ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Tom Barnes is the pastor of two churches, Faith Presbyterian Church n Robertsdale and Loxley Presbyterian Church in Loxley.

That should keep him busy enough, but a few weeks before school was to start this year, Barnes got to add another title to the list: headmaster.

Barnes is the headmaster of Faith Presbyterian Christian School. And while there’s plenty to do running two churches, it’s clear he loves both the youngsters in his charge and his role.

“I got a call about two weeks before school was to start,“ said Barnes with a smile. “The former headmaster called to say he was taking a pastor’s job.”

Having been the headmaster of a school in Opelika more than 30 years ago, Barnes, with the approval of church officials, took on the added duties of headmaster of the 60 students in grades K-12 that make up the “warriors” of Faith Presbyterian Christian School.

In some ways, Barnes remains a “kid at heart” himself. His desk is lined with toys and keepsakes he’s collected over the years.

Barnes says he’s seen a change in the last 30 years.

“There’s been a change in the general morals of this country,” he said “Sadly, the church has lost out on that battle.”

But Barnes sees some hope for the future.

“We’re teaching what they are supposed to be. We are building Christian character in young people who will go on to influence the whole community.”

The curriculum at FPCS is one that meets all the state requirements, but uses Christian-friendly sources.

“We are careful about the curriculum,” said Barnes. “But, we use all sorts of sources, some secular. A lot is “A Beka” curriculum, some Bob Jones.”

According to the school’s on-line handbook, the school also uses material from Associated Christian Schools International, Apologia, and other sources.

“And we use some non-Christian sources,” said Barnes.

“People don’t think anymore,” he said. “They have to be spoon-fed. We are trying to teach children to think from a Christian perspective.”

That does not mean that there’s no fun at FPCS. The school’s fledgling Drama Club produced the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Time Rice musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat “ last year and is working on another musical, “The Wizard of Oz,” which will be presented later this year.

“We all study the Bible and pray,” said Barnes. “We want our students to be conscious of the world. The mascot of the school is a warrior and we want our students to go out and take the world over. We want them to show that you can be a Christian in any area of life.”

The curriculum is demanding. Bob Carson, who teaches math and science at the school is a former Marine pilot and expects a great deal of his students.

Carson also offers tutoring to students in seventh grade through the community college level in math and science. Classes are taught at the school. Call 752-1278 for more information or call the school, 947-5012.

Cassondra Leisenring teaches first and second grade.

“The fact that we are able to adapt to the needs of the child is important to me.”