Sheldon Good
scgood@mosaicmennonites.org
Former Vice President of National Penn Insurance, Phil Swartley, has been named as the new principal of Quakertown (PA) Christian School.
He began his work with the school on June 1, 2007.
Swartley brings with him 15 years of professional experience from National Penn Insurance, where he worked most recently. The former business executive will bring knowledge and experience from the corporate world as well as experience in teaching and development at Plumstead Christian School (Plumsteadville, PA). Swartley graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a degree in Business Education.
Former principal Pat Roberts said, “We are thankful to the Lord for leading such a capable professional to us and are excited to see God’s hand in the process.”
Roberts chose to return to a full-time teaching position for the upcoming school year, opening the door for Swartley, who believes this career change is part of a higher calling. “God has led me [to Quakertown Christian School], and I trust in His ability to do great things within His ministry,” Swartley said. “Our families are committed and looking to grow our school. Our community is growing up all around us, and we will become an effective ministry as God leads.”
The idea of Christ-centered education is of utmost importance to Swartley. “[The school] is a family that loves each other and God. We work to help each parent raise their children in a confusing and often difficult world. The emphasis on teaching from God’s word is evident from our science curriculum through our commitment to teaching a Bible class every day, all year.”
But as Swartley begins his new responsibility as principal, he is willing to take it even one step further than simply educating among a community of believers. “Quakertown Christian School is more than a community — we are a Christian family.”
Swartley and his wife Jan have long been dedicated to local Mennonite education and community. Swartley grew up as part of the Doylestown (PA) Mennonite congregation, and he and his wife were married at the Plains Mennonite (Hatfield, PA) congregation. All four of their children attend Mennonite schools, and the entire family worships at Rockhill Mennonite Church (Telford, PA).
Quakertown Christian School is a Conference Related Ministry of the Franconia Mennonite Conference. For more information, visit https://qtownchristian.org/wp3/ or call 215-536-6970.
Photos provided by Phil Swartley