A Big Tent The Van Lunen Institute

A Big Tent

The Van Lunen Institute

By Tyler Van Schepen, Superintendent

During the current school year I have a unique opportunity to be a part of the 2020-21 Van Lunen Fellows program. The program, hosted by Calvin University, aims to provide training and resources to Christian school leaders across a range of school leadership topics from board governance, marketing, enrollment, school culture, financial planning, and many others. All of these topics are becoming more and more important in an ever changing educational landscape. Normally, the program involves three separate one week sessions, along with year round online touch points. This year looks quite different, however, in terms of how the program is structured as we have moved to virtual sessions for the time being.

One of the main items the program emphasizes is that of a “big tent” as they intentionally bring together Christian school leaders from a variety of settings. This year’s fellowship is made up of 22 Christian school administrators. Aside from an array of geographical locations (13 states, 3 Canadian provinces, and one member from Haiti) the participants come from a range of Christian school historical traditions and membership affiliations.

Over our first few sessions together, it’s been eye opening to hear more about each of these schools and the stories from their unique settings. From the wide ranging impact of COVID over the last few months, to being impacted by the recent wildfires out West, and other schools in more urban settings faced with racial tensions, each school has a unique story to tell. Despite the current difficulties schools may be faced with, the continued focus within these schools in ensuring the viability of the future of Christian education has been exciting to see.

Schools are in a much different spot than they were 10 years ago, 5 years ago, and obviously from even 6 months ago. And in a year where there continues to be much unknown in front of us, I’m glad to be part of this “big tent” of the Van Lunen program and journey alongside these other Christian school leaders who share in the common cause of Christian education.

Despite the current difficulties schools may be faced with, the continued focus within these schools in ensuring the viability of the future of Christian education has been exciting to see.