programs that were not possible with-
ers, students, parents, and church
out their combined enrollment. Once
members. Multiple forums were
“By supporting one another,
connected, these two schools jointly
synchronized around a timeline to
sharing
resources,
and
devel-
engaged in athletic and spiritual
ensure key stakeholders were present-
emphasis programs, facilitating the
ed the path forward and allowed to
oping a collaborative plan,
development of solid relationships
address their questions and concerns
Christian schools can claim
among school leaders, parents, and
in a timely fashion prior to the end of
much more ground in the
the student body.
that school year. Each communica-
In the middle of the second year of
tion was designed specifically for the
fight for His children.”
collaboration, the potential long-term
target audience.
fruit of this synergistic relationship
While developing the perfect
was obvious. However, aligning two
recipe for partnership is not possible,
Christian school boards and two church boards around
given the varying circumstances surrounding each situation,
a mutual path forward presented a significant challenge.
there are certainly a few key success factors to incorporate
Renewanation facilitated discussions between the two
into a Christian school collaboration effort:
pastors, each from different denominational backgrounds,
1. Identify a “Big Picture” Champion to Facilitate Collabo-
to establish alignment on primary doctrinal issues and
ration → Objective, Trusted Facilitator
structure a conceptual path for partnering. These two
2. Secure Leadership Commitment and Alignment → Big
Kingdom-minded pastors agreed that the greatest impact
“K” Kingdom Focus
to the local community and God’s Kingdom would be
3. Foster Teamwork and Build Trust → Event-based,
realized outside of growing either of their own church and
Relationship-building Approach
school kingdoms. Their focus must be on the overall health
4. Establish a Win-Win Agreement → Prayerful, Joint Core
(spiritual, academic, financial, etc.) of the two entities to
Team Sharing the Vision
accomplish the shared goal of increasing the number of
5. Pay Attention to the Details → Thorough Assessment of
children that would receive a biblical worldview education.
All Christian School Elements
Space considerations, existing enrollment numbers, and
6. Plan Communications Carefully → Crafted with Audi-
neighboring educational options helped to solidify which
ence and Timing in Mind
school would become the feeder entity. With a general
As the new school year was launched, the combined
framework outlined, both school boards and both church
enrollment from the two Christian schools grew from
leadership teams voted to begin detailed discussions.
212 to 270, a 27% increase. Thirteen of the fifteen eligible
Covered in continual prayer, a collaborative “tiger team”
students made the transition from the feeder school to
with trusted representatives from each Christian school and
the
partner high school, with the other two students also
each church leadership team was assembled to establish a
remaining in Christian education (one homeschooled, one
collaborative path forward. Renewanation facilitated the
in another neighboring Christian school). Additionally,
team through a two-month process to map out key consid-
each school reported improved financial health as a result
erations including schedules, curriculum, extracurricular
of the collaborative path. These pastors and administrators
activities, transportation, and tuition rates. Finally, the team
gained
a refreshing realization that partnering could estab-
designed a tuition-sharing program for students transition-
lish a better foundation for God to provide growth and yield
ing from the feeder school, providing financial benefit to
amazing results.
both schools. This step confirmed the commitment from
Partnering cultivates impactful Kingdom rewards. Stay
each school to make this partnership a long-term, “win-win”
open to how God may use your Christian school to reach
relationship. With trust already secured over the past school
more children in your community with a biblical worldview
year and a common goal clearly articulated from leadership,
education. For further discussion on how Renewanation
these detailed discussions were both positive and productive.
can best support your Christian school, contact us today at
As is often the case, the most difficult aspect of this
transition was communication: to board members, teach-
[email protected] or 1-855-TO-RENEW.
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