Lewis Center for Church Leadership from Wesley Theological Seminary for Wednesday, 30 July 2014

Lewis Center for Church Leadership from Wesley Theological Seminary for Wednesday, 30 July 2014   
Effective Church-School Partnerships by Nicole Baker Fulgham
Effective church-school partnerships take a true commitment and willingness to build long-term, sacrificial relationships. Learning from the many congregations that have begun partnerships with low-income schools, we can take away several key lessons on what works and what doesn’t.
Meet the Need
Find out what schools need, and meet those needs. Period. While I understand the temptation to dictate what we see as their needs, that approach isn’t likely to get congregations very far. The school leadership, teachers, and parents know what they need. They are there every day and we’re not. If a school says they don’t need something, don’t do it. Don’t make assumptions about a school’s need without talking to the leadership. I’ve heard dozens of stories of church-school partnerships run aground because congregations didn’t pay attention to this first and crucial step. Also, let’s not forget that communities of faith might initially be viewed with skepticism. One way to overcome that is to approach a school as a humble listener. And humble listeners don’t set the agenda; humble listeners find a way to meet pressing needs.
Leave Your Agenda at the Door
Agendas, whether hidden or overt, have no place in church-school partnerships. Given the church’s tumultuous relationship with public education during the last 60 years, we need to pay particular attention to this point. I cannot think of a better way to ruin a church’s potential to help a low-income public school than by secretly hoping to infiltrate the school for the purposes of proselytizing the students, families, or faculty. Trust me, they know if you’re trying to do it. For those who feel compelled to share their faith with others, there are places for that. A church-school partnership just isn’t one of them.
Build Authentic, Trusting Relationships
We’re not going to get anywhere without strong relationships. If we want to do this well, we need to be patient, because these relationships will take time to develop. In our era of instant gratification and technology that presents information in less than a nanosecond, this can be challenging. We want everything to move quickly, but we’ll need to exercise patience. Churches build credibility by taking time to get to know the school community and doing little things well. Otherwise, we run the risk of schools not ever really trusting the congregation to help with mission-critical initiatives.
On the flip side, church members don’t want to feel as though they’re serving in the context of a “transactional relationship.” One church leader I spoke to said his church didn’t take the time to develop real relationships with a public school, so their work ended up feeling more like what he termed an “ATM partnership.” The church met a few financial needs for the school but never really built the type of trusting relationships that would have fostered a much deeper and long-lasting partnership. In one telling account, the school called this particular pastor to see if the church could help with a teacher appreciation luncheon. The church agreed to supply the food and, of course, wanted to attend the luncheon to socialize with the teachers and faculty. Unfortunately they hadn’t built real relationships with the school, so the principal informed the church that they didn’t think it would be appropriate since the teachers didn’t really know anyone at church. Not surprisingly, the congregation eventually lost interest in the school partnership and it folded.
Build on Existing Relationships
While this isn’t always possible, churches should look to build partnerships where they have an existing “in” at a school in a low-income neighborhood. My church built a partnership with a school where our outreach pastor’s wife had worked for more than a decade. That gave our church a certain amount of initial credibility. We still had to do the hard work of building trusting relationships, but that preliminary connection certainly helped. If church leaders do a quick assessment of their congregation, I’d be willing to bet that someone in the pews works at a low-income public school, sends their child to a school in a low-income neighborhood, or knows someone who does.
Cultivate a Network of Champions at the School
Churches find it helpful to build relationships with multiple stakeholders on school campuses, given the fluctuating nature of public school leaders and staff. Not only does this allow for continuity if a key staff member leaves the school, but it also helps build more investment and support for the partnership.
Have an Eye toward Student Achievement
Every school in low-income communities has a plethora of needs, and churches will likely feel compelled to meet each of them. At the end of the day, I encourage churches to prioritize their support for programs and activities that help increase student achievement. There is certainly a need for congregations to support schools with social services, but that tends to be where many churches start and end their support. As congregations build relationships with the school leadership and faculty, continually ask about ways the church can support student learning. Ultimately we want to help close the academic achievement gap.
Nicole Baker Fulgham is the founder and president of The Expectations Project, a non-profit organization that develops and mobilizes faith-motivated advocates who help close the academic achievement gap in public schools. This article is excerpted from her book Educating All God’s Children: What Christians Can — and Should — Do to Improve Public Education for Low-Income Kids, Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group, April 2013. Used by permission. Available through Amazon and Cokesbury.
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Educating All God’s Children Reviewed by Ann A. Michel
Any church leader looking to be convinced that the state of public education in America is a Christian concern need look no further than Nicole Baker Fulgham’s Educating All God’s Children: What Christians Can — and Should — Do to Improve Public Education for Low-Income Children (Brazos Press, 2013). The book makes a compelling case that the academic achievement gap in public schools is a moral issue that demands the attention of faith communities. The author’s particular focus is the endemic disparities and systemic failures that prevent low-income students from realizing the promise of a quality education.
The book’s narrative is deeply personal, drawing on the author’s experiences as a student in the Detroit Public School system, as part of the Teach for America movement, and as a Christian. Yet it paints a compelling portrait of the bigger picture as well, giving readers a sense of the policies, politics, and economics of school reform. Where others see intractable problems, the author sees hope and possibility grounded in her unshakable conviction that every child is capable of academic success if given the right opportunities.   
Educating All God’s Children is most helpful in addressing the question of why American churchgoers should care about underperforming schools and students. Chapter Five explores three interwoven themes to construct a biblical framework for focusing on the needs of schools — the inherent potential of each and every child created in God’s image, the scriptural mandate to care for the poor, and God’s heart for justice. The book does not prescribe solutions, advocate a specific change agenda, or provide many how-to details for churches getting started in work with local schools. Its goal is to motivate and mobilize people of faith to be advocates and change agents in the quest for quality education for all children. Its task is a prophetic one, calling God’s people — individually and collectively — to faithfulness in the face of apathy and injustice.
Ann A. Michel is Associate Director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership. Educating All God’s Children (Brazos Press 2013) is available from Amazon and Cokesbury.
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Quotable Leadership:
If quantifying the results of our ministry is the “science” of leadership, then describing the results we are called to make and measuring our fruitfulness by intentional and disciplined conversation is the “art” of leadership.(Gil Rendle)
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Serve Your Neighbor: Your Local Schools as Mission
Our local schools provide many opportunities for mission within our own neighborhoods, and increasing numbers of churches support their local schools through ministries large and small. If your congregation is considering a school-focused initiative, our Engaging Local Schools video resource can help you take the first steps. You will learn: 
1.why schools should matter to the church 
2.how to discern a vision for supporting local schools
3.how to respond to the needs of your local schools by using the unique gifts that your church has to offer
4.models and best practices for ministries supporting students and teachers 
Engaging Local Schools is ecumenical and is designed both for self study and for use with groups in your church. Learn more and watch introductory videos now.
http://www.churchleadership.com/serveyourneighbor/EngagingLocalSchools.asp?id=li20140730
Resources: Serve Your Neighbor
Engaging Local Schools Resource cover image
Engaging Local Schools Resource
Increasing numbers of churches are considering how they can best support and engage their local schools. Through videos, presentations, and supplemental materials, the Engaging Local Schools Resource guides your congregation in considering questions that are critical to the success of a school-focused service initiative:
How can your church express more fully a heart for the needs of children and schools?
How can you discern a vision for a school partnership that responds to the needs present in your context and utilizes the unique gifts your church has to offer?
What are models and best practices for ministries that support students and teachers?
Engaging Local Schools is ecumenical and designed for both self study and for use with groups in your church.
$75
Available at the Church Leadership Store
in DVD/CD and downloadable formats.
Enter store
Bulk rates are available. Learn more (PDF).

Presenters
Rev. Tom Berlin Rev. Asa Lee Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr. Dr. Ann Michel
Rev. Tom Berlin — pastor of Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon, Va.
Rev. Asa Lee — assistant director for programs of the Lewis Center
Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr. — distinguished professor of church leadership and director of the Lewis Center
Dr. Ann Michel — associate director of the Lewis Center
Video presentations
Engaging Local Schools includes three video presentations.
Preview
The Power of Doing What Matters
By Rev. Tom Berlin
Floris United Methodist Church has found exciting and creative ways to engage with a nearby school. Rev. Tom Berlin describes this one part of their mission outreach that is both local and global.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvh25Ch671Y
Preview
Why Schools Matter to the Church
By Rev. Asa J. Lee
School partnerships are part of a larger mission of engaging our communities. In order for this work to be effective, the local church must have a clear theological grounding for its action. Rev. Asa J. Lee provides theological and biblical framing for engaging our schools.
<iframe width="249" height="140" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oz2-v87fqMs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Preview
Discerning a Vision for Supporting a Local School
By Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
What type of school partnership will work in your setting? Each school has unique needs and every congregation has unique gifts and resources to employ in serving the community. This presentation outlines steps to take before launching a school partnership to learn better what needs are present in your schools and to assess your congregation’s strengths so that a school partnership plan will be fruitful in your context.
Narrated presentations and resources
Engaging Local Schools also includes narrated presentations with brief video introductions, other resources, and many supplementary materials related to the videos and presentations.
<iframe width="248" height="140" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/PCRJxs9S4nQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Introduction
Supplying Student Needs
By Dr. Ann Michel
This presentation offers an overview of school partnership programs that provide students with school supplies, books, meals, or uniforms. It considers some of the opportunities and challenges of this type of ministry, lifting up examples and best practices.
<iframe width="248" height="140" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HhzJMYNFk3M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Introduction
Supporting and Affirming Teachers
By Dr. Ann Michel
Teachers are key to the success of our schools. This presentation considers how your congregation can support local education through efforts to honor, support, and recognize teachers.
<iframe width="248" height="140" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FIVEFwysvEs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Introduction
Helping Students Succeed
By Rev. Asa Lee
This presentation provides an overview of school partnership programs that deploy church volunteers to work directly with students, including mentoring, tutoring, before- and after-care, and academic enrichment programs. This presentation also considers the need for appropriate training and safety precautions to ensure that a child-centered ministry is conducted in a sound and appropriate manner.
Introduction
<iframe width="248" height="140" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/suMZAy64EVo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Developing a Heart for the Needs of Children and Schools
By Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
What is your congregation’s understanding of schools? This presentation considers what can be done in your church to build awareness and support for local schools.
<iframe width="248" height="140" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xJouCJJrW70" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Other resources and supplementary materials
What Can Your Church Do Through Partnerships to Support Children, Teachers and Your Public Schools? from the United Church of Christ Justice & Witness Ministries
50 Ways to Engage Local Schools, a Lewis Center Resource
Why Should Churches Serve Children in Poverty? and Communicating a Vision for a Church-School Partnership by Jake McGlothin, Director of Serve Ministries, Floris UMC
Chart: Identifying Strategic Initiatives
Experiencing Public Schools: A Process of Immersion and Discernment from the United Church of Christ Justice & Witness Ministries
Identify Community Ministry Needs by Listening by Joy F. Skjegstad
Floris UMC’s “Help Hungry Kids” Program Information
Celebrating Educators Program, Community of Christ, Kansas City, MO
Demonstrate Vision in Relevant Ways, Impact Church, Atlanta, GA
The Character Club, Mount Olivet Baptist Church
Volunteer Handbook, Germantown UMC, Germantown, TN
Mentoring Guide, PALS Mentoring Program, Floris UMC, Herndon, VA
Enter store Engaging Local Schools is available at the Church Leadership Store.

http://www.churchleadershipstore.com/index.php?_a=category&cat_id=7

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The Right Question
Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.
Sometimes delegation does not work. Before moving ahead, take time to ask these questions to understand what went wrong.
Did I delegate to the wrong person?
Was the task too much for one person?
Were my expectations unrealistic?
Did I provide sufficient guidance?
Did I monitor progress and stay connected?
Was I available for support? 
Want more Right Questions? Check out “Right Questions for Church Leaders: Volumes 1–3.”
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Editors: Lovett H. Weems, Jr., and Ann A. Michel. Production: Carol Follett
Wesley Theological Seminary. 
4500 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016 United States
(202) 885-8757
lewiscenter@wesleyseminary.edu
Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Wesley Theological Seminary
4500 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016 United States
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