Professional Development - Difficult Conversations

The full day off for students was built out of a desire from teachers to spend adequate time in their classrooms, preparing for students to teach them to think critically, live biblically and lead courageously while also having time for professional development. 

How then, you might ask, do we do this? Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Don Davis and SBC Pastor Curt Taylor, our SBS faculty and staff gained insight into how to have difficult conversations with a biblical worldview in today’s society.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

Dr. Davis led the professional development time stating, “As faculty and staff at SBS, we are entrusted with a sacred privilege, we must be lifelong learners.” He continued by expressing his desire for our community to cling to our core values and biblical principles without apology and without compromise, in a loving way. As he invited Curt Taylor to dive into the discussion even further, he concluded by encouraging “dedication to God, devotion to truth and value of intellectual curiosity.”

Curt Taylor began by acknowledging that difficult conversations are just that - difficult. But we do not have a spirit of fear; we can lean in knowing that even when we don’t have all the answers, God does. It’s not always our job to have the perfect answer, it’s our job to engage with our students. When a student asks a tough spiritual or moral question, Curt reminds us, you don’t have to give an answer right away. He suggests to start by validating feelings. Then, do some research, explore the intent behind the question and seek further support. Students can spot authenticity; it’s better to admit you don’t have an answer and be honest. 

One of the most important elements of having a conversation, easy or difficult, is relationships. Curt explained that relationships plus trust lead to productive conversations.

Thank you, SBC Pastor Curt Taylor and Dr. Don Davis for prioritizing our faculty and staff, those doing daily life with our precious students. Join us as we pray for SBS to continue to be a place for students to feel safe, ask questions and grow in their faith.