As I have studied the book of Ezra (and I’m not sure why I did, but I think it originally had something to do with being struck by a particular verse – Ezra 7:10 – which in turn piqued my interest and led to a lengthy study) I have learned many lessons that were personally valuable for my spiritual growth. … Read More
Effective Christian Leadership: Prepare Yourself to Lead
Do you remember your first opportunity to serve in a leadership capacity? I do. I remember feeling like I was not ready, but putting on a front to convey the opposite. I was young, and had accepted a position as the head of small Christian school. I knew how to teach, because I had been doing so for a number … Read More
Empower Your Timothy
“As I’ve been pondering empowerment, I realized that I certainly don’t have to go far to come across people that I’ve encountered who have truly been empowered. One of the most vivid examples was this past summer when, after she returned from her three week trip to Nepal, my cousin and I met in a cozy coffee shop in Downtown … Read More
For Christian Education?
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
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
Do You Believe in Your Timothy?
“So, you think you can TED?,” asked Toni. He was not asking if I would have something worthwhile to say on the TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) stage. He was asking for my feedback on his novel concept: a TED style meeting of “So You Think You Can Dance?” To be honest, I had my doubts. Did he have clarity … Read More
Effective Christian Leadership: Before You Can Do It, You Have to Know It
Before you can teach and lead others, you have to live it. But in order to live it, you first have to know it. I experienced this (or better put, failed at this) in my first experience as the senior leader in an organization. To be honest, as I walked in the door I was questioning my own preparedness, unsure … Read More
Navigating the Ed Policy Storms: Measure Success
It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do, then do your best. – W. Edward Deming A few months ago, I proposed that each Christian school and Christian school leader must answer the following questions about their institution in order to navigate a way through these turbulent times in education policy: Like all quality institutions … Read More