Genesis 1 in a Genesis 3 Classroom | Teacher’s Desk with Missy Takano and Kristi Schliep (Ep. 208)

What would it look like to reimagine our teaching as good work and see our students as made in God’s image? Dive into Scripture and practical discussion with Kristi Schliep and Missy Takano, staff members at Black Forest Academy in Germany.

• “What God did at creation, He invited His people to then partner in that same kind of work.” -Kristi
• “Human good work is like God’s good work; it’s intended to carry this same bringing order from the raw materials, creating space where life can flourish, carrying out God’s rule and reign and intentions in the world for the blessing of others.” -Missy
• “Humanity rebelled and that brought fracturing and brokenness into the created design, but it didn’t undo the created design and it didn’t undo the invitation to good work.” -Missy
• “Sometimes we get caught up in viewing kids through the lens of Genesis 3, rather than remembering the original design.” -Kristi
• “It matters that we acknowledge that our students are touched by the brokenness of the world, but that’s not the full story.” -Kristi
• “My job is to be faithful to cultivate the ground, and I’m going to have to trust that that season of fruitfulness may not be in the timing that I anticipate.” -Kristi
• “When we acknowledge that God is the source of all things and He has invited us to participate, it’s such a fun tension to live in because He is going to provide - He’s going to provide all that we need, He’s going to be the one to cultivate Genesis 1 in that classroom - and He invites us to participate.” -Kristi
• “When students know that you are delighting in them, they will absolutely join you and engage.” -Kristi
• “Recognizing our need for rest helps us to continue persisting in that Genesis 1 perspective.” -Missy
• “[You] get to announce that the King is here in the way that [you] live in your classroom, and that’s holy work.” -Kristi
• “You’re not alone. Your work is good. It’s holy and sacred work. The students are the images of God. The same Spirit who hovered over the waters indwells you, so you are empowered for the work that God has called you to.” -Missy
• Listen to Missy and Kristi on the Restoried podcast!

What’s changing our lives:

• Keane: Writing postcards
• Heather: Flowers in winter
• Missy: Taco salad
• Kristi: Reading through the Bible in a year and teaching an adult Sunday school class

Weekly Spotlight: Black Forest Academy

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