Abide Master Plan

7 Intentional Connecting: Building community REFLECTION QUESTIONS: We invite you to consider where you are and where you want to be in the context of the following questions. 1. How do I (or can I) contribute to community amongst the staff? 2. How do I (or how can I) help build community amongst the students? 3. How do I (or how can I) reach out to the families of my students in meaningful ways that involve them in school life? What is my communication with families like and does it model a Christ-like approach? 4. What is being (or can be) done to encourage students to lead out in building community in my school? To what extent are families currently involved n building community in my school? 5. How can I involve more families (and different families) to take ownership of the community that supports our school’s vision statement? 6. How does (or could) my local Adventist church promote community within the school context? God said that it was not good for man to be alone and in the same way, God doesn’t want any of the educators, students, or support staff to feel alone in your school. The early Christian church modelled a vibrant community that changed the world. Being intentionally connected as a spiritual community builds meaningful relationships and helps people to remain alive and bearing fruit as they abide in Jesus. Community doesn’t necessarily mean more events; sometimes fewer but more purposeful, well-attended events can have a greater impact on community. A focus on healthy school culture will bring about a strong community. Too often we forget the impact that our schools have on the families of our students. The interactions and sharing of information between teachers, students, and families can either seek to build eternal relationships — or not. We are given this advice: “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11, NLT) “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.” — Ellen G White, Help in Daily Living , p. 2