A Culture of Encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:11: Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

At Brisbane Christian College, I love that we have a culture of encouragement. It is a common occurrence for both Mr Morrison and I to receive emails, texts and to have people approach us with great reports and encouragement of teachers, leaders, students and of our community.

Contrasted to this was an article I read in the Sydney Morning Herald entitled, ‘The new school bullies aren’t children – they’re parents’. I was shocked to read of a number of defamation cases being brought across the country against parents, who have verbally or physically abused, or posted terrible things online about teachers and/or school leaders.

As a parent, I completely understand the ‘mumma and papa bear’ that exists within all of us when we feel our children have been wronged in some way. I understand the urge to solve the issue on behalf of my child. But I also understand that in solving my children’s concerns, I am not enabling them to grow and develop their own character. I am looking for the quick fix, because I don’t want to see them go through pain, even though I know they will grow more as they struggle and learn to solves issues by themselves.

The Bible is clear that we should continually encourage and build each other up. Consistent encouragement and bringing good reports shifts our focus from what is going wrong to what is going right, and changes our worldview completely. Mr Morrison will often ask parents at the start of the year if they want the best teacher for their children. His response to their obvious ‘yes’, is that they should become the best encouragers, as we are told to be in 1 Thessalonians.

I love that at Brisbane Christian College, our culture is one of encouragement. I have never worked in a school where this culture is so established and where people are so free with their praise of teachers, leaders, students and of our whole school community. What a blessing it is to be a part of such a community. If encouragement doesn’t come as easily to you, then try encouraging your spouse, children, teacher, coffee shop worker, etcetera, and watch your worldview change for the better!

Mr Matthew Nicholson
Head of Campus (Primary)