Vision & Values

Transforming Governing’s vision is to enable and grow a movement of Christians who are or could become school governors in England and equip them to be more effective and contribute usefully to the life of local primary and secondary education.  This is being achieved by:

  1. providing regular and inspiring  information for those who join the movement – click here to join
  2. continuing to develop this website and other resources as they are identified;
  3. undertaking a programme of events around the country to inspire, train and equip governors and potential governors.

Transforming Governing is based on the belief that Christians:

  • have an equal right to contribute to schools as governors
  • need specific training and information to ensure they are effective as school governors
  • need to develop a  professional and 'whole school' approach to governing
  • can sensitively and wisely influence a school from their perspective, worldview and understanding of how the Bible relates to the public square.

Transforming Governing is guided by values that include:

  • SERVICE – Christians follow the example of Jesus who said that He “came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10.45). In the parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus made it clear that the weak and vulnerable were a particular priority.  Serving God by serving as a school governor is a key way of “going the extra mile” for the good of a whole school community.
  • WISDOM – When the Apostle James wrote “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1.5) he indicated that a much needed resource is available.  Whilst life’s experiences, knowledge and understanding can all  contribute ‘wisdom’, the guiding principles of the Bible and ‘inspired’ wisdom can make a positive difference to governing body discussions
  • JUSTICE – Seeking what is right and fair for all staff and pupils in a school ought to be the objective of all governors.  Christians will be especially motivated because of the emphasis throughout the Bible on seeking justice, particularly for the poor and oppressed.
  • FORGIVENESS – Being forgiven by God through Jesus Christ is at the heart of the Christian life, as is a powerful injunction to forgive others. In Ephesians 4.32 Christians are taught to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Relationships amongst governors and others can be enhanced when an understanding and forgiving spirit is evident.
  • HUMILITY – Following the ultimate example and teaching of Jesus, who humbled himself in self-sacrifice, will mean that the governor will give of his or her gifts and time without seeking self-advancement.  It will always mean making every contribution with tolerance and understanding, realising that others may think differently.
  • GRACE – Seeking the best for those who do not deserve it is exactly what God has done in Christ.  A Christian governor will want to act with such grace (unmerited favour) in all their dealings with adults and children alike.  Transforming Governing uses the word GRACE as an acronym for ‘God Respecting And Child Enabling.’
  • TRANSFORMATION – Living the life of a Christian is about being transformed with the implicit outcome that situations around you are being changed for good also.  Schools are such a context as a positive contribution serves to enrich and benefit staff, pupils and community in which the school exists.  Joel Edwards once said Christians “must re-imagine themselves as good news people and ask what that should look and feel like in the world today. And people should recognise us as good news citizens who are integral to our communities and the public square.” i

Transforming Governing is a partnership between GOvernor Ministries and Bible Society

For more background and other values that ‘Transforming Governing’ consider important for both governing and schools (particularly those with a Christian foundation) visit Christian Values for Schools   www.christianvalues4schools.co.uk


i.  Joel Edwards quoted on www.christiantoday.com on April 16, 2008