What would be our goal, vision, mission statement, purpose…?
And how are we actually fulfilling that?
Phcs—
Is the school open to change and becoming more scripturally conservative or is it open to change but becoming more spiritually liberal and all-inclusive? (Where do you see the school at on a spiritual, scriptural level. Where do you see it going/moving in that area?)
Still best thing afloat?
Vision, mission… Seems mixed or confused. What really is it? Is everything we do filtered through it?
Love the kind and friendly staff, the family feel, the mixed age relationships, the support I felt and received, that it is a Christian school.
What challenges me on a minimal level is that it feels like we do a lot of filler activities and nonessential extras yet don’t always finish teaching core content. (Is there any thoughts of changing some of the nonessential/elective classes or fun Friday? How does everyone feel about the elective classes and fun Friday? And what are future thoughts for those?)
I love that the intent is to weave our faith and God’s word in all we do. However, I also wish there was an emphasis on really teaching the word, since we are a Christian school and can. To know the Bible well, understand practical application, and be able to debate or discuss topics using scripture.
Another challenge is accountability – but the deeper issue is to what and who. (Is there any consideration of regularly checking to see that all we do is in line with our mission/goal/purpose, or does it actually already fulfill it? Is there the intention of having everything in line with the mission/vision/purpose…? Any statement of faith to sign?)
Really important/critical to understand why we do what we do.
Spiritually, the challenge is the philosophy. I want to train up my kids while they are young to have truth very clear: black and white, so they know what the truth is. As they grow older and have a firm foundation of the truth, presenting gray areas won’t be as confusing because they will see more clearly … And have the ability to discern and make the right choice instead of following the crowd. We are training them to follow the crowd of truth and really know and understand what and why we’re following it, so it is not blind. Then that they would be leaders and not followers of things that are false, not good, or would be confusing/send mixed messages while too young to understand…
Although anywhere we are, the family core teaching is primary anyway. Church, school, peers, friends, extended family, and other influences simply serve to support, encourage, and reinforce what is being taught at home, or provide confusion, gray area, lukewarmness, or complete opposition to the truth and values being taught.
I want my kids to have a real relationship with the Lord, love Him deeply, desire that all they do, think, say etc to honor God, love their family and maintain as a high, second priority in life, and I want them to love learning and be encouraged to know and grow in the giftings God has given them as well as persevere in learning some basics that we know will benefit their lives. I want their faith to be real and alive, families to be honored and respected, and learning to be directing them in truth, in key important knowledge, and most importantly in their gifting through the leading of the spirit. I want them to have strong friends who are walking in the direction they are and can encourage them. I know it feels like we are keeping them in an unrealistic bubble, but it is a safe time of training and preparation before sending them out into the world.
Am I open to different opinions? Only on nonessentials otherwise no, not really. I want what to do/have what I am convicted to be right – without compromise. And, as I taught Amabella all year, it doesn’t matter what others think or say, you don’t choose to be like them because it is easier, you do what is healthy for you or what you know to be right. That doesn’t mean we dislike people we disagree with, we simply disagree… In fact, many we love deeply we don’t agree with and we still strive to lovingly stand up for truth and what we consider right for our children, family, and self.
It is exceptionally hard when people you dearly care about or love are involved.
Why are we doing what we are doing? Because friends are doing it. Because others have convictions we may not have, because it is our church, because I don’t want to miss out. Or is it because God is leading us in this direction?