A Special Message from Cecil

“So That The World May Know You Have Sent Me”

We continue to hear reports from many schools in the Western Division that are thriving in terms of enrollment and being challenged by Governor or Public Health Officer Orders that conflict with what the school’s staff and families want. In some cases, this is causing some friction between the school and parents, staff, or both groups.

We have been gathering with Christian school leaders in groups for months to discuss the government Orders and the response of Christian schools. The perspectives and convictions of Christian schools vary from one community to the next. In some cases, different Christian schools within the same community conflict with differing perspectives regarding the best response to government Orders.

I encourage Christian school leaders to give each other a considerable measure of grace and space to work through pandemic-related issues within each school. Each community is different and comprised of unique individuals. On occasion, since the beginning of the pandemic, I have seen and heard tension and frustration between school leaders related to COVID protocols. Specifically, how a school responds to Orders and regulations when they are not consistent with other nearby schools. The conflict is understandable and, in some cases, has caused some Christian schools to lose students to other Christian schools, which adds an enrollment and financial element to the tension.

Suppose you find yourself in a disagreement with how another Christian school is following, or not following, a government Order or regulation. In that case, I want to encourage you to be gracious and remember that each school is comprised of their leadership (Board, Head of School, and leadership team) who are considering the Scriptures, the needs of their students and families, and the convictions of their leaders, which are sometimes in conflict with one another.

When I have been in conflict situations with other believers, the Lord has often brought a prayer of Jesus to mind. “I ask not only on behalf of these (that’s the disciples) but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word (that’s us), that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.  The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23).

I’ll wrap up this note by sharing Romans 12:18, which the Lord has also brought to mind during a conflict, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Your work and that of your school team are an essential light in your community. May it always shine brightly!

Cecil Swetland, Ed.D.