate additional growth through the purchase of a vacant factory building.
As the church grew, it became apparent that many Christian parents were looking for alternatives for their children’s education, as state agencies increasingly pushed policies inconsistent with the Christian faith.
Self began challenging parents to fight for the minds of their kids, and although the church weathered a brief downturn as some congregants left for varying reasons, most were on board with the decision to start Verndale Area Christian Academy (VACA) in 2018.
Church leaders decided to “start small” by offering childcare, something much needed in the community. During Covid-19 restrictions, VACA found ways to stay open, bringing favorable community exposure and greatly aiding working parents. According to Self, along with necessary health requirements, the pandemic also brought other policies that ushered in additional ideology that stood in contrast to biblical teaching. The area’s one other small Christian school had been unable to remain open, and more parents were looking for faith-based options.
After a favorable church vote and adoption of bylaws, Verndale Area Christian Academy opened its doors to grades K-6 in 2020, starting with six students. By 2021, growth and connections increased to the point that Kjeldergaard was appointed full-time school superintendent, and a new children’s pastor was brought on board at the church.
As Kjeldergaard reached out to other area churches about the new Christian education option, there was an amazing show of unity: Baptist, Lutheran, non-denominational, and other congregations encouraged families to get involved; and several churches began to contribute financially.
Kjeldergaard has worked to maintain mutual support and respect with the local school district, recognizing that many Christian teachers feel called to shine the light of Christ in the state’s school systems.
“We’re not against public school, but we’re providing something the public school cannot,” he says. “The local superintendent is a godly woman, but obviously limited in what she can do.”
A key component of Verndale Area Christian Academy is that it’s “not just a Christian school; it incorporates both discipleship and evangelism,” says Kjeldergaard. The school has students from all walks of life, and they are not turned away if they are struggling with issues. Rather, he says, “We promise to address those issues biblically.”
VACA has grown to 59 students and is accredited by the Association of Christian Teachers and Schools (ACTS). Tuition fees are also kept low, a step of faith to enable more families to access Christian education while trusting God to provide the rest.
That commitment was tested during late 2024 and early 2025, when funds ran very low, but God provided. Nearly $190,000 came in, including the school’s first $100,000 donation.
Parents have been appreciative, including Kalli Cuppy, a single mom of three children who now works in the school kitchen. Her family is one of several who now attend VACA.
“Verndale Area Christian Academy has been such a blessing to myself and my kids,” she says. “The moment we walked in two and a half years ago, I could tell God was moving. Not only was I offered a job that would be so beneficial, but my kids are in a school where they can grow spiritually and I can trust what they are learning is taught in a Christlike manner. I pray more people find this amazing school that feels like God's family and a place to grow in wisdom and truth.”
Kara Kern started her son at VACA in 2020 as a first grader. “Verndale Area Christian Academy has had a really positive impact on my kids,” says Kern, who now teaches second grade. “It has given them a place where they feel loved, supported, and encouraged every day. Smaller class sizes mean teachers truly understand them, academically and personally, and the Bible and faith are naturally integrated into their learning, helping my kids grow in kindness, responsibility, and strong values alongside their education.”
“It’s been God’s timing,” says Kjeldergaard. “Opening during 2020, when so many things were shutting down, maybe did not seem feasible, but it enabled us to be up and running for families.” Also, as part of that timing, leaders at the school that had to close have been supportive, including making their library collection available to VACA.
Community support for VACA remains strong. Twelve churches are represented at the school, and several donate regularly, creating a sense of unity among area churches that has strengthened since VACA’s start. Kjeldergaard is regularly welcomed to share at supporting churches about the school and has even been asked to fill pulpits when their pastors must be absent.
As for Self, he is thankful for God’s provision and for continued growth. Verndale Family Life Church now averages more than 225 adults in Sunday services, with over 80 children in kids’ ministry. The church mortgage is paid off, and a needed facility expansion is on the horizon. Self continues to challenge families to invest in their children, and sees the school as an ecumenical work, saying, “This is one important way we help resource other Bible-believing churches.”
“It’s taken lots of faith and sacrifice,” he says. “But we must work together in our communities to steward the minds of our next generation.”
