Tuesday 23rd September saw 150 delegates attend the Board of Education’s Annual School Leaders’ Conference. It was held this year at Hope University, Childwall and the theme of the conference was ‘Flourishing for All’ based on John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches … remain in me and you will bear much fruit.”
The day began with a Eucharist and Commissioning Service led by Bishop Ruth who also preached. The worship was beautifully enhanced and enriched by the choir from The Deanery Church of England High School, Wigan who helped lead the musical aspects of the service. Students from the school also read the lessons and led our intercessions. A real reminder of our calling as educators and as servant leaders. During the service every headteacher was re-commissioned in their role and every schools was prayed for.
After the Eucharist, Sufian Sadiq, the Director of Talent & Teaching School at Chiltern Learning Trust, spoke passionately about how, as Christian Schools, we need to reclaim Christian aspects living out Christian values in order to ‘bear much fruit’. He challenged all leaders there to get to know everyone that we work with, get to know their stories, to invest in them ‘beyond the classroom’.
In addition to the Communion Service in the morning, Bishop Ruth gave an encouraging key note after lunch. She reminded us that we are chosen by God to undertake the task that He has given us. We have our identity in Christ and we should be clothing ourselves in kindness, forgiveness, humility, gentleness and love. So that, as we lead our schools we actively are living out true Christian values.
Before the final keynote, Childwall Church of England Primary School Choir performed three songs. Their singing was of the highest quality and, what’s more, they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. A very uplifting experience for all who experienced it.
The day concluded with Amy White, tutor in theology at Emmanuel Theological College, reminding us of the shepherd and sheep metaphors that we read about in the Bible. As leaders we are shepherds and that the most effective shepherds are great at keeping watch. We need to use out power wisely. We are also sheep and part of God’s flock and He is the best shelter, overseer, protector and provider that we need.
Please pray throughout this academic year for our 119 Church schools that serve over 35,000 children and young people. Pray for energy for staff and wisdom for leaders but especially for the pupils who are growing up in a rapidly changing, and often challenging, world.
