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Introduction
In an increasingly complex and diverse world, leaders in Episcopal schools are called to guide their communities with a deep sense of purpose, compassion, and inclusivity. “The Three C’s Framework,” developed by the Rev. Palmer Kennedy, Head Chaplain, and Dr. Yerko Sepúlveda, Director of Community Engagement and Belonging, at Porter-Gaud School, offers a comprehensive leadership model that is deeply rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus and designed to foster a sense of belonging and communal well-being within Episcopal schools.
The Three C’s Framework is anchored by the Baptismal Covenant, a central tenet of the Episcopal School tradition that emphasizes the love of God revealed to us in Jesus Christ and the image of God inherent in every person. This framework positions Christ as the ultimate model of leadership—one that establishes a community marked by sacrificial love, service to others, and a commitment to justice and peace.
The Three C’s Framework is organized around three core components, each accompanied by specific leadership moves and reflection questions. The core components are guiding principles that provide the philosophical and ethical foundation for this leadership approach. The leadership moves are specific strategies that align actions with the theological underpinnings of the Baptismal Covenant and the person of Jesus Christ. Finally, the reflection questions guide leaders through self-assessment and collaborative discussions, encouraging a deep sense of shared responsibility for building up the life of the school.
The following sections elaborate on each element of the Three C’s framework which guides leaders in embodying the principles of faith, love, and community in their daily practices, ensuring that their actions reflect the mission and values of Episcopal schools.
Component 1: Anchored by the Baptismal Covenant
The Baptismal Covenant begins with the Apostles’ Creed, a summative articulation of the Christian faith in the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ as love (BCP, 304). Leadership within Episcopal schools is built upon this foundation. We are, therefore, called to cultivate communities that are embodiments of God’s unending and indiscriminate love, seeking and serving Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves, striving for justice and peace, and respecting the dignity of every human being (BCP, 305).
Leadership moves:
- Honor the Baptismal Covenant
In an Episcopal school, honoring the Baptismal Covenant means embracing each member of the community as an individual made in the image of God. This perspective calls upon leaders to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. In practice, this is expressed through creating an environment where every student, faculty member, and staff member is valued not just for their achievements but for their unique and sacred identity. This leadership approach shapes how we interact with one another, encouraging us to see beyond particular differences, successes, and setbacks by honoring each individual’s irreplaceability. - Recognize each person’s worth
In an Episcopal school, leadership is guided by the principle that every person has intrinsic value and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Leaders within the school are called to ensure that their practices are inclusive, acknowledging and celebrating the diversity of identities, backgrounds, and perspectives within the community. This includes making decisions that consider the voices and needs of all members, especially those who may be underrepresented. By fostering an inclusive leadership culture, the school upholds its commitment to justice and equity, ensuring that all persons in the community are heard and valued. - Seek loving communion
An Episcopal school is a place where leaders build relationships founded on love, respect, and a genuine desire for connection. Seeking loving communion goes beyond merely tolerating differences; it involves actively engaging with others to build bridges of understanding and empathy. It also includes cultivating the potential of one another, nurturing each individual’s gifts and strengths, and fostering an environment where everyone can grow and thrive together. In this context, leaders encourage the school community to embrace diversity as a strength, seeing it as an opportunity to learn and grow together. This commitment to loving communion is reflected in the way the school approaches conflict resolution, community engagement, and daily interactions, always striving to create an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection.
Reflection Question
As leaders who honor the Baptismal Covenant, recognize each person’s worth, and seek loving communion, reflect upon the following question individually or as a leadership team to ensure that your leadership approach aligns with your school’s Episcopal identity.
In what ways could your actions and school structures and policies honor the inherent dignity of every human being?
Component 2: Modeled after Christ
The framework emphasizes that Christ reveals the character of God and who we as human beings are created to be – givers of sacrificial love. Leadership, therefore, becomes a calling to serve rather than be served:
Leadership moves:
- Embrace God’s love for each and every person
As embodied in the life of Christ, embracing God’s love means that leadership must be grounded in a deep sense of compassion for others. This entails leading with empathy, understanding, and a genuine concern for the well-being of every individual within the community. Leaders are called to mirror the unconditional love that God has for each person, ensuring that their decisions and actions are not only fair but also kind-hearted and considerate of the diverse needs and experiences of others. Compassionate leadership in this context goes beyond mere duty; it is about nurturing an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and loved. By infusing leadership with compassion, the school fosters a culture of care that demonstrates Christ-like love as central to its mission. - Sacrifice for others and advocate for the vulnerable
Leadership that is modeled after Christ is relational and marked by sacrificial love. It begins with the courageous and continual attention to the well-being of all members of the community, especially those who are most vulnerable. Sacrificial leaders are willing to step forward as a support and shield for faculty, staff, and students in times of hardship. They carry the burdens of others and take responsibility anytime the school fails to live up to its mission, and when necessary, they take ownership of challenges and problems they did not create. Such leadership is transformative and contagious. It builds trust and creates safe environments that cultivate the God-given potential of each member of the community. - Serve a purpose higher than yourself
Serving a purpose higher than yourself is a cornerstone of Episcopal education, where the emphasis is placed on living out the values of faith, service, and community. This principle encourages students and leaders to look beyond their personal ambitions and desires, committing themselves to a greater cause rooted in spiritual and moral values. In an Episcopal school, this might manifest in various forms of service to others, whether through community service, social justice initiatives, or daily acts of kindness. The call to serve a purpose higher than oneself reminds the school community that true leadership and fulfillment come from dedicating oneself to the common good, inspired by the teachings of Christ and the Episcopal tradition. This mindset cultivates a spirit of gratitude, humility, selflessness, and dedication to the broader mission of creating a just, compassionate, and loving world.
Reflection Question
As leaders who embrace God’s love for each and every person, sacrifice for others and advocate for the vulnerable, and serve a purpose higher than yourselves, reflect upon the following question individually or as a leadership team to ensure that your leadership approach aligns with your school’s Episcopal identity.
In what ways could your leadership be marked by sacrificial love and advocacy for the vulnerable?
Component 3: Oriented towards Community
As articulated in the Baptismal Covenant and revealed in the life of Christ, loving communion is the final purpose of all things and the ultimate goal of the Three C’s Framework. We are, each and every one of us, made to participate as loving and beloved members of the community. Therefore, leadership within Episcopal schools establishes a community in which all members recognize we are both one and many, rejoice and suffer together, and reach the larger community.
Leadership moves:
- Recognize we are both one and many
Recognizing we are both one and many highlights the duality of humanity in societal systems; that is, we are individuals with uniqueness (unique identities and experiences), yet we are also part of larger communities within local, regional, and global systems. Therefore, leaders of school communities must honor diversity while also maintaining unity. In the context of an Episcopal school, this means embracing the distinctiveness of each person while also understanding that our collective progress and well-being depend on having a cohesive, unifying mission and vision rooted in the love of the Triune God. Leadership in Episcopal schools oriented towards community cultivates a communal sense of belonging that transcends differences, upholds its Christian identity, and welcomes many voices and perspectives while staying mission-aligned. - Rejoice and suffer together
In an Episcopal school, celebration is an essential aspect of building and maintaining a strong, vibrant community. By recognizing both individual and collective achievements, the school honors the contributions of each member while also acknowledging the power of unity and collaboration. Celebrating individual accomplishments highlights the unique talents and efforts of students, faculty, and staff, affirming their value and encouraging others to reach their full potential. At the same time, collective achievements remind the community of what can be accomplished when people work together with a shared purpose. Equally important is the call to come together during times of hardship. Acknowledging and supporting one another through challenges, losses, and adversity fosters a culture that exemplifies Episcopal schools’ commitment to compassion, grace, and honoring the dignity of all. At the heart of this dynamic is the joy of coming together and supporting one another, the ultimate expression of authentic community engagement. Whether in celebration, reflection, or crisis, leadership that promotes rejoicing and suffering together makes God’s love tangible for all members of the community. - Reach the larger community
As embodiments of the Christian faith, Episcopal schools are not insular. They inspire and equip members of their communities to pursue loving communion among all people, beyond the walls of the school. Leadership in Episcopal schools, therefore, aims to prepare individuals to make a transformative impact on broader society. Embracing programs that emphasize leadership development, service learning, global awareness, ethical-decision making, and creativity, Episcopal school leaders cultivate in their members the tool sets, skill sets, and mindsets to graciously navigate a complex and ever-changing world. By engaging with local and global communities, students, staff, and families experience the interconnectedness of humanity and the power of perspective-taking. Community members thereby emerge as servant leaders and change-makers who contribute to the betterment of society. This type of leadership does more than educate; it cultivates individuals of purpose and integrity, creating a legacy that extends beyond campus, shaping a world where communal compassion, grace, equity, and justice thrive.
Reflection Question
As leaders who recognize we are both one and many, rejoice and suffer together, and reach the larger community, reflect upon the following question individually or as a leadership team to ensure that your leadership approach aligns with your school’s Episcopal identity.
In what ways could your school’s leadership nurture a sense of community both within and beyond the walls of the school?
Conclusion
The Three C’s Framework is more than just a leadership model; it is a call to action for leaders to embody the principles of faith, love, and community in their daily practices. By honoring the Baptismal Covenant, modeling leadership after Christ, and striving towards loving communion, leaders can create environments where communities flourish and every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.
In a world that often feels fragmented, The Three C’s Framework offers a path towards unity and belonging—one that is guided by a shared commitment to dignity and love.