Insights

When students are seeking admission to Logos Prep, there is a family interview during which we ask a challenging question. “Describe the type of individual you want your child to be when he or she is 18 years old and about to leave home.” This year, as we focus on family, we will refer to the seven habits listed in Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families. Habit 2 is to begin with the end in mind. As Covey points out, Habit 2 is all about vision. Vision is the definition of where you are headed. It speaks to your ultimate goal. The vision of Logos Preparatory Academy is “Families and students making an impact for Christ.” This is our reason. This is the why behind our what. Our why is what drives us. It is the compass that guides us. Here is a quick video discussing the importance of why. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytFB8TrkTo

The Word of God speaks of our why as well. In Proverbs 29:18, we learn that “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” There are several examples of the Israelites walking toward disaster because they failed to remember their own why. One generation failed to teach the next the vision God placed over Israel. In Judges 2, we see the story of what my Bible titles “Disobedience and Defeat”. It starts with Israelites taking possession of the land they were promised by the Lord. “The people served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel….After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord,” verses 7, 10-11a. As demonstrated in these examples, it can be true that change is only one generation away.

Setting a vision over our families can help secure guiding principles for your family today and for generations to come. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will lead you in developing a family mission statement. Successful families are driven by guiding principles and values. When these principles are applied to the creation of a family mission statement, the family is able to live intentionally toward long term goals. “A family mission statement is a combined, unified expression from all family members of what your family is all about - what it is you really want to do and be - and the principles you choose to govern your family life,” page 72 of 7 Habits.

Developing such a statement takes time and should be done as a family unit. Consider inviting grandparents to participate as well. One way to begin is by determining your family why. According to Covey, step one is to explore what your family is all about. Ask each family member the question, “What is the purpose of our family? What is our family about?” You may find that younger children are eager to participate while older children are more reluctant. Give them space and time to come along. Start small. Instead of announcing that you hope to create a family mission statement, start with the question of your why. Ask important questions and listen thoughtfully to the answers. As mentioned above, Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families is an excellent resource. Other favorites include One Word that Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon, and Mission Drift by Peter Greer. While the latter two aren’t specifically about developing a family mission statement, they do address the importance of being vision and mission driven. We are excited to begin this journey with you and your family.

Tammy McIlvoy
Head of School 
Logos Preparatory Academy