Unity Christian School exists to prepare leaders for life who impact the world for Jesus.
THE MEANING OF UNITY
Our vision is to be a thriving and sustainable school ministry that provides top-quality Christian education to the Decatur community for generations to come. We will accomplish this by gaining broad support from the area Christian community and bringing together followers of Jesus in Unity.
As we transition into an exciting future for our school and the community of Decatur, we’re praying for the type of Unity Jesus talked about in John 17:23:
“May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”
We want our school community to reflect the beautiful picture of Unity in Ephesians 4:3-4:
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.”
LUTHERAN SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
In June 2023, Lutheran School Association, or LSA, became Unity Christian School. The goal of the change is to break down any denominational barriers that have previously existed and make it known that Unity is open to all families and Christian churches desiring involvement. All of our recent changes are geared toward becoming a thriving and sustainable private school ministry in the Decatur community for many years to come.
Unity Christian School legally remains a ministry of the Lutheran School Association. The LSA is made up of five Association Churches who support the school through contributions of leadership, time, prayer and financial resources: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church & Preschool, Trinity Lutheran Church, and Concordia Lutheran Church.
Unity remains under the umbrella of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) and aligns with the beliefs and stances of the LCMS.
We would love for many more Christian churches and believers from around the area to rally around the mission of Unity Christian School. Learn more about how you or your church can get involved.
LEADERSHIP AND STAFF TEAM
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Brian Booth
Mr. Booth helps lead the overall ministry at Unity by providing leadership to the direction, vision, staffing and sustainability of the school, and works closely with the Board of Education and local churches to provide a top-quality Christian educational experience. He and his wife, Kelli, have four children, and enjoy traveling, sports, fitness and the outdoors.
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Dr. Stephen Frech
Dr. Frech provides leadership for the educational environment at Unity. He oversees all faculty members, curriculum, professional development, and academic offerings. Dr. Frech and his wife, Chung-Ha, have one son currently in the 8th grade, and enjoy reading, poetry, movies and exercise.
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Jordan Hopman
Mr. Hopman provides leadership for the culture of Unity. He oversees discipline and behavioral issues, and works with our students and teachers to create the high-character, high-accountability, God-honoring culture at Unity. Jordan and his wife, Suzy, have four children and enjoy music, working out, and backyard family time.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board of Education is elected by five LCMS Association Churches. The board serves as a Policy-Based Governing Board, creating the Governing Policies that the staff leadership team operates within. Minutes are posted publicly after each meeting.
We are grateful for the wise counsel and dedicated service of the current members:
Clay Gerhard, Chair
Joel Fletcher, Vice Chair
Susie Doddek, Secretary
Katy Jones, Treasurer
Ethel Jaggi
Jan Bryant
Will Bodine
Muriel Howe
Pastor Adam Ray, Pastoral Advisor
Pastor Mark Gearig, Pastoral Advisor
FINANCIAL MODEL
Unity Christian is a private school funded through a combination of tuition, donations, church support, and creative third source funding. Our goal is to become fully sustainable by the 2025-26 school year. We have a Foundation Board that is working to build additional sources of revenue and would welcome your involvement and support.
The Leadership Team and Board of Education desires our finances to be God honoring as well as transparent: Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss for Current Fiscal Year (through February 2024) and most recent reviewed Financial Reports for the Fiscal Year ended July 31, 2023. Please reach out to Mr. Booth, Executive Leader, with questions.
RESALE SHOP
Unity Christian School operates the LSA ReSale Shop in Decatur. The Shop operates to generate funds to help operate Unity. The ReSale Shop opened on May 20, 2002, and sells quality used clothing, home decor, holiday items, small furniture, appliances, and miscellaneous items. Unity families are encouraged to support the school by donating items, all clean and in good condition, or volunteering at the shop. Volunteering is a great way to help out Unity while enjoying the company of other school friends and families.
ReSale Shop | 421 E Cerro Gordo Rd., Decatur, IL 62523 | 217-423-0122
Shop Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9am-3pm, Thursday extended hours until 6pm
Donation Hours: Monday and Tuesdays, 9am-1pm, Thursdays, 2-6pm (please no mattresses, box springs, televisions, computer equipment or large appliances)
