What’s your family mission statement?

Sitting in the audience with educators and administrators at the National Christian School Association Conference this past week in Austin, Texas, it was clear that the opening keynote speaker was the one and only person who could have kicked off the event: Colt McCoy. I'm not nearly as familiar with football as the average Texan, so I did have to do some Googling. However, beyond his career in the NFL and his multitude of awards, what stood out were the insightful words of a kind leader with a heart for Christian education.

The conference itself was filled with individuals dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness and impact of their Christ-centered K-12 schools. The enthusiasm of both the presenters and participants in breakout sessions, as well as the passion in the group worship each morning, left me truly filled. It was refreshing to know that the ballroom served as home for a group of people who, in their own way, are dedicated to ensuring the best quality Christian education for the entirety of a child's academic journey.

I feel compelled to share some of Mr. Colt McCoy’s insights here, as I believe their value can be appreciated by all. What stuck with me most was his story about working to create a family mission statement. While the process was well-intentioned, it soon became more complex than anticipated. Instead of a concise mission statement, it morphed into a six- or seven-sentence paragraph attempting to encapsulate the values he and his wife held most dear. What he concluded was simple yet profound:
 

These principles, grounded in the Word, are universally applicable. The exercise of creating a family mission statement that reflects one’s faith and values is something I believe everyone should consider. I was inspired by Colt McCoy’s testimony and appreciated hearing about his leadership journey. Whether we’re in a school influencing students or on the field influencing NFL players, we can all take simple steps to set a Christ-like example and uphold the core principles from God’s Word.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” — Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

- Joe Davis, Director of Online and Graduate Enrollment, York University