Thursday, June 28, 2012
a question (1) of Principal
As an incoming Principal, I have plenty of questions.
Sometimes a question helps one listen. Sometimes a question reveals most about the questioner, which in search of transparency, is no bad thing. Sometimes a question confirms an intuition. Sometimes a question simply reveals what the next question should be.
I’ve started a list of these questions. Here is the one I’m currently asking
– What is the most important thing a Principal needs to be for the sake of their denominational system?
All responses welcome. Because
yep
you got it ….
Sometimes a response helps one listen. Sometimes a response reveals most about the answerer, which in search of transparency, is no bad thing. Sometimes a response confirms an intuition. Sometimes a response simply reveals what the next question should be.
What is the most important thing? Not sure, but one thing is to be bold and courageous in making known the mystery of the Good News of Jesus (Ephesians 6:22) I’m reading “Building a Discipling Culture” by Mike Breen and he writes that the task of creating an “empowered/discipling culture”must be viewed as a “must-win” battle. Evangelism and Discipleship – they go together … Lord please lead the UCA to do this better and better! 🙂
Comment by Mark Illingworth — June 28, 2012 @ 5:59 pm
Hi Steve. Howzit going? When I saw your post I couldn’t not respond 😉 ‘What is the most important thing a Principal needs to be for the sake of their denominational system?’ I don’t know. I’m interested in the phrase ‘for the sake of’. It seems reminiscent of the 23rd psalm’s ‘for his name’s sake’ and the Apostle Paul’s references to the good news of Jesus Christ. So your question might reveal a wrestling with what’s important to Steve-the-Christ-follower and Steve-the-principal. Thanks for the post Steve. Good on you mate.
Comment by Adrian — June 28, 2012 @ 6:59 pm
Transparent. Living in the uneasy space of both being supportive of the denomination and being a ‘critical friend’. Prophetic. A Shakespearian fool (one who is dependent on the denomination for income, but given the power to stand outside the institution and tell ‘truth’). Both a humble disciple and a discipler.
Comment by Graham — June 28, 2012 @ 9:36 pm
When you plant a tree, think about what it will be in 100 years time. By about 7 years into ministry, your students should be hitting their straps. What are those straps and how do they need to be shaped?
steve
Comment by robin — June 29, 2012 @ 5:41 pm
train leaders who have capacity in leading change – who will be able to connect missional innovation with church systems in theological ways.
phil
Comment by phil — June 30, 2012 @ 9:40 am
Be one of the engineers who helps the church build a bridge to the future. Be the wise one to whom pioneers come to after they have been to the frontier. Be the champion who will hold the present to account for the sake of the future by drawing on the legends & songs of the past that will echo with truth if the space is found. Be the leader of the team both within the college and beyond. And better than all of these is to be yourself in the hands of the forever God.
Comment by peter — June 30, 2012 @ 4:17 pm