Dear Fellowship Family,

 

Last fall, we embarked upon a brand refresh of our visual identity. At the center of this endeavor, as with any branding effort, the goal is to present a mark that reflects the core of who we are. Our brand should reflect the heart and mission of Fellowship Christian School. We are first and foremost a covenant, Christian school, so our branding should easily identify us as such. As we have recently been working through this branding process, there is another brand that strikes me.  

Currently, our hearts and minds are captured with the conflict in Ukraine. What we are seeing, reading, and hearing is absolutely heartbreaking. If you’re like me, I’ve thought of many actions I’d take if I was in charge. One thing, though, that’s made me stop in my tracks has been the faith, courage, and boldness of the Ukrainian people, specifically the faithful Jesus followers. Imagine what it requires of them to stay the course and keep their eyes on Him – the author and finisher of life. I have been so encouraged by the brand of Christianity they are modeling for their children. Think of what their children are observing and experiencing as they gather to pray, worship in song, provide shelter to others, and even feed their enemies as they minister to them, sharing the gospel of Jesus. Their brand of Christianity reflects a heart that is fully dependent upon the strength and provision of God. I imagine they find courage in verses like Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” They certainly answer the call of Proverbs 25:21, “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” So how would we respond if we were in their shoes? What brand of Christianity would be reflected in our words and actions?

We are fortunate to be living in a very different reality than the Ukrainian people, but, like them, each day we are modeling our brand of Christianity for our children. What brand do our children see? Are we “convenient” Christians who give God our time when we have some to spare? Are we “genie in a bottle” Christians who pull out the Bible or talk to God when we need an answered prayer? Are we “contingent” Christians who praise God when everything is going our way? Are we “social or influencer” Christians who praise Him when it’s popular or easy? Are we “selective” Christians who follow the rules that suit our choices?

Or, do our children see Christians who give sacrificially to those in need? Do they see Christians who prioritize quiet time with God and being actively involved in the local church? Do they see Christians who call on the name of the Lord to give thanks even in hard times, seek wisdom, pray for our enemies, and intercede on behalf of our loved ones? Do they see Christians who love their neighbors in word and deed? Do they see Christians who strive every day to be more like Jesus?

As a covenant, Christian school, we must recognize that our brand is more than a mark that is worn on shirts or adorns our doorways. Our brand is our students, our employees, our leaders, and you – our parents. We are all an extension of and representative of Fellowship’s brand. Let our brand reflect the Christians described in 1 John 2:6, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” As we strive to live a life worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice, let our brand reflect us as Christians who defend the Truth (1 Peter 3:15), champion mercy (Colossians 3:12), forgive (Matthew 18:21-22), value others (Philippians 2:3-4), and love as He has loved us (John 13:34).

I ask that you join me in prayer for the Ukrainian and Russian people, for their leaders, and for the spread of the gospel during this time.

In Him,

Dr. Kathryn M. Teston

Head of School