The Importance of the +1
Blueprint Schools is a team of consultants who helps Christian schools across the country build thriving programs and sustainable organizations. The Blueprint consultants believe – with God’s blessing and faithful building – a school can move from surviving to thriving, so they encourage school teams to invest in building the 7+1 Components of a School Ministry.
The seven components are visible in the blue boxes. And as you may have already concluded, the important +1 refers to the Church-School Relationship, seen near the cross at the top of the diagram. That relationship is vital because a church is always a significant factor in school development. A church always influences the wellbeing of its school.
A church always influences the wellbeing of its school.
Possible church factors affecting school development might include any of the following, and likely others, depending on local circumstances.
Communication (between the church and the ECM/LES, among ministry leaders, etc.)
Conflict (wherever it might exist)
Culture (church personality, how people act/treat each other, what people most value)
Facilities (adequate, functional, allow for ministry growth, location)
Finances (financial stability, church support, revenue streams vs. needs)
Organizational Structure (framework outlining the reporting relationships, roles, responsibilities, and lines of communication)
Outreach (existing vs. needed efforts, member mindset, leadership in this area)
Philosophy of Ministry (understanding why we do what we do the way we do it)
Program Offerings (especially those that would attract young families)
Relationships (church/school, among called workers, healthy conflict)
Reputation of Church (how the church is known or viewed within the community)
Spiritual Growth (participation in Bible study, opportunities, overall spiritual growth)
Staffing (adequate or inadequate, involvement in ECM/LES)
Strategic Planning (regular planning cycles, consistent execution, well-defined roles and responsibilities, meaningful measurables, responsible reporting)
A key question is:
In what ways is the church enabling the school/early childhood center’s development, and in what ways may the church be hindering school/early childhood center’s development?
As Blueprint Schools has worked with ministries across the country, responses to this question have varied. In some locations church factors have overwhelmingly supported school development, and we shared many commendations. In other locations, there are a mix of commendations and concerns. Whatever the responses were at each location, it was VITAL that the above question was answered willingly and honestly. Without an honest assessment of a church-school relationship, it is difficult for that relationship to improve.
For Your Ministry Team to Discuss
Does your church-school ministry clearly understand its relationship? Its blessings and challenges? Where it is thriving…and where it might be experiencing stagnation or difficulties?
A review and discussion of the areas above can help you team clearly, honestly, and lovingly gain understanding of its church-school relationship. This is the first step to improving that relationship!
Feel like you need some help? One of the most helpful ways to get an honest assessment of your ministry’s church-school relationship is by getting an outside perspective. An outside perspective can guide difficult discussions, build unity, and gather data, feedback, and insights necessary for making decisions and plans.
Blueprint Schools provides an outside perspective through our Progress Report and Blueprint Plan process - and it’s one of our favorite ways to help ministries build their church-school relationship! If you are wondering where to start or want to learn more about the Progress Report process, consider taking the first step by scheduling a Zoom consultation with us. We’ll listen, ask questions, and help you find a way forward for your unique school ministry.
