A Call to be Courageous and Cheerful An address to the Christian Schools’ Conference, Auckland, 2011.

Courage – Biblical Model In Greek the root word for courage is linked to the word for cheer, or cheerfulness. A quality that is intricately linked to confidence in God and His provision and protection. Often encouraged at a time of leadership transition or at the beginning of a new venture.

Moses to Joshua Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:7-8 (NIV)

David to Solomon David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.” 1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV)

Ezra – beginning again in Jerusalem Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me. Ezra 7:28 (NIV)

The Apostles – new Church era When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 (NIV)

Christians - us today Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT)

The Challenge for Christian Schools in Modern Day New Zealand to hold firm (stakes in the ground) to navigate (into the future) to engage (present realities)

To Hold Firm: Stakes in the Ground Looking back…

In the Beginning… Most Christian Schools in NZ are: Relatively young. Born from a passion to provide a Christ centred education for children and young people. Founded on a clear mission and set of beliefs.

Time passes… Change happens Changes in leadership New visions and objectives A gradual slide - less focus on the passion, purpose and vision of the founders New priorities can gain higher status … eg: ▫Academic excellence ▫Social responsibility ▫Conformity to requests/needs of others ▫Political and other pressures

Look back – an historical analysis of the founding of your school. What were the circumstances and driving forces of the time? Who were the key people? What drove them? What were the aims and hopes of the founders? What spiritual foundations/Biblical imperatives were involved?

Synthesise and Summarise Check what you find against Biblical Truth and principle. Make sure it is right. (Include your Board, Proprietors, Staff, Community). What has changed? Why? What should be unchanging? Why? Why not? Record a foundation statement for your school. Invigorate your whole school community with a renewed vision and passion.

To Navigate: Into the Future Looking forward.

Where will your school be in 5 or 10 years from now? Is your school preparing children for the future world they are going to live in? What life long values, skills and faith are you embedding in them?

Challenges ahead A Christian World View Values Curriculum Delivery – the best Pedagogy Technology Staffing

A Christian World View Are your students developing a Christian, Biblical world view? How internalised is this view in your students? How much does your school act as a “cocoon,” protecting your children from the world, rather than preparing them to live in the world ? Developing a world view is a developmental process.

Christian Values NZ has a growing spiritual vacuum. Most non Christian families respect and admire a strong values base. Be sure yours is clear – it will attract families open to the Gospel. NZ public schools almost all have a values based programme or focus – from a “common pot of understanding.” How do your school values stand out and how are they embedded in your students?

The Best Curriculum Delivery For Private schools – significant freedom of curriculum choice. Integrated Schools – special character. What does your school offer to make it stand out ahead of other local schools? (Do not rest on the assumption that Christian families will turn up just because of your name).

Pedagogy Children think and learn differently – their brains actually develop patterns of thinking and doing which my generation never had the opportunity to do Children are stronger at visual learning today ▫my generation were auditory learners While some core learning needs to be teacher led, classrooms ought to use high levels of Inquiry based learning.

Technology “We are currently preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist… using technologies that haven’t been invented… in order to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet.” YouTube “Did you know?” version 3

The example of Clarence Jones C0-founder of HCJB Global. A call A passion A commitment to technology spreading the gospel

Staffing How many applicants do you get who are both: A fully - committed mature Christian and An outstanding professional teacher? Prepare tomorrow’s teachers today Scholarships for top high school leavers Shoulder tap appropriate Christians in other professions and assist them to train as teachers

To Engage: Present Realities Some present realities and challenges

The Isolation Factor

“Helicopter schooling” “Curling”

Christian Schools must be outstanding in delivering the highest quality education to the children attending them.

Our children need to be taught by the best Christian teachers we can find.

Our Christian schools must build Christian faith and a Christian World View into the lives of every student

Our Schools must have impassioned, Godly leaders

It all starts and ends with courage, and that courage comes from spending time with Jesus Acts 4:13