Organizational Development for the Christian School and its Leadership "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22 |
When we think of Christian schooling, we often think of such through the lens of the Christian school in which we serve and whom are children attend. This is rightfully so. However, when we obediently serve our Lord Jesus Christ and His call to establish and/or lead a Christian school in our community, there remains a unifying purpose in that God will be glorified and the revelation of God's absolute truths will be sought under the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ.
While the vision and mission of Christian schools may vary from school to school, the ultimate purpose of all Christian schools should be anchored in the teaching found in Colossians 3:24 that proclaims: "It is the Lord Christ that you are serving."
While we lead and teach in Christian schools in trying economic times, we must realize that times have always been trying since the Fall of mankind in Genesis 3. Ever since that initial instance of sin, mankind has been in a state of spiritual, moral and intellectual recession. While we can reason that while we are in an economic recession, and recessions come and go, it should be even more obvious that America has been in a state of spiritual, moral and academic bankruptcy for some time. Therefore the need for quality Christian schools after the heart and mind of God is vital. Regardless of the state of affairs in the world, the need for the final reality of God and His absolute truths will remain constant until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore the Great Commission remains the Great Commission.
Leading a Christian school in these days once again makes us understand the calling in Esther 4:14 with the words: "For such a time as this." So while we look forward to Summer and the break it may offer along with some times for reflection and relaxation, we will also need to make plans for leading after the heart and mind of God this upcoming school year.
When we engage in planning, it can be a plan for the day or as grand as a formal school strategic plan. Scriptures in Isaiah remind of our Almighty God's declaration : "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord. As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." So while planning is a vital component to Christian school leadership and teaching, we must never lose sight to not take our (leadership) thoughts captive and made obedient to Christ.
Just as we should desire our students to take their thoughts captive to Christ in the development of their Christian minds, we as leaders must plan and lead only by obedience to the will and authority of our Almighty Lord. In terms of organizational development, this discipline begins with the school leaders (board, head of school, administrators) and permeates through the teachers, students and school families. In a Biblical sense, organizational development and coaching find their reality in Christian school discipleship with the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Specifically, organizational coaching finds its Biblical basis in wise counsel of leadership training along with vision and mission development and their casting. It is the formulating and sustaining of a Biblical & Christian Worldview and passion for Christ and His absolute truths throughout the school campus, culture and community.
Organizational & Professional Development are also a proactive training and discipline in Christ-honoring academic excellence for avoiding vision/mission drift (which is proactive training recommended for boards/administration and faculty through in-services, workshops, intreats or retreats). Organizational coaching is also the development of change and transition strategies that will also keep your school relevant in God's timeless truths and methods without compromise despite a rapidly changing culture.
Additionally, professional development and organizational coaching seek overall school improvement or the refinement of methods & programs so that the Christian school will become/remain a comprehensive and faithful school in God's image.
Essentially, the Christian school must offer transforming and Christ-honoring excellence that is vitally needed by parents for the very minds and souls of their students especially in these days. The premise of the Imago Dei Group is that Christian schools in these times can be exciting and effective places of spiritual worship, academic excellence and Christ-honoring lives. When Christian schools do things the right way which is to humbly and prayerfully seek the mind, heart and ways of God, then they are poised for further growth and service to the Great Commission. Ultimately, the purposes of organizational coaching and professional development are to help Christian schools attain knowledge, understanding and wisdom through God's truths and for His glory with the transformation of lives through the accomplishment of the Great Commission in your community.
For further information or to schedule professional & organizational development for your Christian school, please contact us . You are also most welcome to contact the Imago Dei Group for a complimentary phone consultation regarding how your Christian school's vision and mission can be optimized for God's glory. We can be reached at 912-656-7567 M-F 9AM - 6PM EST.
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