Author: Jonathan Cooper

In the week before coming to the NAES conference this year, our chaplaincy and school came together to prepare a memorial service for a beloved faculty member who died suddenly on Halloween. One evening, in the difficult days that followed her death, I opened a file in the chaplain’s office containing years of memorial service bulletins faithfully prepared in the midst of similar tragedies. These service bulletins, compiled by chaplains, like the Rev. Preston Hannibal, who will soon celebrate 50 years of school ministry, serve as a reminder that we are not alone. For we are accompanied by those who walked this way before us–the men and women who faithfully ran chapels, pastored students and faculty, taught classes, and served as advisors and coaches.  Read More »

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Amid a disgruntled parent, a leaking roof, or dismissal... Read More »

In the middle of September, I marked the occasion of my birthday in a typical Coloradan fashion: by hiking a “fourteen-er.” A picture-worthy occasion, I shared it on social media and a dear friend commented, “Radiant creature!” “Sleep-deprived and super tired creature,” I replied. A week earlier, the same friend comforted me by reminding me that my “greatness” doesn’t stem merely from what I do, but from who I actually am, in God.  Read More »

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be... Read More »

Both Episcopal and non-Episcopal schools are in the business of educating students of all ages, backgrounds, races, religions, cultures, and abilities in caring, nurturing environments. What is unique about Episcopal Schools however, is that Episcopal Schools are “embodiments of the Christian faith…that honor, celebrate and worship God as the center of life,” and as such “are created to be models of God’s love and grace.”  One important way we share God’s love is through pastoral care. The Episcopal Church defines pastoral care as “The ministry of caring at the heart of the church's (or school’s) life.” In my ministry as a school chaplain, pastoral care is woven into every aspect of my day. Tending to Jesus’ sheep is multifaceted, and the following are a few of my reflections about pastoral care after serving forty years in education, the last ten as a chaplain in an Episcopal School. Read More »

In recent months, the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in schools has faced increasing scrutiny, with some arguing that it promotes indoctrination rather than education. More than two dozen states, including here in North Carolina, have taken legislative steps to restrict or outright eliminate DEI initiatives and roles in public colleges. This debate has significant implications for the education sector, particularly for schools rooted in principles of diversity and inclusivity, such as those affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Read More »

I have lived and worked in boarding and day schools—secular and Episcopal—for thirty years. Throughout this time, I have appreciated the different ways that schools sustain community. The... Read More »