English District Blog

The Ewell (B) Log - More Best Practices

For our pastors with early childhood centers and to some extent elementary schools as well ... Much of parenting in an early childhood center takes place in the hallways, corridors and parking lots of the school during drop-off and pick-up. Parents talk, question, share, vent, etc. This is a great time for a pastor and other church staff to be visible (as able) to be there to greet, listen, help, share, It is a great way to connect, try to establish a relationship. This is a best practice of congregations where there is a close school/church connection and a fruitful feeder relationship.

Change or Die!

The statement "change or die" is as harsh as reality gets. "Change your diet and lifestyle or the next heart attack will kill you." Is that statement one of harsh reality or one that is incredibly caring? Maybe it’s both. In the business book "Change or Die" the author Alan Deutschman says your answer doesn't matter. Most people will not change their lifestyle or diet no matter the intent behind the statement change or die.

Creating Community

Friends, I have been doing some reading as it concerns reaching post-modern generations and reaching them with the saving Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I've also spent a little time with our three kids (two of who are Gen Xers masquerading as Millennials and the youngest is a Millennial) and asked them about many things I don't understand. One of these is the time surfing the Internet. I was shocked when my youngest daughter said, "About an hour a day, Dad." "Even at school?," which for her is Concordia University-Irvine. "That's right, Dad.

The Ewell (B)Log - Lincoln's Secrets of Leadership

Recently while reading some articles at www.achievementdigest.com, I ran across a piece by Gene Griessman titled, "Top 7 Secrets of Communication that Abraham Lincoln Used for Effective Leadership." I believe that there can be some real applications here for leaders in our churches and schools as well.

The seven simple, timeless principles of good communication and leadership that Abraham Lincoln utilized were as follows:

1) IF YOU WANT TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY, YOU MUST HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY.

2) USE STORIES, ANALOGIES AND IMAGERY (not "jokes").

3) ASK QUESTIONS.

The Ewell (B)Log - Educational Gleanings

Dear Fellow Educators Serving the Master Teacher,

If you are a member of ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) or have access to their publications, please check out the September 2007 issue of EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP titled "Teachers as Leaders." I read this issue on a plane this past Sunday afternoon and many insightful suggestions and examples are provided as to how principals can help equip and value teachers as leaders within the school. Do check it out!
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