With the rise of national standards and an increase of accountability in both the US and Canada, some began to wonder how much our identities as Christian schools were driven by the wrong outcomes. What was our hope for our graduates?
Tailwinds and Headwinds in Christian Education
In aviation, business, and ministry headwinds can increase costs, require more energy, and lengthen the time it takes to reach your goals. Tailwind conditions, on the other hand, can propel your ministry and help move it forward more quickly than expected. Skills at navigating both tailwinds and headwinds are necessary in ministry. Applying these concepts to Christian education is the topic of this article.
Celebrate and Imagine #8: Schools Embodying a Transforming Vision: Missional, Dynamic, Deeper, and Global, 2010-Present (Part 1)
It is a risk to try new things, to move in new directions, to love that deeply. But we have reached a time in history where by not innovating we are running a greater risk than staying our current course. Dan Beerens and Erik Ellefsen, MindShift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education Since the financial crisis of 2007-2008, Christian schooling in … Read More
Celebrate and Imagine #7: Interpreting, Fast and Slow: Faith, Love, and Hope for Christian Education – Dr. Justin Bailey
In this talk, Dr. Justin Bailey suggests that the greatest contribution Christian education can make is to prepare students to become skilled interpreters of our world. Our job in Christian schools is to help students recognize that, while they inhabit a world tainted by sin, they can lead others toward faith, love, and hope through postures of curiosity, discernment, and presence.
Are You a Seeker/Explorer?
On March 7 and 8, an intrepid band of seeker/explorers met in San Diego to engage in school site visits and attend exploratory workshops at our latest Christian Deeper Learning conference (CDL5).
Celebrate and Imagine #6: Seeking a New Paradigm of Educating, 1990-2010 (Part 2)
In the mid 2000s it became clear that the long feared death of the “three-legged stool” (the educational partnership between home, Christian school, and the church) was very much becoming a reality.
More Than Words: Evidence of Mission Accomplished
More and more families are considering Christian schools. However, they may not have a clear understanding of what a Christian school is. As an administrator, it is easy to show test scores indicating academic progress, but how do we know and show that faith is truly being developed in each child? Do we have evidence to show that all students are learning and growing in their faith?
Celebrate and Imagine #5: Seeking a New Paradigm of Educating, 1990 to 2010 (Part 1)
The time period from the mid-1980s through approximately 2010 saw Calvinist/Reformed Christian educators further define and apply their approach to educating Christianly in response to a changing world. During these years, movement leaders sought to define both what being Reformed means and the essence of Calvinist/Reformed day school education.
Deepening Faith Through Science: A School Leader’s Guide
The exciting yet challenging work of guiding students through science and faith discussions is done primarily by teachers in the classroom. But teachers can be truly successful only if they have the full support of their administration.
Celebrate and Imagine #4: Ron Polinder–70 Years of Christian Education
When I think of a Christian education leader who combines the best of prophet, priest, and king leadership, my mind turns to Ron Polinder. Formed by the routine and discipline of farm life and educated in K-18 Christian schools, Ron is someone whose life and career passionately reconciles his deep faith with his vocational practice. Along with many others, I … Read More