Show Gratitude for School Leaders

Public school leaders desire the support of clergy. Like clergy, public school leaders want students to become better individuals and work toward that aim. When clergy harshly criticize public school leaders, public school leaders can feel under-appreciated because they share a common concern and care with pastors for youth: to produce better individuals and a better society. As student ministers express gratitude for public school leaders, they acknowledge school leaders' importance and value; they acknowledge and affirm the partnership between clergy and school leaders. Kentucky public high school principals reported viewing themselves as partners with clergy.  

Conclusion

It is my hope that this discussion will contribute to necessary dialogue among Christian, evangelical leaders about their attitudes and approaches toward public school leaders. Working relationships between schools and churches can exist foster learning contexts for school leaders, students, parents and pastors. Pastors need to be teachable and nonjudgmental. Striving for such working relationships represents one aspect of a broader strategy to serve students and families and the community. As leaders of his church seek to serve schools in their community, they communicate their concern and the concern of Christ in a manner that is cooperative and nurturing because it is the heart of Christ which compels our hearts to serve the people around us.

Bibliography

Clark, Chap. (2004). Hurt: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

DeVries, Mark. (2004). Family-Based Youth Ministry (2nd ed.). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Gangel, Kenneth O. (1989). Feeding and Leading. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.

Gangel, Kenneth O., & Canine, Samuel L. (1992). Communication and Conflict Management in Churches and Christian Organizations. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers.

Haynes, Charles C., & Thomas, Oliver. (2002). Finding Common Ground: A Guide to Religious Liberty in Public Schools. Nashville, TN: First Amendment Center.