Early Education News & Nuggets

Created to Create

As an administrator, leader, or teacher, you are in a position to create culture since you were fashioned in the Creator’s image (Genesis 1:27)! Let’s look at some ways that Jesus created culture. Regarding God’s concern for the poor, He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Referring to the woman who was caught in adultery, Jesus taught that we shouldn’t cast the first stone because we are all guilty of sin (John 8:1–11). He also said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Luke 19:14). He created a new—and authoritative—perspective on the poor, on being judgmental, and about children, who have value and worth. These are only a few examples of how He created a positive and life-affirming culture. 

Preparing for the new school year, or the beginning of a semester, is a great time to reflect and ask the Lord if there is anything in our lives that needs to change. This could be the perfect time to adjust a few things. Dream big! As you begin to embrace this idea, keep in mind that we are different from God in that we cannot create from nothing, but we can create from the materials that He has already created (Crouch, 2009). Push back the walls and let the Holy Spirit guide your thinking and your planning. Culture making or creating is just that—a time to implement intentional practices by making changes or by stopping some old ways of doing things. Do you see yourself in a position to create culture at your school or center? As a leader, you can create culture, but how? What needs to be added or removed to create a new or different culture in your classroom? What are one or two values you want to teach the students in your care? Responsibility, servanthood, respect, curiosity, or asking questions, just to name a few. If you want to foster curiosity, then you will need to model it by asking questions like, “I wonder …?” or “What if …? to spark some new thoughts or conversations. Ask the children if they have questions. Begin to implement Bloom’s Taxonomy whenever you introduce a new subject. Have fun with this!  

So, let’s begin to apply this to our situations or circumstances. Can you come up with one characteristic you would like your students to learn or become? Pray and ask the Lord how to cultivate this in your classroom or school. Seek wise counsel through networking with other early education leaders and learning how they do this in their current setting. By doing so, you will create a new culture that impacts the Kingdom. Embracing the concept or seizing the opportunity to create culture could change the impact of your school on families and your community—all for the glory of the Lord.

*Culture Making, Crouch, Andy. 2009. InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, IL.