|
Mooresville Christian has eight main objectives (see page seven of the Student Handbook for all eight objectives).
1st Objective
The first one is “To aid each student in experiencing maximum spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical development.” In Luke 2:52, it states,
“And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (NASB).”
That is our goal for every student.
Spiritual growth begins with an understanding of the God of the Bible. As each student is taught about the Bible in class and chapels, he or she has opportunities to learn the truths of the Bible and grow in wisdom.
Intellectual development is dependent on a rigorous academic curriculum and program. Each student is challenged to listen, to think, and to apply facts and information. As the student does this, he or she will learn to use critical thinking skills, as he or she approaches increasingly more difficult situations.
Getting along with others is an important part of social development. Scripture is full of examples of how to treat others. Developing a Christian approach to others is a vital part of a Christian school.
Physical development is another important part of our mission. Physical education classes, recess, and extra-curricular sports provide opportunities for students to develop and to use their physical abilities. It is our prayer that each child grows up to serve the Lord with his or her talents and abilities.
2nd Objective
The second objective is “To provide an atmosphere that is conducive to the best Christian living and the highest gains in knowledge, skills, and wisdom to be used in serving the Lord.”
Atmosphere suggests a school climate that is open to students exploring what it means to be a Christian and discovering how a Christian behaves. Can you tell who is a Christian by watching a person’s actions? It begins by the teacher being a Christ-like role-model. This doesn’t mean the teacher is perfect or does not error, but for the most part, they exhibit the characteristics that Christ demonstrated. These characteristics are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 6:22). Students are then challenged to demonstrate these qualities in the classroom, on the playground, and in athletics. Sometimes this challenge results in the student being admonished or disciplined. At other times, the student may be praised (Christian Character certificate or a Good Samaritan award) or given a pat on the back for their good behavior.
Gaining knowledge and skills means that the student must pay attention in class, complete homework, and study for tests. Study skills are crucial as the student moves into middle school and high school. How does a student learn study skills? By being taught them by the teacher and the parent, and then practicing those skills on a daily basis. Those study skills include keeping a planner, taking notes, having an organized notebook, and studying in advance for exams. Too often the parent does all the practicing and organization, which means that the student is not held accountable for his/her lack of follow through.
Wisdom to be used in serving the Lord is the most difficult thing to teach. Wisdom comes from a healthy fear of God (Proverbs 1:7). The student must be a good listener (Proverbs 2:2), take advice from others (Proverbs 11:14), and use the Bible for direction (Psalms 119:24).
3rd Objective
The third objective is “To aid students in discerning truth from error.”
We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible, authoritative Word of God. This belief is not based on a “blind” faith. It is based on historical evidence. The book The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict, by Josh McDowell is an excellent treatment of the evidence. Students must grasp the importance of the Bible, be knowledgeable of its content, and apply its principles to everyday situations.
Jesus stated in John 14:6,
“I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the father, but through Me (NASB)”.
A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is imperative to fully understand truth. The Bible states,
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth (NIV).”
John 17:17
Because of the importance of the Bible, students read and memorize it every day at school.
Discerning truth from error is applying the principles learned in the Bible to every aspect of life. It answers the critical questions that every person has at one time or another. How do I explain the terrible ways people treat each other? How do I develop my world-view? What is man’s purpose in the world? What is my purpose in the world? Do I have worth? What goals do I have for my life?
4th Objective
The fourth objective is “to integrate subjects with the truths of the Bible.”
In the November 6, 2006, issue of Time Magazine, there is an article which reports that current teenagers are rejecting the “MTV” approach to youth group. Many teens in youth groups are asking to study the Bible and are looking for answers for life in it. They are rejecting the “let us have fun mentality” and are asking for something that gives them spiritual depth. They are turning to Bible study. Interesting….
The Bible is studied at MCA. Students receive a grade in it. They have to learn verses and facts. They learn how to find things in it, but the most important thing they learn is how to apply Biblical principles to the world around them. As students study history and the human race, they explore what God has to say about history. They study how God has been active in history, is active today, and will act in the future. A study of universe, nature, animals, insects, and atoms reveal God’s creative hand. The Bible describes creation and the purpose for creation. Man is to rule over the earth, to fill it, and to be productive for God’s glory.
Reading and writing are forms of communication that are essential for the spreading of God’s good news. Literacy became essential as the Christian church spread throughout the world and our country. Early church leaders wanted a congregation that could read the Bible and be able to sing hymns. The indirect result was God’s blessing on an educated populace.
Math demonstrates the order that God has designed in the universe. Scientists are able to deduce and predict the movement of the sun, moon, and stars. I recently watched a PBS special that showed how scientist deduced the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way, has a black hole at the center. It was fascinating to see how math was used to identify something that can not be seen. Integrating the Bible into the different subject areas is an awesome thing teachers get to do at MCA.
5th Objective
To teach the fundamental skills of reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, and independent study so thoroughly that the pupil shall be prepared for the acquisition of knowledge without any hindering limitations;
6th Objective
To provide students with a opportunity for participation in all phases of their learning and tofacilitate the receiving and retention of knowledge;
7th Objective
8th Objective
To show the students their present civic responsibilities and to prepare them for adult responsibility as Christian citizens of our nation.
|
