Governance Corner

As I write to you, I am on the last leg of an overseas trip that has taken me through London, Paris, Florence and Rome. Whilst there is no specific correlation to my role on the LESNW Board, the trip has given me time to reflect on the year so far, as well as appreciate the life and work of the early Christian church. We have been fortunate to experience incredible churches, basilicas, historical sites and artwork that predominantly focus on the life of Christ, his early church, and his disciples throughout the past 2,000 years.

The extent of the work is overwhelming, and I would have no doubt that when our church fathers and ancestors began work on some of these projects, they would have had moments where they would question the value of what they were doing or felt overwhelmed by the size of the project. Even Michelangelo came under fierce scrutiny when he was painting The Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel – something that we think of as absurd now. I would be surprised if most of you haven’t had moments in your ministry or service where these feelings or events have occurred. I hope I’m not an orphan in this!

What this has shown me is that as long as we have a sound plan and purpose that has been thought out, discussed, scrutinised, and pressure tested (by means of researching, seeking options, etc.), we should be confident to move forward despite the challenges or doubts that may arise. The result has the potential to last a long time. The outworking in our line of work is the impact we have on our students and their families. Not just from an educational perspective, but by showing them the love of God through how we go about things. Have you heard the saying “Culture is what you do when nobody is looking”?  In my own business, I challenge myself with this. What is my behaviour, actions and reactions telling my staff and clients? This is what I would like to think I am bringing to our Board as well.

Paul is one of my Bible heroes. I was able to visit the site in Rome where they believe his burial site is (Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls). Paul’s letters are all flavoured with the Christian community throughout the known world being God’s new creation. We are “on Earth as it is in Heaven”—God’s representatives on Earth. My hope and prayer is that as we go about our board work and our roles and responsibilities in our learning communities, we hold firm to the plans and purposes that have been carefully and considerably made, and show all who come into our orbit the love of God in how we go about things.

Yours in His Service