Our philosophy
This concept is a philosophical, academic, theological, and experiential method that provides a common flow of knowledge and values through the progressive life stages of childhood and adolescent development within the context of our Christian community. I know that sounds like a mouth full! The general idea is that, within the context of the church (our community), we want to provide a Master Plan for our children, youth, and young adults in the areas of Christian Education and Spiritual Formation.
Moving from one life stage to the next can be a difficult endeavor. We simply want to recognize those stages through “rites of passage” and factor in the components of one's spiritual formation. We will be intentional about providing Biblical and Spiritual Education, as well as opportunities to personally experience the essence of who God is. While many of these events may happen outside the context of the church, we will provide our students a solid foundation in an effort to prevent anyone, regardless of their need, from falling though the historically large gaps within childhood and adolescent development.
Theoretically, if a child (we will call her Beth) remains a part of our community, throughout her college years, beginning at the nursery level, she will experience the loving nature of God through nurturing individuals who will begin the process of her “soul care.” As she begins to develop her emotional, social and cognitive skills, we will begin to introduce her to first-stage Biblical characters using age-appropriate methods (Music, Drama and the Arts).
Through the energetic Preschool years, Beth will be introduced to the basic Biblical concepts, such as God’s Love and Forgiveness, Sowing and Reaping principles, and more. Beth will begin to understand Prayer and develop a healthy view of the nature of God.
Throughout her Elementary years, Beth will be introduced to the Sacraments: Communion and Baptism, as well as our Core Values, such as Loving God, Loving Self, and Loving Others. With each “life stage” Beth will have loving teachers and mentors who are committed to walking with her through the adjustment phase of each rite of passage.
As Beth enters the crazy and potentially traumatic time of adolescence, a qualified team of Youth Workers/Mentors will welcome her with open arms! These mentors will walk with her as she experiences giving and serving others through mission trips and community service projects. As she faces new challenges in the developing of her hopes and dreams for her life, this team will be there to support her, laugh with her, cry with her, and guide her when needed. They will celebrate with her as she finally approaches that defining moment when she graduates from high school and enters the world of young adulthood.
If we have done our job, which I believe to be a mandate from God, at this stage Beth will already understand the real world. Her perception of God will not be a “quick fix” “life is good” and “nothing bad will ever happen” ideal. Rather, she will enter adulthood a strong woman, with godly integrity as she transitions into the common life of the church. She will have clarity and a solid foundation of the very best expression of God that we, as humans, can present. She will be and know that she is God’s Beloved. She will enter the world of adulthood with the gift of Loving God, Loving Self, and Loving Others.
This is an ongoing project that may take years to fully mature. But we, in the Student Ministries of GracePointe Church, are committed to loving our children and providing the very best expression of God that we can.
-Mark Borders, Executive Pastor