RenewCast

Seek the welfare of the city! While the notion of place-based education isn't an entirely new concept, it's not the sort of focus we typically find in Christian Schools. However, there's strong theological and philosophical reasons why Christian schools should focus their curriculum and programs to helping students flourish in the place where God has put them. In order to do this well, the Christian School ought equip students with a deeper understanding of their communities: the history, geography, environment, stories, culture, and art. Not only does this build upon the notion of flourishing where God has planted us, it also grounds students and gives them a greater sense of belonging as we build programs to help student connect ideas to what they see and can experience around them.

All Parents feel overwhelmed, but the two books we discuss in this episode are intended to help parents feel a bit more "on top" of what it means to be parents, and both books provide practical advice to be more intentional in this great calling. Justin Whitmel Early's book (Habits of the Household) and Jon Tyson's book (The Intentional Father) are both designed to get parents thinking more proactively about discipleship and formation as the the primary focus of Christian parents. Both books are convicting but encouraging, because they remind of us of things we all know we should be doing, but they provide great hope, rooted in the gospel of Jesus. You can find the books hereHabits of the Household: https://a.co/d/3rjtVlrThe Intentional Father: https://a.co/d/9sPisPh

Every Christian School emphasizes the importance of God's Word, but we're likely inconsistent and confused about the place that God's Word has in our schools - not just philosophically, but in the day-in, day-out practices and programs. Tragically, many of our Christian schools reduce the Bible to a tool inserted into our lessons, displayed on posters, and quoted on the tops of quizzes and tests but not foundational to the very fabric of our schools. In fact, by inserting Scripture all over the place, we may actually be minimizing the place Scripture should have, rather than exalting it. Host Noah Brink discusses the necessity of Christian school leaders to know and love God's Word who long to see a God-centered approach to Scripture as the very goal of the school and all its parts.

A Conversation with Paya Sample of Peak Leaders Collective. The health of a school culture is directly linked to the health of the faculty culture. Building that culture requires rhythms of growth and trust that are nurtured by intentional leadership presence. Our conversation with Paya Sample primarily focuses on being present in classrooms (faculty evaluations and observations), but it's so much bigger than that. Commitment to being in the classroom has to be at the top of any academic leader's priority list, because a healthy faculty culture requires that teachers feel seen and known; it requires that they feel trusted; it requires that they are nurtured toward growth by a leader who is first-and-foremost there to support them. In this episode, Paya offers wonderful reflections on school leadership, some "principal hacks," and fabulous resources. Super important information, because a culture of learning and growing teachers will necessarily result in a culture of learning and growing students. Even more than this, it also models a tangible belief in the gospel of Jesus. For, we are people of need - need for Jesus, and need for each other. This is where we find hope and vibrancy. To learn more about Paya and her work at Peak Leaders Collective, visit https://www.peakleaderscollective.com and to learn more about Renew Education, visit https://www.renew-education.org

Joy may be the most important aspect of the healthy, Christian school. Because we're not merely trying to impart information but see lives transformed and shaped, we must be communities of joy. If we're not, our schools will merely be schools: biblical, spiritual formation won't happen; our students will see Christianity as an add-on to an otherwise secular endeavor; learning will become utilitarian - to further the personal interests of our students and their families. But, if we want to see lasting change, we have to run headlong toward joy.

We need breaks - not just in school life, but in all of life. Not only do these breaks provide bookends and rhythms for the academic calendar, they also say something about who we are and what we need as people.

It's not uncommon to hear people of faith say, "it's not about you." It's even the first sentence in Rich Warren's popular book, *The Purpose Driven Life.* But, this statement is more than a healthy reminder; in fact, it's a foundational aspect of the Christian worldview.

http://www.renew-education.org

What should we do when a students ask their teachers whether or not Santa is real? It's especially complicated at the Elementary school grades, where parents have different perspectives, and teachers want to both respect those differences and capitalize on the opportunity for transformative learning.

At Christmastime, Christians talk about the importance and necessity of the Incarnation, and we celebrate Jesus as Immanuel. The words of Christmas bring wonder and thanksgiving, but they're also critical parts to seeing Christianity as a worldview. The realities of both "incarnation" and Immanuel" are worldview-shaping beliefs that should affect Christians' view of all things – not merely at Christmas, but every day.

What do we really want to see in our schools? What's the goal? Why do our schools exist? What do we want our students to learn? Far too often, we go through the motions of "doing school," yet we rarely consider how our philosophy and theology affect our approach to learning - both in the overall curricular program and in the day-to-day.