Bethesda Christian OP

Bethesda
The Search for Our Next
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Opportunity Profile
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL and BETHESDA CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Fort Worth, Texas

“A Christ-Centered
Education Preparing
Students for Their
God-Given Purpose”
Dear Prospective Head of School Candidate,
On behalf of the entire Bethesda family, thank you for your interest in the Head
of School position at Bethesda Christian School and Bethesda Child Development
Center. Over 40 years ago, a group of leaders at Bethesda were called to start a
preschool to minister to families in our community. Around the same time, a vision
began being birthed for a Christian school with a focus on excellence. Decades
later, it is our belief we are living out the vision and calling our founders intended.
We trust this Opportunity Profile will show our commitment to excellence through a
robust preschool and through students of Bethesda Christian School who have
repeatedly demonstrated that commitment with their academic achievements,
spiritual development, and extracurricular activities.
Bethesda Christian School (BCS) and Bethesda Child Development Center (BCDC)
have been blessed with a talented staff, a large group of involved and dedicated
parents, and a church body that has continually risen to support the needs of our
educational branches. Our campus is located in an area of explosive growth in north
Fort Worth, Texas with easy access to DFW Airport. Businesses and families are
relocating to our area in record numbers. With this new growth comes opportunity
to reach across cultural lines as we strengthen our relationships through Jesus. It is
our desire that all families in our area have access to a Christ-centered, academically
challenging education that provides avenues for growth in all areas of life including
spiritual formation, academics, arts, and athletics.

The successful candidate will understand that as a ministry and mission of Bethesda Community Church,
the aim of BCS and BCDC is to reach and provide opportunities for success to all students and families
who are willing to strive toward their God-given potential. For BCS students who will commit to working
diligently, our vision is to provide a path of academic success while keeping our program rigorous, even
for the highest achievers. We look forward to building on our strong academic history as we prepare the
next generation of Christian leaders to be Ambassadors for Christ in everything they do.
Thank you for your consideration of this important position at Bethesda. We understand the
significance of a decision of this magnitude for you and your family, and we pray God will direct you, as
we believe He will surely direct us. We encourage you to read through this Opportunity Profile, watch
the introductory video, and explore our websites for additional information. If you are interested in
pursuing this opportunity, please reference the Process of Candidacy page to begin the application
process. If you have any questions or wish to learn more before applying, please contact Laura
Coverstone or Ed Poff (615-261-4623), the JobfitMatters Consultants who are assisting Bethesda in this
important search for our Head of School.
Sincerely,
Kym Bergstrom
Chair of the Church Board and Search Committee

BETHESDA HEAD OF SCHOOL SEARCH
OVERVIEW
The Head of School will be filling a newly created position overseeing two distinct ministries of
Bethesda: Bethesda Christian School, serving 350+ students K-12, and Bethesda Child Development
Center, serving 250 preschool-aged children. Bethesda Child Development Center was founded
in 1977 for the purpose of reaching children and families with the gospel of Jesus. After four
decades of steady growth, simple word-of-mouth reviews have resulted in waiting lists for families
desiring to enroll their children in the BCDC program. Since 1980, Bethesda Christian School has
established itself in the Fort Worth community as a school of excellence in the following areas:
CHARACTER AND SPIRITUAL FORMATIONMATION
The foundation for the entire Bethesda educational program is the development of Christlike
Character. BCS utilizes the Honorable Character Classroom Management System,
which affirms and encourages students in desirable behaviors, promoting good habits that
undergird Christian character formation. In addition to regular Bible classes and weekly
chapel, Bethesda also provides students with practical opportunities to shine the light of
Christ to others through giving and service both in the local community and abroad.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The high educational achievement that characterizes Bethesda Christian School graduates is
the result of years of shaping a solid academic program. Small class sizes, a school culture
that promotes learning, and a strong work ethic fostered by the Honorable Character system
all enhance scholastic performance. Typical educational achievement for kindergarten classes
is two years above grade level, while the class average SAT scores for BCS seniors consistently
surpass those of their public and private school counterparts nationwide.
SCIENCE
Bethesda Christian School encourages the upcoming generation to embrace STEM and be
innovators in the world of technology. BCS’ Robotics team illustrates this vision by regularly
qualifying for regional competitions, as well as competing at the World Competition. The
team discovers and learns through robotics, while also promoting, training, and mentoring
other students in the field of STEM. Robotics is available to students in third grade and above.
FISCAL HEALTH
With the blessing of a supportive church community, Bethesda Christian School enjoys a balanced
budget. The church stands ready to invest in new buildings on the 28-acre campus, as
needed, to accommodate future growth.

MISSION AND VISION
BCDC Mission Statement - To partner with family members within our community,
and together become closer in fellowship with God.
BCDC Vision Statement - To aid each child in their individual
development... spiritually, cognitively, physically, emotionally, and socially.
BCS Mission Statement - To provide a quality Christ-centered education preparing
students for their God-given purposes.
BCS Vision Statement - To help each student increase in wisdom, stature, and
favor with God and man.

STATEMENT OF FAITH
WE BELIEVE
• the Bible is the inspired and only infallible and authoritative written Word of
God. (2 Timothy 3:15, 2 Peter 1:21).
• there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God
the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1, Matthew 28:19, John 10:30).
• in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:33); His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14,
Matthew 1:23, Luke 1:35); His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15, 7:26); His miracles (John
2:11); His vicarious and atoning death (I Corinthians 15:3, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews
2:9); His bodily resurrection (John 11:25, I Corinthians 15:4); His ascension to the
right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19); His personal return in power and glory
(Acts 1:11, Revelation 19:11).
• Man was created good and upright; for God said, “Let us make man in our
own image, after our likeness.” However, man by voluntary transgression
fell and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death,
which is separation from God. (Genesis 1:26-27, 2:17, 3:6, 5:12-19).
• Man’s only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ
the Son of God. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and
faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and
renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man
becomes an heir of God, according to the hope of eternal life. (Luke 24:47,
John 3:3, Romans 10:13-15, Ephesians 2:8, Titus 2:11, Titus 3:5-7).
• in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer as expressed
by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:18. The admonition of the verb “be
filled” in its’ present continual tense affords the believer the continuing enduement
of power for life and service, and the bestowment of the gifts and
their uses in the work of the ministry.
• that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for personal
salvation; that the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance
and faith in the precious shed blood of Christ; and that by God’s grace
through faith alone we are saved. (John 3:16-19, John 5:24, Romans 5:8-9, Ephesians
2:8-10, Titus 3:5).

• in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved
unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of
condemnation. (John 5:28-29).
• in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:9, 1
Corinthians 12:12–13, Galatians 3:26–28).
• the church is the body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit,
with divine appointments for the fulfillment of the great commission. Each
believer, born of the Spirit, is an integral part of the general assembly
and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven. (Ephesians 1:22-23,
Ephesians 2:22, Hebrews 12:23).
• that the term marriage has only one meaning: the uniting of one man
and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture
(Genesis 2:18–25). We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only
between a man and a woman who are married to each other (1 Corinthians
6:18, 7:2–5; Hebrews 13:4). We believe that God’s command is that there be
no sexual intimacy outside of or apart from marriage between a man and
a woman.
• that God wonderfully foreordained and immutably created each person
as either male or female in conformity with their biological sex. These
two distinct yet complementary genders together reflect the image and
nature of God. (Genesis 1:26–27).

BCDC AND BCS
HISTORY
BETHESDA CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER is an extension of the ongoing
ministry of Bethesda Community Church. Previously known as “Wee Wisdom
Daycare,” BCDC was founded in the fall of 1977, with the goal of reaching the
church of the future...our children. Since then, the reputation of excellence in
care has continued to grow in the community. Through a series of innovative
and creative decisions, as well as the ongoing commitment to excellence and
its stellar reputation, enrollment has continued to remain strong. That growth
and robust enrollment has, in fact, outpaced many similar organizations. Today,
BCDC is one of the largest single-site preschools in the area.
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL’S history began under the leadership of
Bethesda Community Church’s Pastor Emeritus, Desmond T. Evans. Along with
other church leaders who first sensed the call to establish a Christian school,
Pastor Des stated, “Our goal, from the very beginning, was to provide an
atmosphere that is Christian in concept and character and to provide the
quality of instruction that would equip and enable our students to be
comfortable as they transition to the most demanding of college disciplines.”
The birth of that calling occurred in the fall of 1980, when BCS opened its doors
with a single kindergarten class. BCS added one grade level each year until it
became a K-6 elementary school. A middle school was added in 1988. In the
mid-1990s, the church board approved Bethesda’s expansion to include a high
school, and BCS celebrated its first graduation with the Class of 2000.
From its humble beginnings, Bethesda Christian School has matured into a
respected private, college-preparatory, interdenominational Christian school in
Tarrant County. Bethesda’s elementary, middle and high schools now serve a total
of 350+t students who represent over 97 evangelical churches in Tarrant County.
Although much has changed over the three decades of its existence, the school
has not wavered from its original mission of preparing students for their Godgiven
purpose. Bethesda Christian School continues to cultivate student
development through Character, Academics, and Service.

The school looks to the future,
drawing upon the words of the apostle Paul:
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken
hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind
and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward
the goal to win the prize for which God has called me
heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:13-14 NIV

AT-A-GLANCE
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
ENROLLMENT (2018-19)
GRADES K-12: 350+STUDENTS
K-5TH 180
FINANCIAL
ANNUAL BUDGET 2017-2018: $3.75 MILLION
GIVING FOR 2017-18: $265,876
6TH-8TH 92
9TH-12TH 80
97 Churches represented in 2018-19.
STUDENT BODY DIVERSITY:
FACULTY
26
23
29%
IN UPPER SCHOOL
IN LOWER SCHOOL
Caucasian
African American
Asian
Hispanic
Other
HOLD ADVANCED DEGREES
STUDENT/FACULTY RATIO – 7:1
FINANCIAL AID
More than $175,000 in financial aid was
awarded in the 2016-2017 school year, benefiting
close to 10% of the school families.
TUITION (2017-18):
K - 5TH $8,815
6TH - 8TH $9,615
9TH-12TH $9,985
CLASS OF 2017
95.8%
FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE PLACEMENT
(1 student doing a one-year mission trip)
SAT AVERAGE FOR CLASS OF 2017:
READING & WRITING 632
MATH 649
COMPOSITE 1281
Out of a total of 389 graduates since 2000,
Bethesda has had the following College Board
National Merit®, College Board, and National
Achievement student recognitions (including the
Class of 2018):
NATIONAL MERIT® 15 SCHOLARS (1 FINALIST)
40 COMMENDED 16 NATIONAL HISPANIC SCHOLARS
2 OUTSTANDING PARTICIPANTS

BETHESDA CHRISTIAN
SCHOOL (CONT.)
BETHESDA CHILD
DEVELOPMENT CENTER
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES AND
MATRICULATIONS
In the last three years, BCS students have
been accepted at competitive colleges and
universities such as Baylor University, University of
Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Abilene Christian University,
Texas Christian University, St. John’s University,
Oral Roberts University, and the King’s University.
Graduates from the Class of 2018 were the
recipients of over $3,081,082 million in
academic, athletic, and special achievement
scholarships and grants.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT
ACCREDITATION:
BCS offers 13 Honors Courses, 8
Advanced Placement courses, and
two Dual-Enrollment Courses. In
2017, 24 students took 71 tests
with an average score of 3.2 .
BCS holds accreditation
with Association of Christian
Schools International (ACSI)
through June 2020.
ENROLLMENT (2018-19)
250 STUDENTS IN PRESCHOOL
STAFF
60
FINANCIAL:
ANNUAL BUDGET 2017-2018:
$1.6 MILLION
YEARLY TUITION (2017-18):
(DEPENDENT UPON AGE)
$9,152-$12,012
CALCULATED ON 52 WEEKS OF ENROLLMENT
BCDC IS LICENSED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS

CAMPUS
BCS and BCDC are located on the 28-acre campus of Bethesda Community Church in north Fort Worth,
Texas. The warmth, professionalism, and cleanliness of the facilities stand out among peer institutions.
In addition to 50 classrooms (33 for BCS and 17 for BCDC), a science lab, robotics lab, two technology
labs, Mac lab, cafeteria, gymnasium, and athletic fields, the school also has use of a 3000-square-foot
recording studio. The main room of the studio is the rehearsal home of the BCS band program. Lovingly
referred to as “the best band hall in the great state of Texas,” BCS students are able to rehearse in a
unique sonic environment that enhances their learning. Student-led Chapel services utilize the youth
auditorium, which features a 20-foot LED wall and state of the art sound and lighting. Drama students
host productions for friends and family in the 300-seat children’s auditorium. For special events, such as
graduations, band concerts, and Meet the Teacher days, the school has use of the 1200-seat sanctuary.
The church is nearly debt-free and is enthusiastically prepared to invest in additional space for the school
as needed.

THE POSITION
As a key ministry leader of Bethesda Community Church, the HEAD OF SCHOOL will be a highly selfmotivated
educator who oversees the implementation of the mission of Bethesda and has oversight
responsibility for the preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school programs. The Head of
School is appointed by Bethesda Community Church’s Senior Pastor and the Board of Deacons, with
specific accountability to the School Board which is comprised of a subset of the Board of Deacons
and other school community leaders. As a member of the church leadership team, the Head of School
will serve under and collaborate with the Senior Pastor of the church, J. Daniel Smith, who has served
Bethesda for forty years.
Under a new structure, the Executive Leadership team supporting the Head of School includes the
following: Secondary Principal, Elementary Principal (future), BCDC Director, Elementary Dean,
Secondary Dean, Chaplain, and Curriculum Director.
SENIOR PASTOR
CHURCH BOARD
OF DEACONS
SCHOOL BOARD
HEAD OF SCHOOL
BCDC
DIRECTOR
PRINCIPAL
ELEMENTARY
PRINCIPAL
(FUTURE)
ASSISTANT
DIRECTOR
CURRICULUM
DIRECTOR
CHAPLAIN
DEAN OF
STUDENTS
ELEMENTARY
DEAN

IDEAL HEAD OF SCHOOL
CHARACTERISTICS
The ideal HEAD OF SCHOOL will possess and
demonstrate a personal story of surrendering to Jesus
Christ as personal Savior and Lord. As a spiritual
leader of Bethesda’s educational branches, the Head
will seek to identify the Lord’s will through the Word
and prayer and follow it in all areas of leadership
and life. He or she will demonstrate a heart for the
local church and for impacting the lives of others,
manifested through the fruit of the Spirit and other
Christ-like qualities. This person will apply biblical
principles to all areas of leadership including
instruction, curriculum, athletics (sports, physical
education, and extra-curricular), finance/business
matters, and relationships. The spiritual climate of
BCS and BCDC will continue to grow and mature as a
result of this person’s leadership.
The ideal candidate will have academic leadership
experience building a comprehensive and balanced
curriculum that prepares high school students for
higher education opportunities and the world in
which they will live as adults. Building on BCS’ strong
results as compared to other schools in the area, the
next Head of School will lead the academic program
to serve students with a variety of academic abilities
to achieve their fullest potential in Christ.
The ideal next Head of School for Bethesda is someone
who will lead growth initiatives by 1) increasing
promotion of BCS in the community and 2) addressing
any financial or curricular barriers to retaining families.
As Bethesda’s preschool and school grows, the
Head of School will maintain an atmosphere of unity,
trust, warmth, and open, honest communication with
staff, students, parents, the school board, and church
leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The HEAD OF SCHOOL of Bethesda will have the ability to lead
in a collaborative, but appropriately executive style. The Head’s
responsibilities are primarily and ultimately to implement the current
strategic plan of the school, the list below details the various
responsibilities that are woven into the role.
ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
1. provide spiritual leadership to staff and students;
2. lead the school in maintaining accreditation;
3. lead the staff in continuous curriculum development;
4. ensure that the school is well-equipped and well-supplied to provide
quality education;
5. work carefully on the development and control of the budget;
6. ensure a sound program for the spiritual and professional growth of the
faculty.
TEAM BUILDING RESPONSIBILITIES
1. recruit and build a high quality Christian administrative team;
2. ensure faculty and staff are evaluated and mentored on a regular basis;
3. solve personnel problems following biblical principles;
4. provide meaningful professional development opportunities;
5. function as the center of intercommunication between both the Church
and School boards, church leadership, church, and the BCS/BCDC leadership
team, faculty, and staff.
PUBLIC RELATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES
1. articulate the philosophy of the school with clarity;
2. serve as a key leader of all school fundraising;
3. meet with parents, donors, area pastors, and other constituents;
4. represent the school at parent, church and community functions when
required.
RESPONSIBILITIES TO BCC AND BCS BOARDS
1. assist the school board in developing a five-year plan;
2. serve as educational consultant to the boards by providing analysis of the
school’s educational strengths and areas for improvement;
3. communicate vision for the continued development of the school;
4. support board policy to the public and staff, and represent the boards fairly;
5. work harmoniously with the boards and pastors as a part of the church
leadership team.

QUALIFICATIONS
• The HEAD OF SCHOOL will be a person who has
received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and one who is (or
will become) a member of Bethesda Community Church.
• The HEAD OF SCHOOL will be required to have a Bachelors
and Masters degree (Doctorate preferred) from an
accredited institution and will have a valid certification in
school administration. The candidate must have or be willing
to obtain an ACSI administrator certification within the
first year of employment.
• A minimum of five years effective experience demonstrating
leadership in the operations of private/public sector
organizations is required. Experience developing and improving
a Christian school or public school is desired.
• The HEAD OF SCHOOL will be called by God and be
committed to Christian education. He or she will seek to
be a Christian role model in attitude, speech, and actions
through a consistent daily relationship with Jesus Christ.
• He or she will be an experienced administrator and proactive
leader who demonstrates continuous improvement
of all aspects of a Christian school, Pre-School through
High School: spiritual leadership and advocacy, advancement
strategies, budgeting and finance, and comprehensive
offerings for student curriculum and instruction.

EXPECTATIONS
Successful leadership in any educational institution is judged by how well
its leader meets the expectations of its governing body, meets the needs of
its students, and responds to the input of its faculty, administration, parents,
and other constituent groups. The next Head of School will lead a formal
Strategic Planning process, but likely plans will focus on the below areas:
• Continuous Improvement of Academic Offerings. The next Head of
School will guide BCS in a process of providing opportunities for success
to all students and families that are willing to strive toward their Godgiven
potential. This includes implementing a positive and affirming
multi-track educational program, which, while maintaining the current
level of rigorous academic excellence for high achievers, will separately
provide a path of educational success for those needing other methods
of academic development.
• Develop BCS school Culture such that it is known for the quality of
its student body and faculty and their service in the community, and
at the same time being known for a redemptive grace that shepherds
students’ hearts with love. BCS’ redemptive discipline policy is intended
to aid in developing both the heart and mind of each student and restore
students through the love and redemptive forgiveness that God shows
all of us. Simply put, a redemptive discipline approach focuses on heart
transformation rather than just behavior modification.
• Increase Enrollment of BCS to eventually build to 500+ students.
2015-2016 397* (August numbers each year)
2016-2017 385
2017-2018 384
2018-2019 379
• Improvement of Technology – As noted in the September 2018 ACSI
Accreditation Progress Report, the only Major Recommendation was in
the area of technology. The goals for Years 1-4 have been met 100%,
and a few remaining goals are still in process, such as establishing monthly
roundtable meetings, adding support materials for teachers, replacing
the current server, and beginning phase 2 of staff computer replacement.

WHERE IS THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
TODAY?
The ideal candidate will likely come from a Christian School, but the right leader may come from
a variety of vocations. We believe someone from one of the following areas will likely have the
skills and experience that are needed to lead Bethesda Christian School. The candidate may
approximate one of these descriptions. This list is not meant to be exhaustive but rather to encourage
potential candidates to understand the breadth of experiences that may fit well in this position:
• An experienced leader of a Christian School with at least 300+ students.
• A successful private or public school leader who believes strongly in Christian Education, has
a solid Biblical background, and has a significant understanding of non-profits, boards and
fundraising.
• A successful and rising assistant head of a Christian School larger than Bethesda.
• Possibly an organizational leader outside education who brings significant years of Board and/
or teaching experience in a Christian School.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS
LOCATION
To most outsiders, Fort Worth appears to be nothing more
than the little brother of nearby Dallas. But don’t confuse
the two. Fort Worth is the 16th largest city in the United
States, and it actually came before Dallas. Fort Worth is a
city all its own, with plenty to offer the aspiring Texan.
Even though Fort Worth ranks in the top 25 most
populated cities in the United States, there is a real
small-town feel to the city. The downtown area is vibrant,
growing, and accessible. The more residential neighborhoods
boast low crime, and housing prices provide
more bang for your buck than other large cities in Texas.
Fort Worth’s dedication to preserving its rich history
has become an industry of its own, especially in
entertainment for residents and guests.
For information on the cost of living in Fort Worth, Expatistan is a great site to check out. There you’ll
find an extensive list of how much housing is, the cost of healthcare, groceries, clothing, pretty much
anything you can think of. You can also compare these prices with other major cities around the world.
More Helpful Resources about Fort Worth:
• FortWorth.com: This site offers info on Fort Worth staples such as Fort Worth Stockyards, Casa
Manana Theatre, Railhead Smokehouse, Nonna Tata and more things to do and places to eat.
• FortWorthTexas.gov: This is the official site of the city of Fort Worth.
• Fort Worth Business Directory: For all of your Fort Worth business needs.
• The Star Telegram: Fort Worth’s local news source.
(Source: https://www.getbellhops.com/moving-to/fort-worth-texas/)

PROCESS OF
CANDIDACY
If you sense that the gifts and experience God has given you are a good match for Bethesda, we
invite you to begin the inquiry process. We handle all candidate information and conversations
confidentially. You may contact Laura Coverstone at any stage of the process for more information
and to ask questions (see contact information below).
PLEASE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING FOR REVIEW:
• A current resume
• Responses to the following essay questions:
• Describe your spiritual journey of faith in Jesus Christ. Indicate how God is using you in your
work, in your church and in your community. How has your relationship with Jesus Christ shaped
your career and influenced your decision to apply for this position?
• Describe your experience with Christian education, both personally and professionally. How
would you define the marks of “educational excellence” in a 21st century Christian high school?
• Provide the names and contact information (telephone numbers and email addresses) for four
references who know you and your career well enough to comment on your suitability for the
Head of School position at BCS. References will only be contacted after we have requested and
received your permission to do so.
Submit this information in one document or PDF to:
Laura Coverstone
JobfitMatters
resumes@jobfitmatters.com
Phone: 615-261-4623
In the subject line of the email, please write “Bethesda HOS”