A Peculiar Formation

This speech was given on April 26, 2018 at TCCS during the Legacy Challenge Fundraiser. Following this speech, Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries gave the main address.

Explicit or hidden, a message exists within any organization, group, or event.  And that those who enter into it will come away being formed in some way by the message or practices of that particular place.  

Imagine with me for a moment going through the following….

Walking into a Chik-Fil-A, you notice the cleanliness and crisp look of the interior. You go up to the counter, are immediately greeted by the employee with a smile and you order a Chicken Sandwich combo. You ask for your favorite sauce, say “thank you” and immediately are provided with a “my pleasure”.  You pay for the order, take the receipt, say thank you, and again hear a “my pleasure”. Soon, your food arrives at your table, again you say thank you and again before the words are fully out of your mouth, a “my pleasure” comes from the employee.

OR you are invited to a friends house for supper. You drive up and notice the light is on outside the house. Your friend greets you at the door with a hug and offers to take your coat.  Your coat is hung up and as you gather around the table for supper, the meal begins in prayer.

OR you go to a sporting event, maybe a football game in US Bank stadium in Minneapolis, MN.  In the time leading up to the game, there are flames are shooting up as the players run out, music is turned all the way up, the Viking horn blares loud, and the fans are chanting “SKOL” while clapping their hands over their head in unison.

Chik-Fil-A, your friend, and the Minnesota Vikings may not always tell you what they are doing, but it doesn’t take much to see what they hold in high regard and how their environments are set up to make you feel a certain way and through repeated interactions, shape who you are.

Schooling is no different.

Dr. Richard Edlin, in his book The Cause of Christian Education, states that “schooling is not and can never be neutral because schooling seeks to shape children with certain outcomes in mind of what it means to be an educated citizen [and chooses processes] that pursue those objectives” (4).

I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Edlin.

James K. A. Smith in his book, You Are What You Love states the following as a goal of Christian Education:

“The primary goal of Christian education is the formation of a peculiar people - a people who desire the kingdom of God and thus undertake their life’s expression of that desire.”

Peculiar….not a word often used to describe our aim; but that is who we want to be: head-turning, a people who others see and ask “Why do they do that?”  “That’s odd...different...”

Glorifying God, Partnering with Parents, and Equipping Students to Transform the World for Jesus Christ. Traverse City Christian’s purpose statement explicitly states what our aim is and who our aim is for.

A purpose statement alone does not tell the story, however. A walk down the halls of this building speaks much louder...

You see a Biblical Worldview integrated within the academic excellence TCCS provides. Each subject: History, Science, Literature, Math, English are all opportunities to show students the intricacies of our creator and are invitations for them to participate in the big story of Kingdom builders here on earth.

Walk in on a Wednesday, you witness community being built through MS/HS small groups, opening the door for students to “live life” together; learning more about who each other is, and Whose we all are. You may also see K-12 Buddy days; providing opportunities for seniors to read to Kindergarten students or Seventh graders helping 1st graders decorate a pumpkin.

Step in on Mondays/Friday and see chapels allow students to be fed/challenged in their development and also Glorify God to recognize what he has done for us.

Follow the smell of donuts, muffins or coffee and be present for parent partnerships such as Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom or First Friday coffees.

Stay after school and see students practicing for athletics, worship team, or the musical.

And if you get really lucky, you might even see while walking down the hall a misbehaving student receiving discipline from a teacher. All while surrounded with a conversation on next steps needed to restore what was broken. A recognition of our sinful nature and a commitment to continue developing Christ-like Character development.

Academics

Leadership training

Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Communication skills

Ministry opportunities

Discipleship

Vocational Calling

Christian Worldview

Where else can a child receive all of this in their most formative years except for a place like TC Christian?

As I look back…

I’m thankful for all the teachers who provided for the environment and opportunities to shape who I am. All within a consistent framework dedicated to bringing me up in the way I should go.

I’m thankful for a teacher at Edgerton Christian Grade School. Her passion and energy devoted towards students and their growth was clearly evident.

For a middle school teacher who gave me my first detention, and surrounded it with a grace filled conversation.

For a high school teacher at Southwest Christian High School who challenged me to step up and speak to a classmate in need.  

I’m also very thankful for Marlin and Karen Van Schepen, parents of 3 who decided they wanted all 3 of their boys attending a school that would partner with them in raising their kids with the same message that was instilled at home. All 3 of which are now educators within Christian school settings.

And now...I’m thankful to be a part of a school where this same type of formation occurs. A school that seeks to glorify God. A school that comes alongside parents in raising up their children. A school that seeks to equip students in such a way to transform the world for Jesus Christ. One might call that peculiar, and I would wholeheartedly agree!

Thank you for your partnership and support of this school and the greater cause of Christian Education as we all work towards furthering His kingdom here on earth!

3 Questions Every Child Needs Answered

We need children to be rooted in their identity, recognizing their identity is in Christ. If the following three questions are not answered within a child's life, they will wander....

You Are What You Love: 4 Big Takeaways

You Are What You Love: 4 Big Takeaways

Here are four big ideas the TC Christian staff pulled out from the book that might help you in your life and also help within your kids’ lives as you think about your habits and loves:

1. Form/Reform, don’t inform:

Families, churches, and schools should seek to not just inform minds, but to form habits. It is not enough to just know the right words or the think the right thoughts. Being agents of change and renewal means taking an active role. This process has two main parts: imitation and practice. People learn habits through imitation: from their parents, teachers, or friends. Through that imitation, those habits are then practiced until the become natural to do.

As a school, we seek to partner with the parents in ensuring there are good habits/practices being instilled within the students. We are working on developing throughlines at TCCS that are put throughout our curriculum to help with this practice aspect: We are working on intentionally putting in ways for students to practice the following: Serving Living, Wisdom Discerning, Creation Keeping, Beauty Creating, Justice Seeking, Community Building.

Look to set up positive habits within your family in order to form/reform the practices to better align to what your innermost longings.

2. Keep focused on the purpose:

There is a story of two stone cutters and each one is asked what they are doing. The first replies “I am cutting this stone in a perfectly square shape” the other responds “I am building a cathedral.”

These two cutters had the same task, but viewed their work and purpose in completely different ways. We cannot forget that the even the little, day to day tasks can and do make a difference in building God’s Kingdom. Small habits can have big implications.

A good way to think about this is to ask yourself “What is my deep hope for ________?” And fill in the blank. What is my deep hope for...my life, my family, my job....This will put a bigger picture in front of you as you seek to fulfill that hope.

3. Self-reflect:

It is important to recognize that one’s own formation is never final. There is never going to be a day where we all of a sudden have it all figured out. By reflecting on our own practices and also being aware of the various rival cultural liturgies that might be forming us in ways we do not intend to be formed, we can be see where our heart is.

Spend 5 minutes each day to assess some of the practices that are within your life. Are they helping to reach your innermost longing?

4. Practice within community:

If you want to be part of the reforming process, there are practical, communal ways in which these can be done with others. Smith outlines the following four practices: eating together, praying together, singing together, and thinking/reading together. As simple as these might be, they can have a big impact on your immediate family, group of friends, or co-workers.

So let’s be intentional about the messages we convey to our kids. What do they see when they enter the classroom? Your house? What do they hear as a meal begins? What do they hear during a meal? What opportunities do they have to self-reflect? What opportunities do they have to be doers of the word?

TwT: Are You Sure?

Tuesdays with Tyler

At Traverse City Christian School, we are starting a new weekly mode of communication called "Tuesdays with Tyler".

TwT is one of the many ways TCCS seeks to partner with the greater community.

These videos will be a way to continue the purpose of TCCS: Glorifying God, Partnering with Parents and Equipping Students to Transform the World For Jesus Christ.

It has a simple purpose: Connect and Communicate.

Topics may range from books I’ve read, current/relevant educational topics, cultural topics relevant to kids. All with the purpose to connect and communicate relevant topics in the hopes to equip those who listen with tools or nuggets to think about.

Below is a video of the first TwT: Are You Sure? along with a rough transcript of the talk.

Enjoy!

Are You Sure?

A couple questions for you...

“What do you want?” (p. 1)

“Are you confident that what you think you love aligns with your innermost longings?” (29)

“What are the things/practices you do that do something to you?” (55)

These are just some of the questions that James K. A. Smith addresses in his book You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit. The TC Christian staff read this book in preparation for our in-service week at the beginning of the school year, where we spent a morning unpacking many of the topics that come up within the book. It was an excellent time sharing and growing together as we discussed the book.

Within the book, Smith asks the readers to evaluate what sort of practices and habits are in our lives. Whether we are aware of it or not, these practices are shaping who we are. The habits in school, our daily routines, church services, and our homes all contribute to a reflection of what we desire and love. These locations are all “little kingdoms” that each convey their own message. Whether we are conscious of it or not, each of them shape who we are.

As Christians, we seek to further develop our relationship with Christ, encourage the same with those around us, and be doers of the word. However, there are many “rival liturgies” that vie for our allegiances. The culture around us is set up to appeal to many of our longings. For example, we can seek to find a “new self” at the mall or find belonging with a certain sports team. Now, neither of these things are bad, don’t get me wrong. I enjoy sports and can get deeply passionate into a game or team (Go Twins!) but we do need to do a self-check at times to see what these events are doing to us. What practices of the mall are shaping us to be someone we do not want to be? What ideas surrounding sporting events are changing the way we prioritize our life?

Be on the lookout in coming weeks for additional takeaways from this book on Tuesdays with Tyler.

TCCS Opening Chapel: Live Loved

The following is the outline used for the opening day chapel for MS/HS students at Traverse City Christian School on Tuesday, Sept 5, 2017.

Theme: Live Loved

Start with a simple analogy of the Gospel message:

Volunteers; 3; Each need a pencil

2nd and 3rd: break pencil

3rd: sharpen pencil

God’s intention: good pencil

Fall: broken pencil

Redemption: Jesus sent to save

Restoration: Work is ongoing, we are part of the process

How can we be a part of that restoration? 3 phrases to remember

#1

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1

Response: How _______ is the  _______ that __________ lavished on ______ that _____ should be called _____ of God. 

Despite our brokenness (pencil); We have worth, we are made in God’s image, he has a plan for our life.

Everyone out loud: “Recognize God’s Love”

#2

 “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God” 1 Peter 2:17

Proper respect to ___________.

Parents, friends, not your friends, siblings, teachers, Mr. Van Schepen

Every interaction is an opportunity from God

Say “hi”, “Thank you”...recognize people; they are worthy and deserve your respect.

Out loud: “Respect everyone, always”

#3

In a Pit With a Lion; Story of Benaiah; P. 173

One step closer; Not living out of fear

We cannot plan for what God puts in front of us. When we see it, we need to go for it, even if chasing seems odd to others.

Seniors; big opportunities for you soon. 

Out loud: “Chase the opportunities”

Summary

Recap the 3:

Recognize God’s Love

Respect everyone, always.

Chase the opportunities

TVS Deep Hope for TCCS Students:

“A community that, despite your brokenness, recognizes God’s love for you, and in turn sees your interactions with friends, classmates, teachers, parents, siblings, and people on the street as opportunities to take a next step in restoring what is broken. “

A New Chapter

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.

9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

-Isaiah 55:8-9

611 miles. One full U-Haul and three packed vehicles all in a caravan.

That was the scene in mid-June as we packed up from our previous residence in Pella, IA to settle into our new home in Traverse City, MI. 

Moving to a unfamiliar setting to both my wife and I, with no personal connections for either of us, this would be a move where we would feel both excitement and anxiety in the unknown. We would be stretched, exposing ourselves to some vulnerability. 


In the weeks post-move, the feelings that we anticipated and felt as we moved, uncomfortableness and vulnerability, continued popping up through conversations, books, and words from others as ways in which we as Christians are called to live. Below is a small sample of quotes, from the past two months:

"Move into uncomfortable territory and seek to understand each other." 

"Don't ignore people's struggles, show up for each other." 

"Transparency and vulnerability as a leader opens up the same within those around you." 

"Be willing to do uncomfortable things, in fact, choose to do uncomfortable things"  

"We are called to bear each other's burdens, not in our free time, but in our daily lives. Part of bearing another's burden is having it be a burden for ourselves as well." 

None of these are necessarily easy things to do, but as relational beings, they are, nonetheless, actions we are called to do. 

We are thankful for where God has led us at this particular time in our lives! We continue to seek out the next right step as we encounter and discern God's plan.

"We need to trust God's storytelling, He has a better story than we could ever script" 
-Bill Hybels

In a Pit...

In a Pit...

Devotional inspired by the book In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson and written for staff devotions at PCGS on 1/18/17.

“There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two of Moab’s mightiest warriors. Another time he chased a lion down into a pit. Then, despite the snow and slippery ground he caught the lion and killed it. Another time, armed only with a club, he willed a great Egyptian warrior who was armed with a spear. Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with it.“ (2 Samuel 23:20-21

Chasing down a lion into a pit. Then, despite the snow and slippery ground, catching the lion and killing it.  Not a scene you see every day, but for Benaiah, a scene that eventually helped vault him into becoming in charge of King David’s body guard and be considered one of David’s mighty men. Benaiah was very likely quite scared of this lion, as he should be, but despite the uncertainty, he still chased after his fear and knew what had to be done with the opportunity that was facing him.

There are going to be figurative “lions” in everyone’s lives; tough situations that we face or go through. They might be situations at school, home, or within the community; tough interactions with a friend, family member, or co-worker; or maybe a nudging to do something drastically different than the current setting you are serving in. Maybe you have faced some big lions in your life already and are wondering when the next one will be coming around the corner. Whatever your life story, realize that these lions are opportunities where God can use you in ways that he has already been preparing you for. He is always using our past experiences to prepare us for the future work he has in store for us. Don’t be discouraged by these opportunities, but instead seek to find what God is teaching you through them.

Prayer:

Lord, we do not always understand the purpose of a certain situation. Forgive us when we think only of ourselves and not what you may be teaching us through the opportunity. Give us clear eyes to see the work you are calling us to do each day and the courage to take the step when we feel uncertain.

I Used to Think...

This post stems from a reflective writing assignment in my current graduate course, EDUC 564: Management and School Improvement. These are 3 "I used to think...but now..." statements related to education based on my observations over time.

I Used to Think…

1. I used to think having a staff of like-minded individuals would be the best culture for a school, but now I see the value in having a staff of differing backgrounds, personalities, and viewpoints. All the staff members should be in agreement with the mission of the school, but beyond that, there is high value in having a diverse group of teachers within a building. Before, I thought conflict should be avoided, as it can cause divisions and damage relationships. However, by having a staff that embraces that tension through their different views and perspectives will also allow for conversations that deepen the school and provide for growth. A well balanced staff lends itself to using the gifts of the staff members to further its mission. By having a well rounded skill set, a school can continue to move forward instead of lacking in one area or needed to look outside for help.

2. I used to think giving a letter grade was an accurate report of a student’s learning, but now I see the value in crafting proper feedback for students and parents and measuring learning against specific standards and learning targets. Giving an A, B, C etc... has long been the standard of reporting student learning within school systems. It is a comfortable way to report grades as it gives parents, who had the same grading system, a standard to measure by from when they were in school. I now see that these letter grades often do not have much meaning to them and are too rigid. Learning is a process and involves many different topics within a particular subject area. Receiving a B+ in Math on a report card says nothing about a student’s understanding of fractions, ratios, or algebraic expressions.

3. I used to think the staff members within the school were the primary skilled knowledge kits, musicians, performers, creators, and leaders for the students, but now I see how gifted students are in many areas, starting at a very young age. With the technology and opportunities available for students to have their hands on, students have become increasingly skilled and at times far surpass the abilities of their teachers. Whether it is a middle school praise band leading chapel, a 3rd grade student showing off his 3-D printed object, or a 7th grader showing a teacher how to program a robot, students have become more and more knowledgeable about an array of topics. It creates a shift that teachers need to have in their minds, with an increased focus on guiding students in their knowledge to help them process and prioritize the information available to them. Instead of taking just the role of presenter of knowledge, a teacher and school also increasingly becomes a facilitator of knowledge, recognizing the importance of providing different learning experiences for students to be involved with.

For Such A Time As This

This is a devotional written for staff devotions on Nov 9, 2016.

For Such A Time As This

“And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

I have just recently become absolutely fascinated with learning about family’s past. It started with a simple question someone asked to me in church about a month ago pertaining to what province in the Netherlands my family has roots in. I knew of one province from what my dad had told me, but I did not actually know what the connection was or what other provinces my family may have roots in. Long story short...this question has propelled me on a learning experience that had truly humbled me. From learning about and seeing the gravestones on a pioneer cemetery of ancestors who were among original group that settled Pella, to a 19 year old who came to the USA learn about the country for his family, to a young couple getting married in the Netherlands against the father of the bride’s wishes, to that same couple nearly moving to South Africa...I now sit in this room with all of you.

Whether you are aware or not aware of what city, province or country your roots go back to, the story of your path is truly amazing. We may not be in a “royal position” such as Esther was, but God has placed each and every one of us to be in these positions at PCGS. Pair the stories and histories that we have with the 450+ students that walk through the door each day, the amount of paths taken by each one to get to this geographical place is mind-boggling!

May we be encouraged as we reflect upon the fact that we are all God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. These paths did not cross by accident, but have been designed to come to this point “for such a time as this.”

Prayer:

Lord, thank your for the story you have written throughout history. We are so thankful for the reassurance that all the days of our lives were written in your book before one of them came to be. Help us to continue to realize that we have been placed in our roles at school, in our families, our community, and our churches to fulfill your purposes.

Devotional: Safety Warnings

This post is a devotional I gave at a PCGS staff devotion during the 2015-16 school year

Safety warnings. They are everywhere and on everything. From the annoying, but useful, beeping of a truck backing up, to the “danger: electrical shock” to the “warning: contains peanuts” on the outside of a peanuts package, we are constantly surrounded by reminders and people set up to provide protection and safety.  Unfortunately, having safety rules and regulations does not always mean that a person’s life will be problem free.

Thinking back to three jobs I had growing up, that statement is definitely true. My first real job was cleaning up in a meat department. With lots of sharp equipment, safety is of high importance, and if one is not paying attention, a slice to the finger can easily happen. Unfortunately, this is something by which have first hand experience with. As I was wiping off the meat slicer, my finger got too close and very easily, the slicer did its job. Thankfully, my boss was close by and had some gauze and we wrapped it up quickly, easing the pain and worry in my mind.  A second job, and interesting one, was working on a mink farm. Mink do not like being grabbed by the tail or leg, especially when being vaccinated, and they will let you know by not only trying to bite you, but also directing their spray at you. One way to protect yourself was by wearing thick gloves. A glove with holes in it or one that is not very thick, does not offer much protection to the hand inside as the teeth come biting after you. Again….I can speak from experience. My gloves were wearing thin and a bite was easily felt. And again, thankfully, my boss was close by, and after seeing and hearing my reaction to one of these attacks, he gave me his gloves for the rest of the day. His act allowed me to keep going with less worry. A third job was working at a furniture store. On deliveries, it is critical that before you leave to make sure the taller items are tied up securely in the back of the truck. I realized the importance of this my first summer. When we opened up the back of the truck at our stop to deliver some pieces of furniture, the 5 drawer chest I “tied” up an hour beforehand had been playing a nice little game of pinball in the back of the truck the whole trip. Needless to say, it was in no shape to be given to someone. My boss, who was with me, took it in stride and let the customer know that one more piece was still on its way to the store, and it would be delivered next time we came that way. I could tell he was unhappy, but not once did he get upset at me. Let’s just say I spent a lot of time practicing knots when I got back and never made the mistake again.  My boss’ words, actions, and grace shown to me in a time where I thought I would have to pay for the new piece of furniture allowed us to form a great relationship for the next 6 summers.

Although these examples of misfortune in my life are seemingly meaningless and had no long-term ill effects on me, they do provide a great lesson for what happens when life throws curveballs at you or hardships happen. As much as humans can try to be prepared for certain situations by reading up and getting educated on topics, eating healthy, exercising, and living safe, things will happen in life that that will hurt and make us stop in our tracks, they are just out of our hands. Fortunately, all is not lost, and we are not alone in the journey.

So who are the “bosses” that help us get through? For one, they are the people around you. The relationships formed with other people are very important, and set up opportunities for support. This means that you also are the ones who be that hand for others. John Ortberg in his book The Me I Want To Be states that “there the 3 laws of relationships: observation, observation, observation. People who give life to us are people who notice us. They know what we love and fear. When we work to truly notice someone else, love for them grows.” So take notice of others, and give them life. If you know someone who needs help and support to clean up physical, emotional, or spiritual wounds, pray for them, make them a meal, be an ear for them, encourage them, or write a note.

The most helpful “boss” that provides help and comfort is God.  God, as described in Psalm 3, is “a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high…he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep, I wake again because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.”  Isaiah 43 also gives a reassurance of God providing protection and safety. It does not promise a problem free life, but does promise his care.

When in a time of hardship or when someone you know it, place your/his/her name in the blanks below and know that God is there.

Isaiah 43: 1-3

For Prayer:

Lord, help remind me of the following and that you provide:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed ________

    I have summoned _____ by name; ____ is mine.

When __________ pass through the waters,

    I will be with _______.

and when ________ pass through the rivers,

    the rivers will not sweep over _______.

When __________ walk through the fire,

______ will not be burned;

    the flames will not set _____ ablaze.

For you are the Lord our God,

the Holy One of Israel, our Savior;

Amen.