As consumers, we go through the process of constantly gathering data in order to make the best purchasing decisions. Parents do the same with school choices. Parents want proof for the claims we make which should not surprise us. We are conditioned to expect evidence to back up claims made by others for two reasons: experience tells us that people … Read More
Using Research to Prove Our Point
We all like to talk about distinctives – what makes our school distinct from the local public school, an area independent school or even another Christian school. In fact, we often find different types of Christian schools trying to point out their distinctives from one another; either a lower priced alternative, a classical model or maybe a school with a … Read More
Posture of Prayer – Part 4
Finally, Worshipful, not Manipulative As the final installment, just a few closing comments on worship. It’s a great final element to consider because as a school leader, you likely play a role in setting the tone for worship, leading your teams in worship, and modeling right thinking to the rest of the school community. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give … Read More
Posture of Prayer – Part 3
Next, Submissive but Not Resigned We are to submit our desires to his good pleasure—that is hard sometimes, isn’t it? This can be a challenge when enrollment or donors aren’t where we want them to be and we are tempted to question why we are serving in a particular place or market. However, that is where God put us and … Read More
Posture of Prayer – Part 2
So, this background on prayer reminds me of an idea – posture of prayer. Posture of prayer can be a great way to think about leading others as it is something that can be shown. Our own weaknesses, even though real, don’t necessarily keep us from leading others in a right thinking about the posture of prayer. We can see … Read More
Posture of Prayer – Part 1
Have you ever wondered how to pray? Have you ever not known how to pray? Not that you didn’t know the mechanics (that’s easy enough), but you didn’t know what to ask for. Faced with a certain problem or situation, you were at a loss and didn’t know what to say or do. As a leader, this can be especially … Read More
In Light of Eternity (Part 2) – Leading with Conviction
Growing up in an evangelical home in the 1970s and 1980s, I was prepared in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School to face persecution. We learned of missionary martyrs, closed communistic and totalitarian regimes, possible apocalyptic future scenarios—all with the possible outcome that we may be called to die for our faith. In the end, that is in fact what … Read More
In Light of Eternity—Leading Others with a Right Perspective
Like every era, ours is one where events that happen before our eyes have the potential to mask the truth of what is really happening and require discernment. As Christian educators and leaders, the challenges are given added importance as you seek to offer that discernment to your colleagues, families and students. Leading requires a sense of the big picture … Read More
Thinking About Conferences?
I just finished reading a blog suggesting a number of good books published in 2017 that I should consider for my summer reading. I usually look for these lists both at the beginning of the new year and the start of summer as a shortcut to finding work to include on my vacation. I enjoy reading and like to use … Read More
Effective Messaging: Summary vs. Significance
School leaders know the importance of supporting the admissions efforts of their school with well-developed plans in order to effectively communicate with prospective parents before, during and after “sales efforts” (admissions team activities) have taken place. Marketing efforts can increase the pool of families exploring your school as an option and also prepare prospective families with information that makes them more … Read More