Strengthening religious identity in Christian schools

Establishing and consolidating religious identity in Christian schools in the twenty first century has become quite a challenge. The first decade has witnessed a number of events that have challenged established structures and practices: globalisation, secularism, the impact of the global financial crisis, the rise of terrorism, the power of technology and the media and the consistent decline in the adherence to mainstream Christian religions. Institutions such as governments, churches and families are struggling to retain their authority and respect in this era. All have identified the school as a key agency for instilling the responsibility and values which were previously the work of the school, family and the church. The capacity of school leaders and teachers to meet such diverse expectations in a rapidly changing world is under stress. This is particularly so for schools which have responsibility for the religious education of students, as well as for their academic education. Research on leadership has identified the development of integrated leadership, approaches which may provide guidance to principals and system authorities of Christian schools to assist them with the formation of teacher leaders to meet this challenge of religious identity This paper proposes the development and support of all teachers as leaders in faith as an important response to this complex challenge.