Resisting Division, Embracing Community

By Lonneke Brown  |  October 16th

I don’t know if you feel the same way, but I’m becoming increasingly concerned about a troubling trend in today’s society: the rise of polarization and the growing emphasis on individualism. Sadly, the impact of this trend is noticeable within my own school community. It may not always be obvious or overt, but it shows up in subtle ways—through comments, judgments, the friendships formed, and the way people interact with others. It’s troubling to witness and it makes me wonder: how can I work to reverse this trend in my own community? And how can our community shine as a beacon to the broader world, offering a better way of living in a culture that often puts self above others? After all, our responsibility goes beyond academic instruction—we are shaping the next generation of Christ-followers.

Our schools have always endeavoured to be communities of grace and love—places where students, staff, and families can experience the love of Christ in a divided world. I wonder if it's even more important now to be intentional about this, as polarization and individualism threaten to pull people further apart. Social media, political partisanship, and various societal movements often divide us instead of uniting us. Our students are growing up in a culture that encourages them to live by their own “truth” and put themselves first. This mindset discourages empathy, grace, and community, often resulting in isolation. These challenges inevitably affect our school environments, seeping into relationships—whether among students, families, or staff—where differing opinions can create tension.

Sounds heavy, right? But let’s pause for a moment and remember who we serve. Remember who holds all things in His hands. Remember where our hope truly comes from—Jesus.

I believe that instead of mirroring the fractured state of the world, our schools can—and should—reflect the body of Christ. Each of us has the opportunity to go against the current. Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 remind us: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Jesus also gave us this command: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35). Through our leadership, we have the privilege of building communities of grace—leading with humility, grace, and a commitment to seeing others through the eyes of Christ. This doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations or pretending division doesn’t exist. Instead, it calls us to confront them with a spirit of reconciliation. As Paul urged the Ephesians: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2).

You may wonder how to do this practically. Like most things, it starts with us as leaders intentionally creating environments where grace and love can flourish. Here are a few ideas, drawn from books, conversations, and experiences in my leadership journey that may be helpful:

1. Model Vulnerability and Forgiveness - As leaders, we set the tone. How are we encouraging our staff and students to admit mistakes and seek forgiveness? How are we doing the same ourselves?

2. Prioritize Listening Over Speaking - James 1:19 reminds us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." Are we taking the time to truly listen to our staff, students, and families?

3. Cultivate Empathy - How are we weaving discussions about empathy into our lessons? Are we actively teaching students to understand and care for others?

4. Create Opportunities for Community Building -  How are we making time and space for relationships to grow within our school community? Consider organizing activities or service projects that bring staff, students, and families together.

5. Pray - We can’t do this work on our own. This work needs discernment, wisdom, and patience. It is through Christ who gives us strength.

The work of building communities of grace and love is not easy. It’s tempting to dream of a perfect, harmonious school, but true community is found in the messy, everyday task of loving imperfect people, just as Christ loves us. As Christian school leaders let’s lean into this messy work. Let’s resist the pull of individualism and division, and instead, model Christ-centered community. By doing so, we may not just transform our schools but also serve as a light in a divided world.

In closing, I’d like to share an old song I often sang when growing up in church and school:

“They’ll Know We are Christians by our Love” by Peter Scholtes (1966)

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.

Chorus: And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land.

We Will work with each other, we will work side by side;
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride.

All praise to the Father, from whom all things come;
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son.
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one.

Lonneke Brown is the Central Region Cohort Leader for Edvance, and Principal at Heritage Christian School in Lindsay, ON.