There has been a lot of discussion on the importance of Christian schools being free to employ Christian staff. It’s a really important topic, and those involved in Christian Schools know that it would be near impossible for them to fulfil the vision and mission of Christian Education if their staff were not Christian.
However there is a related topic that also needs careful thought. If the staff at Christian schools need to be Christian, how can we be sure that their faith is vibrant and growing? After all, faith is not a static thing. It can deepen, but it can also wane.
Vibrant and Growing Faith
You might have employed a staff member ten years ago. Back then, their faith in Jesus was beyond question. It was vibrant, obvious and overflowed into all areas of their life. But a decade of disappointments and too busy a lifestyle now perhaps sees a very different picture. They have not abandoned faith, but they perhaps only get to their church one week in three. They are hanging on to faith, but you wouldn’t describe it as thriving or flourishing, and realistically, it doesn’t paint a compelling picture to students who are watching on.
Do Christian schools have the responsibility to nurture the faith not just of their students, but also of their staff? At what point does spiritual apathy amongst Christian staff become an impediment to the mission of the school? Should we be more proactive in the spiritual formation of our staff? These are excellent and important questions.
Two Words: Christian AND Education
There are two words in Christian Education - Christian and Education. We don’t hesitate to acknowledge the importance of the second, and most schools go to significant lengths to ensure their staff are effective educators. We readily set aside time for professional learning for all things pedagogical. And so we should. But what about the first word, Christian? Are we as confident that we are helping to keep the Christian in Christian Education?
I recently finished writing a book, Stirrers and Saints: Forming spiritual leaders of skill, depth and character. It discusses the importance of adequate spiritual formation for leadership - be that leadership in the church, a Christian school, or the broader marketplace. How Christian people turn up in the workplace makes a difference.
Spiritual formation doesn’t happen accidentally - it takes focus and intentional spiritual disciplines. In the book I explore several practices we can develop - prayer, reading scripture well, learning from life - including life's disappointments and heartaches. I’m hoping it will be a valuable resource to help all who are willing to step up into leadership.
The book is supplemented by a recently launched podcast, Stirrers and Saints: The Podcast. In the podcast I chat together with Jennifer Argue. Jon Bergmann and Aaron Chidgzey about issues related to leadership and spiritual formation, and how they work their way out in the 21st century. It struck me that these conversations are of enormous relevance to those in Christian Education. The podcast has been produced by the Centre for Faith and Life, and if there are particular topics you would like discussed, send us a message via the website.
The spiritual formation of those involved in Christian Education is not an optional extra. It is mission critical. And it is a space we should all step into. Let’s think about how to do it well.
Dr Brian Harris
Brian has been involved in Christian Education for many years, and is currently the Director of both the Centre for Faith and Life and AVENIR Leadership Institute
A commendation of Stirrers and Saints from Dr Daniel Pampuch, CEO of Christian Schools Australia:
“Brian Harris provides an insightful approach to leadership development by encouraging prospective leaders to consider how they are formed and shaped for the role. This is a timely book as the rhythms, disciplines and approaches which bring about deep transformation are often neglected or overlooked in contemporary literature. Brian advocates for a balance of competence and character in leadership development. In doing so, he challenges the popular model of the heroic, charismatic leader and encourages the valuing of authenticity, humility, sacrifice and service.”