Barbara Williams, MACSA Vice President and Chair of the MACSA Scholarship Committee
Lehigh Christian Academy ~ Allentown, PA
Each year MACSA awards several scholarships to educators (teachers and/or principals) in Christian schools who will be taking graduate courses during the upcoming summer months. The Lord has continued to bless this effort and each year we award a scholarship to several candidates.
This year we had over fifty applicants and awarded eight scholarships. The educators chosen answered questions about their educational background, current responsibilities, future plans, and the impact that the coursework would have on their professional growth.
We trust that we will be able to continue to offer these scholarships to teachers and administrators dedicated to Christian education and the students they serve.
· Stephanie Cruz (Calvary Academy, Lakewood, NJ)
· Vivian Dippold (Penn Christian Academy, Norristown, PA)
· Mary Catherine Fox (Crossroads Christian Academy, Clinton, NJ)
· Mark Gebhardt (Cumberland Christian School, Vineland, NJ)
· Thomas Hoffman (Grace and Peace Academy, Toms River, NJ)
· Alice Latouk (Calvary Academy, Lakewood, NJ)
· Linda Marvin (Seaford Christian Academy, Seaford, DE)
· Christine Mitcheltree (Meadowbrook Christian School, Milton, PA)
Friday, June 27, 2008
Effective Ministry Leadership
Dr. James Jeffery
President, Baptist Bible College
This article was orignially printed in the Spring 2005 edition of the MACSA Bridge. Dr. Jeffery was the keynote speaker at the November 2004 MACSA Convention.
Our mission at Baptist Bible College, Graduate School, and Seminary is to provide excellence in biblical education for effectiveness in ministry leadership. The needs of the local church and those it partners with as it fulfills its mission on Christ’s behalf in a broken world demand the right kind of leaders. They must be Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, servant leaders who stand ready to take their places according to God’s call. They are able to influence others toward God’s purposes.
What are the characteristics of these leaders?
Convictions
Effective ministry leaders are the result of theological formation. They have put deep roots down into the soil of the Word of God. Because of this, they know what they believe and why they believe it.
Commitment
Spiritual formation shapes leaders to be committed to the lordship of Christ over all of life. These leaders are committed to Christ’s cause in the Great Commission and the local church as the center of God’s program on Earth.
Character
Leaders must earn the trust and respect of those they influence. That comes from being conformed to Christ as the fruit of the Spirit is developed on the vine of character. Who we are inside determines what we do in ministry.
Competencies
Effective ministry leaders develop leadership, specific ministry, and personal competencies to be effective. The Book of Nehemiah gives an outstanding example of leadership competencies. Nehemiah was unwilling to accept the status quo of the broken-down wall. He inspired a shared vision, mobilized people to team up, encouraged the people, and set the example.
Capacities
No two servants of Christ are the same. As we follow Christ, He shapes us individually to become effective leaders. That comes from knowing yourself as you discover the way God has designed you for ministry with your gifts, personality, and experience. It also comes from growing through lifelong learning and mentoring.
As these five "C's" are integrated into every aspect of life and ministry, we will be effective in carrying out the Great Commission of Acts 1:8.
President, Baptist Bible College
This article was orignially printed in the Spring 2005 edition of the MACSA Bridge. Dr. Jeffery was the keynote speaker at the November 2004 MACSA Convention.
Our mission at Baptist Bible College, Graduate School, and Seminary is to provide excellence in biblical education for effectiveness in ministry leadership. The needs of the local church and those it partners with as it fulfills its mission on Christ’s behalf in a broken world demand the right kind of leaders. They must be Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered, servant leaders who stand ready to take their places according to God’s call. They are able to influence others toward God’s purposes.
What are the characteristics of these leaders?
Convictions
Effective ministry leaders are the result of theological formation. They have put deep roots down into the soil of the Word of God. Because of this, they know what they believe and why they believe it.
Commitment
Spiritual formation shapes leaders to be committed to the lordship of Christ over all of life. These leaders are committed to Christ’s cause in the Great Commission and the local church as the center of God’s program on Earth.
Character
Leaders must earn the trust and respect of those they influence. That comes from being conformed to Christ as the fruit of the Spirit is developed on the vine of character. Who we are inside determines what we do in ministry.
Competencies
Effective ministry leaders develop leadership, specific ministry, and personal competencies to be effective. The Book of Nehemiah gives an outstanding example of leadership competencies. Nehemiah was unwilling to accept the status quo of the broken-down wall. He inspired a shared vision, mobilized people to team up, encouraged the people, and set the example.
Capacities
No two servants of Christ are the same. As we follow Christ, He shapes us individually to become effective leaders. That comes from knowing yourself as you discover the way God has designed you for ministry with your gifts, personality, and experience. It also comes from growing through lifelong learning and mentoring.
As these five "C's" are integrated into every aspect of life and ministry, we will be effective in carrying out the Great Commission of Acts 1:8.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
God Be With You
God Be with You till We Meet Again
Text: Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1828-1904
Music: William G. Tomer, 1833-1896
Tune: GOD BE WITH YOU, Meter: 98.89 with Refrain (MH--no refrain)
Click here to listen.
God be with you till we meet again;
by his counsels guide, uphold you,
with his sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain:
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus' feet;
till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
neath his wings securely hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
when life's perils thick confound you,
put his arms unfailing round you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
keep love's banner floating o'er you,
smite death's threatening wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Text: Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1828-1904
Music: William G. Tomer, 1833-1896
Tune: GOD BE WITH YOU, Meter: 98.89 with Refrain (MH--no refrain)
Click here to listen.
God be with you till we meet again;
by his counsels guide, uphold you,
with his sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Refrain:
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus' feet;
till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
neath his wings securely hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
when life's perils thick confound you,
put his arms unfailing round you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
keep love's banner floating o'er you,
smite death's threatening wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again.
A Word of Thanks
From Nurturing Faith
Dan Beerens, author and editor
Vice President of Learning Services for Christian Schools International
A word of thanks to those of you who . . .
. . . kept in focus the big picture of nurturing faith in students, despite all the distractions and obstacles during this school year;
. . . kept your cool when working with a student for the umpteenth time on a repeated issue—thanks for remembering that God continues to forgive each of us for repeated sins;
There's more!
Click here to jump to the Nurturing Faith blog to read the rest of the Thank You!
Dan Beerens, author and editor
Vice President of Learning Services for Christian Schools International
A word of thanks to those of you who . . .
. . . kept in focus the big picture of nurturing faith in students, despite all the distractions and obstacles during this school year;
. . . kept your cool when working with a student for the umpteenth time on a repeated issue—thanks for remembering that God continues to forgive each of us for repeated sins;
There's more!
Click here to jump to the Nurturing Faith blog to read the rest of the Thank You!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
MACSA Development Institute
Confidence in Your Christ . . . Confidence in Your Calling
Therefore, do not cast away your confidence,
which has great reward. Hebrews 10:35
November 5, 2008
Lancaster Host ~ Lancaster, PA
The MACSA Development Institute is designed for a full day of
Inspiration ~ Information ~ Networking
with Christian school administrators, development officers and board members
Cost: $50 per person - registration forms will be sent late summer/early fall.
Thanks to Ambassador Advisors for their sponsorship of the
2008 MACSA Development Institute
Click here to visit the Ambassador Advisors website.
Four Distinctive Tracks ~ Sixteen Workshops
Stay "on track" or mix and match throughout the day!
Check back for specific workshop titles and descriptions!
· Where Do I Begin?
Basic topics in development - for schools just starting out in "development" and/or for the administrator who needs to "do it all".
· Marketing and Promotion
Including the importance of the admissions process and the "re-recruitment" of current families.
· The Nitty Gritty
A series of workshops designed for the seasoned Development Officer.
· Fundraising That Works
In depth discussion on specific events, programs and techniques - including a panel discussion on "Events Work".
Schedule
8:00 am
Registration, Coffee, Networking
9:00 am
Opening Session
10:05 am
Workshop Session I
11:10 am
Workshop Session II
12:15 pm
Lunch : Round table discussions during the lunch break
1:30 pm
Workshop Session III
2:30 pm
Workshop Session IV
3:45 pm
Questions and Answers ~ Networking
Extend your stay and attend the 60th Annual MACSA Convention on Thursday and Friday, November 6-7
For more information, please contact
Ruth Hennigh, MACSA Development Institute Registrar
717-671-8112
MACSADev@yahoo.com
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Apathyitis - Don't Get Bitten by the Bug
The school year is winding down to a close. It has been a long year and everyone is looking forward to the activities and events that mark the end of a good school year! But . . . BEWARE . . . lurking in the background is a disease waiting to wreck havoc with your best laid plans! Most commonly seen in students ages 17-18, symptoms include a desire to cut class, poorly done assignments and repeated uttering of “I can’t wait til June!”
It’s contagious, but rarely fatal. It’s apathyitis (kin to the more commonly known “senioritis” bug) . . . and beware, it might even “attack” YOU!
But . . . before apathyitis can be adequately diagnosed and cured in the students . . . the faculty and staff must do a self examination! And a true self examination will probably find that we all have at least a mild case of the disease! There is, however, good news for the infected . . . there is a cure and it comes straight from the pages of Scripture!
REMEMBER
Remember your call – It comes directly from God.
God himself has called you and has placed you in your current ministry.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
. . . and He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4: 11+
RECOMMIT
Renew your commitment – Find that “Beginning of the Year” enthusiasm
Remember how you felt at the beginning of the year – it was a year filled with promise and with excitement. Dig deep – recapture that “First Day” enthusiasm.
Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work . . . strengthened with all might . . .for all patience and longsuffering, with JOY! Colossians 1:10
RENEW
Renew your strength – The God who called you will sustain you!
Let us not grow weary . . . Let us not lose heart . . . but when we do, remember, He gives power to the weak . . . He increases strength. Exchange your weariness for God’s strength.
Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, theyshall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
RUN
Run with endurance the race set before you!
What will hinder you from finishing strong? What will ensnare you and rob you of your joy? Lay those things aside and FINISH STRONG! We expect nothing less from our students – let’s show them nothing less!
We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus . . . Hebrews 12:1-2
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving!
It’s contagious, but rarely fatal. It’s apathyitis (kin to the more commonly known “senioritis” bug) . . . and beware, it might even “attack” YOU!
But . . . before apathyitis can be adequately diagnosed and cured in the students . . . the faculty and staff must do a self examination! And a true self examination will probably find that we all have at least a mild case of the disease! There is, however, good news for the infected . . . there is a cure and it comes straight from the pages of Scripture!
REMEMBER
Remember your call – It comes directly from God.
God himself has called you and has placed you in your current ministry.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
. . . and He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4: 11+
RECOMMIT
Renew your commitment – Find that “Beginning of the Year” enthusiasm
Remember how you felt at the beginning of the year – it was a year filled with promise and with excitement. Dig deep – recapture that “First Day” enthusiasm.
Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work . . . strengthened with all might . . .for all patience and longsuffering, with JOY! Colossians 1:10
RENEW
Renew your strength – The God who called you will sustain you!
Let us not grow weary . . . Let us not lose heart . . . but when we do, remember, He gives power to the weak . . . He increases strength. Exchange your weariness for God’s strength.
Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, theyshall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
RUN
Run with endurance the race set before you!
What will hinder you from finishing strong? What will ensnare you and rob you of your joy? Lay those things aside and FINISH STRONG! We expect nothing less from our students – let’s show them nothing less!
We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus . . . Hebrews 12:1-2
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving!
Colossians 3
An Encouragement to Finish Strong
A Charge to Keep I Have
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
Music: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872
Tune: BOYLSTON, Meter: SM
Click here to listen
A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify,
a never-dying soul to save, and fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage to do my Master's will!
Arm me with jealous care, as in thy sight to live,
and oh, thy servant, Lord, prepare a strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray, and on thyself rely,
A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify,
a never-dying soul to save, and fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage to do my Master's will!
Arm me with jealous care, as in thy sight to live,
and oh, thy servant, Lord, prepare a strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray, and on thyself rely,
assured, if I my trust betray, I shall forever die.
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