When we say we are for something, what does that mean? When we say we want something, what does that look like? I have been involved with Christian education now for almost 20 years professionally. As a graduate student, I chose Christian education and as a parent, I have chosen it as well. When we say we are pro-Christian education, I think a question that needs to be asked is what does that mean?
Navigating the Ed Policy Storms: Are you Connected?
Pulling a good network together takes effort, sincerity, and time. – Alan Collins Over the past few months, I proposed that each Christian school leader must answer the following questions about their institution in order to navigate a way through the current turbulence in education policy: Why does your school exist? (Part I) What makes your school distinct? (Part II) How … Read More
Praying to Look for Lost Sheep
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and … Read More
Praying to the Lamb of God
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Thankful for our two Johns today: only John the Baptist says this and only the Gospel writer John records it. John the Baptist was in the sin business, offering people a ceremonial dunk (sprinkle?) … Read More
Praying to Rely on Goodness and Mercy
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6) My favorite collection of 24 words of the English language, David’s conclusion to his rich, powerful and gorgeous 23rd Psalm. As we go through Sheep Week, I’m happy to know two shepherds who get … Read More
The Intermountain Christian Story: Culture Making
The task of creating a school culture is not easy. I could probably stop with that statement and you could begin a vigorous debate with school friends about your school’s culture. Lots of questions surround this topic: Is school culture different than school climate? Can you measure a school’s culture or is it simply something you feel? Can you really … Read More
Do You Inspire Your Timothy?
On a warm, autumnal afternoon shortly after the start of the school year, a group of ten students came to me and asked, “Dr. Chen, can we scale up the impact of our work?” They were referring to the work they had done through the Trinity Institute for Leadership and Social Justice at our school. This enthusiastic group of juniors … Read More
Being Biblical in our View of Leadership
Anyone that is familiar with marketing messages of Christian schools can attest to the fact that leadership is high on the list of promised deliverables. In fact, developing leaders, probably more than any other objective, is nearly universally promised. While there are some good opportunities to talk about the challenges associated with what are, at times, wildly optimistic promises, I … Read More
Praying to Recognize the Voice of Jesus
“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his … Read More
Praying about my Future
Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (Matthew 13:8) One of the things Jesus’ teachings do for us is give us a voracious appetite for the future. This is the conclusion of his famous parable about the farmer scattering seeds over hard, rocky, thorny and good soils. … Read More