The Business Case for Released Time Education
- Sarabeth Stone
- Jan 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 13
By Sarabeth Stone
In an era where businesses are increasingly focusing on corporate culture and values-based leadership, released-time Christian education programs are demonstrating how faith-based instruction can help shape tomorrow's workforce—for the better. Janice Butler, Founding CEO of Christian Learning Centers (CLC) of Greenville County, recently shared insights with the South Carolina Christian Consortium into how business leaders can help bolster the talent pipeline.
Build Character in Future Employees
Despite the digitization of today’s modern workplace, the best employees bring more than just technical skills to the table. Character traits like honesty, integrity, and strong work ethic protect a business’s bottom line and bolster society as a whole.
"When we cultivate Biblical principles in young people, we're actually investing in the future of our workplaces, our communities, cities, our state, and yes even our nation," Mrs. Butler notes. "Students who go through our released-time programs eventually bring deeper values into the marketplace, becoming employees and leaders who embrace principles like honesty, compassion, humility, justice, and good stewardship."
Released Time Bible Education Programs are constitutionally protected, voluntary elective programs that allow public school students to receive Biblical instruction off school grounds during school hours with parental permission. The programs have been proven to encourage students to be honest, self-disciplined, and respectful, decreasing overall behavioral issues and increasing academic performance.
Since its founding in 1997, CLC of Greenville County has focused on providing Biblical instruction to more than 23,000 school-aged children from 40 different schools, encouraging children to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grow in the Christian faith, and apply Biblical principles for living. The program currently serves every middle school in Greenville County except one and has expanded to 19 schools overall.
The Business Leader's Role
The benefits of Christian principles in business extend beyond individual character development. When businesses embrace Biblical values, it creates a positive ripple effect throughout an organization. Leaders who model Biblical principles often produce more ethical workplace environments, stronger team dynamics, and better community relationships.
"There is a place for faith in the workplace," Mrs. Butler affirms. "As business leaders, when we embrace a solid faith foundation, it not only helps with our own day-to-day responsibilities but also sets an example for employees to emulate. This boosts both individual performance and the overall workplace environment."
For business leaders wondering how to engage with Christian Learning Centers of Greenville County, Mrs. Butler outlines several concrete ways to make an impact:
Pray faithfully for the ministry of CLC
Advocate for CLC of Greenville in your company and community
Enroll your children or grandchildren in CLC programs – High School students who graduate from CLC can even earn graduation credits!
Become a board member of CLC
Sponsor CLC events
Give regularly to support CLC’s ministry
Looking Forward
In today's digital age, young people have unprecedented access to information and influences through the devices that sit in the palm of their hand. This creates a growing need for rich character development and ethical guidance. Christian Learning Center of Greenville County's approach represents a proactive solution to this challenge, pouring into the next generation of workers and leaders to ensure they can contribute—to their future workplaces and communities—from a solid moral foundation.
As business leaders, it is critical that we expand our view to consider how we are helping build a future work pool made up of strong, principled employees. Programs like CLC demonstrate how faith-based education can play a crucial role in shaping tomorrow's workforce while strengthening community bonds. Get involved with CLC of Greenville today!
Sarabeth Stone is a wife, Mother, and freelance writer residing in the Upstate. Her background centers around public affairs and communications work with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit entities, and organizations from a variety of industries. She is passionate about the written word, sharing the truth of God’s love with anyone who will listen, and educating everyday Americans about their vital role in preserving our Constitutional Republic.
Located in the Upstate, The South Carolina Christian Consortium connects South Carolina’s small business community with likeminded leaders. We host monthly luncheons where experts from a variety of industries come to encourage, equip, and educate you as a business leader. Come rub elbows with state and local elected officials, business owners, University leaders, and more at our events.
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