What is the difference between the culture in your school and the climate in your school?
The culture of your school is the shared purpose, beliefs, and values embraced by your school families and staff. The climate, on the other hand, is more about how it feels to be a part of the school ministry.
I must admit that, over the years, I have given plenty of focus and attention to the climate of my schools. I have done so because I believe the climate can reveal potential issues within the culture, but it can also reveal how a school will respond during times of stress, uncertainty, or difficulty.
What do I mean by that?
Looking back over the last few weeks, remember that being transformed by and fully committed to Christ is foundational for any leader of a Christian school. A leader who is fully committed to Christ should be Spirit-filled and empowered to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord while leading their school to do the same.
Those two things, however, do not guarantee that everything in the school will always be rainbows and butterflies. In fact, the reason a school leader must guard and fight for truth is that a leader who is seeking to live for the Lord and train young people to know and live for Him will face opposition and spiritual attack.
This is why I believe it is imperative that the climate of a Christian school be saturated with gratitude and joy.
Michael Zigarelli wrote in his book Cultivating Christian Character, “High-virtue Christians are more consistently Christlike because of their gratitude, their joyful lifestyle, and their God-centeredness.” Scripture echoes this truth as well:
- Rejoicing always is God’s will
- Giving thanks is God’s will
- God has given us joy to the fullest
- We can give thanks in all circumstances
- The joy of the Lord is our strength
A climate built on gratitude and joy can bring leaders, teachers, and families together as we do life together for the cause of Christ. So, how can leaders maximize their time and intentionally build this kind of climate in their schools?
- Be visible and accessible. Teachers and families need to know that you are there for them.
- Build others up with biblical truth. Use your words to encourage, challenge, and remind others of who they are in Christ.
- Hold the bar high, praise excellent effort, celebrate the wins, and continue pointing people to Christ.
- Find ways to connect with people apart from the “business” of the school. Go to lunch with parents or teachers, laugh with one another, pray for one another, and have fun together as people who share the same mission.
We have so much to be grateful and joyful about. Make that your focus today!
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