Principal 360 STL

"Building Leadership for a Brighter Future"

In an era marked by rapid change and increasing demands on educational leaders, the Missouri District, in partnership with LCEF, has brought in an 11-month intensive program, titled “Principal 360 STL”, to equip and position our Lutheran educational leaders for the challenges of 21st-century education. Drawing inspiration from scripture to "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance," (Proverbs 1:5) the program brings together 14 educational leaders from 4 districts, with 11 representing schools across Missouri.

"Our goal is to equip and support our Lutheran school leaders so they can navigate modern educational challenges while building upon our rich Lutheran heritage," says Josh Swartz. This vision aligns perfectly with 2 Timothy 2:2, which is about compounding ministry by training those who will also be able to teach others. The participants will focus on 5 essential areas: culture, marketing, finance, recruitment/retention, and innovation. Each educational leader will earn 15 graduate credit hours from Concordia Chicago, underscoring the program's academic rigor and ensuring its credibility. This structured approach to leadership development echoes Luke 14:28: "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"

Principal 360 STL's 19 modules offer a holistic approach to leadership development. The program emphasizes practical skills while maintaining a strong spiritual foundation. Each participant develops a comprehensive strategic plan tailored to their ministry's unique needs and mission field. One of the program's distinctive features is the unwavering focus on sustainable growth and mission-driven leadership. This spiritual endurance is crucial for educational leaders facing today's challenges, ensuring steady and sustainable growth for our schools.

Principal 360 STL extends beyond professional development to fulfill Christ's Great Commission, but also to prepare leaders to create vibrant centers of faith-based learning where academic excellence and spiritual growth flourish together. Through mentorship, coursework, and real-world application, participants emerge ready to lead their schools into the future. Each strategic plan developed through the program serves as a blueprint for ministry, ensuring that resources align with long-term goals while maintaining focus on the school's spiritual mission. Principal 360 STL is a beacon of support and growth for Lutheran schools. The program demonstrates that with proper preparation, dedication, and faith, Lutheran educational leaders can confidently guide their communities forward, ensuring that Lutheran schools remain strong centers of academic excellence and spiritual formation for generations to come.