When Times are Difficult . . .

The Christian School Journal
Barrett Mosbacker, Editor
February 20, 2011


Leading a school can be a tough business! I joke with my parents that my job is easy;  I only deal with people’s children, money, and religion!

People can be complainers, inconsiderate, gossips, stubborn, resistant to change, and just downright mean and ornery. Such people can make our jobs and lives miserable.

Before you and I start feeling sorry for ourselves, consider Said Musa’s situation. After reading of his plight I believe we will gain a little perspective on our troubles.

Click here to read the rest of the post on The Christian School Journal

Musty Old Books . . . Saved a Generation

Let’s articulate before it’s too late!

Nurturing Faith, Christian Schools International

Click here for the original blog post.

They found some musty old books, dusted them off, read them, and saved a generation! In the story of Joash, we find the Spirit of the Lord leading him as a young person to read and re-institute the law of the Lord – see 2 Kings 23:2. We are told that the reading of the law led to a spiritual revival among the people and God’s blessing on the land. Even though oral tradition was foremost (writing was more the exception than the rule in those days), we see how God used the written word to preserve and instruct his people.

It is interesting that today in our age of every kind of communication, we still need to make sure that we get written down what it is we are doing in order to integrate teaching and learning. We have moved from oral to print in Christian schools in our attempts to articulate what we know about a Biblically infused curriculum. This has been an important part of our history as Christian schools – I clearly remember saving all those coins for Christian School’s International Foundation Day textbook drives in the 60’s. We now have reached the point where we must move increasingly from print to digital/electronic means for cost containment and for ease of sharing.

My concern is that we articulate in writing what it is we are doing – as I mentioned last month it takes veteran teachers who possess passion and astuteness in order to communicate in engaging ways with students about the unity of all truth through Christ.

I challenge you, veteran teacher, to share those ideas for integrating faith and learning that you have gained through reading, reflection, and practice and write them down to share with the next generation. Step up to the plate – it is part of your legacy!

I challenge you, young teacher, to observe, ask questions, press your veteran colleagues to not only orally share, but to record in the context of units of study, how they integrate faith and learning, how they bring biblical truth to bear on their subject matter, and what works most effectively with students. Do not be ashamed of what you don’t know, but have the humility to ask and learn.

I challenge you, administrator, to make sure your teachers not only write down what they are doing in integrating faith and learning, but to make sure that it is of good quality. Give your teachers time to work together to discuss how the mission and philosophy of your school actually turns into reality in the teaching and assessing of your students. Don’t let the vibrancy and distinctiveness of your school be watered down on your watch! Remember that Christian teaching and learning is the core business of your school, even though there are so many other daily distractions. Be a Joash for your school!

Getting Ready for the New Year

It's still December - but, January's coming! Are you ready?

Take a few minutes to read this blog post by Tim Challies. It is his encouragement to begin (with intentionality) the New Year with a commitment to strengthening your devotional life. He concludes the blog post with a list of devotional books for you to consider for 2010 - and it's not too late to order them online for delivery by January 1 - but don't delay!

As we all know, we cannot give to our students what we do not possess ourselves - academically and spiritually! You are always (ok, mostly always) prepared for the academic "demands" of your students and classroom. The question - are you equally (or better) prepared to be the spiritual leader of your students!

From Tim Challies:

The end of the year is drawing close and, if you're like me, you're already beginning to think about what you'll do differently (and, hopefully, better) next year. When it comes to my daily devotions, I've been thinking about putting myself on some kind of a reading plan. I have only rarely done those in the past and don't know that I've ever really stuck with one all the way through to December. But next year I think I will give it a go. I have also been thinking about daily devotionals--something I could read either by myself or with the family. I've drawn up a list of a few notable devotionals. There are hundreds available so this is represents a drop in the proverbial bucket. But I think if you are considering a devotional, you are likely to find at least one here that would appeal. Do let me know if you know of others that would be worth investigating.

Click here to read the full post.

A Challenge to "Love One Another Deeply - From the Heart"

This week, Mr. Glenn Clement challenged the Bridgeton Christian School (NJ) faculty, staff, students and families to "love one another deeply from the heart." With his permission, we share that challenge with all of our MACSA schools!

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind...and love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37

As Christians, we face challenges every day. One of the greatest is to love one another deeply from the heart - but that is my challenge this year to myself, our faculty and staff and our students. Throughout the coming months we will be studying the principles of servanthood. Part of our mission here at BCS is to prepare our students to be servants of Christ. Please encourage your children to practice the following principles of servanthood:
Love
Submission
Generosity
Trust
Encouragement
Obedience

We want to serve others without thought of ourselves or gain. We want a spirit of cheerful obedience to authority. We want to be sensitive to the needs of others and to show compassion. We want to face suffering and disappointment with a sincere faith and positive attitude. We want to look for opportunities to do good and help each other. We want a genuine excitement about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His teachings.

This is a challenging time to be alive and to possess an authentic faith that hopes in Christ's promises. The Holy Spirit will give to us all that we need and more. As we have heard before from the beginning, Jesus's command is that we walk in love. Let's walk together down that pilgrim road this year and devote our lives and all that we have to Jesus for all that he has done for us. As Saint John recorded in the third chapter of his first epistle, "let us love not in word or speech but in truth and deed."

Sincerely,
Glenn Clement
Administrator