Over the past few months I have shared my thoughts on the chaos that current education policy has both become and created (“Ed Policy Chaos: Why It Matters”). My argument is that charter schools are not a viable option to those of us who support greater levels of educational choice within the American education system (Part I and Part II). … Read More
Praying About My Barns
And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops. Then he said. This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And … Read More
What’s Going to be Different this School Year? 10 Questions for Christian School Leaders to Consider.
Dear School Leader, As you get on the train or jet (choose your metaphor!) called school and get it rolling toward take-off, I would like to pose ten questions for consideration: 1. Will students and parents clearly see how passion, mission, people, and practice all come together at your school this year? Is what you are doing distinctively Christian? 2. … Read More
What Do We Deserve?
I recently read two articles that spurred my thinking on this “what do we deserve?” as it relates to Christian schools. I don’t want these sources to take responsibility for my thinking, but I do want to acknowledge them. Chad Dirkse, recently wrote a blog on the CACE website entitled, “But I’ve Earned the Right To…” It was a great reminder of … Read More
What is the future of Christian Education in North America?
For years Christian Schools International has been sending out notes of congratulations to member schools who celebrate milestone birthdays. Since 1980 we have been sending out congratulatory notes to schools who have celebrated their 100th birthday. On a more sobering note, far too many schools who celebrated their 100th birthday over the past thirty-five years are no longer in existence … Read More
Praying to Show God’s Kind of Love
But here is how God has shown his love for us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) I think it is a life-long journey to figure out what love is. We know all about brotherly love and erotic love and the love of parents for their children. But the kind of love used in this … Read More
Praying for Enough Trouble for Today
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34) I love the way Jesus concludes this little section of the Sermon on the Mount on worry with this reference to trouble. We can see in many places that Jesus’ plan was not to get us out of … Read More
The Call of Cardus
Most Christian schools I know have similar elements in their mission statements. Usually there is a part about spiritual development – its Christian after all. There is also some acknowledgement about academics given that we’re talking about school. And then there is life or culture component, a nod to the impact of the school beyond graduation. These statements also contribute … Read More
Affordability & Christian School Choice
School choice is a popular conversation with Christian parents of school age children. A common element of discussion is often related to the parent’s views on mission as it relates to their involvement with the public school and the public square in general. It is interesting to see how this view of engagement can be influenced by or related to … Read More
Praying to be who I am
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; … Read More