Christian Growth and Mission Policy Ratified by Board Last Review 2013 Next Review 2018 1 DEFINITIONS 1.1 The generic definition of mission is an important assignment carried out for political, religious, or commercial purposes, typically involving travel. For the purpose of this policy Jesus great commission will define mission for us: go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (Matthew 28: 19,20). 1.2 Mission activities are those designed to further the spiritual growth, development and/or ministry of individuals. 1.3 Mission trips are residential excursions that are designed to further the spiritual growth, development and/or ministry of individuals. 2 CONTEXT 2.1 Open Enrolment The College is open to enrolment of students from a variety of family and faith backgrounds. Upon enrolment parents understand that the College is a community centred on Christ as revealed in the Bible, accept that their child will be exposed to a range of mission activities, and make a commitment that their child will participate fully in all compulsory components of the mission program. 2.2 Mission, Vision and Values The College s mission statement includes the phrase Christianity in Action and its vision statement includes a hope that students experience God s love in Christ, and become passionate in their faith, full of hope and accepting of others. The College also aims to instil the following values in the lives of its students: Love & Service, Faith & Integrity, Truth & Wisdom, Justice & Mercy, Kindness & Compassion, Courage & Perseverance, Responsibility & Respect. 2.3 Imagery Like a tree planted by streams of water that yield its fruit in season and its leaf does not wither (Psalm 1:3a). This verse provides the imagery of a tree the College s hope that as members of this school, under the sound of the gospel, in the love of the Lord s people, our students will grow up to be strong, fruitful members of society with an active faith in Jesus Christ. 2.4 The College believes that 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 2.4.4 2.4.5 every person is fearfully and wonderfully made by, and in the image of, a just and holy God (Psalm 139:13-14); every person is important and their value does not come from what they believe, what they can do, or what they look like, not from their race, gender, religious or cultural affiliation, or their physical or intellectual ability, but their value is based on who they are - God s children whom He loves (1 John 3:1); every person should have the opportunity to hear of God s great love for them, the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and the promise of eternity for all those who follow Him (Ephesians 1:7-8); every person should also have the opportunity to be able to fulfil their life s purpose; to know God, to love Him (Matthew 22:37), and to live the abundant life that Jesus came to give us as a testimony to God s grace and mercy (John 10:10); and every Christian is called upon by God to love their neighbour as themself (Matthew 22:39), to use their gifts to serve others (1Peter 4:10), and to fulfil Jesus great commission to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). 2.5 The College is committed to 2.5.1 partnering with parents and supporting them in raising their children in a Godly manner and growing in their knowledge of, and their relationship to, the Lord Jesus Christ; NWCC & author: I.Maynard page 1 of 5
2.5.2 nurturing faith in Christ in each member of the College community (students, staff and others), acknowledging that each one is at a different place in their unique faith journey; 2.5.3 2.5.4 2.5.5 preparing each student well to take their place in society and with a God-given passion for impacting their world and making a contribution to the well-being of others; providing opportunities for all members of the College community to be involved in age-appropriate acts of service that will inspire and encourage young people to be actively involved; and providing service and ministry options within the College, as well as locally, regionally and internationally. 2.6 With regards to the multitude of cultures of the world, the College is committed to developing in students 2.6.1 2.6.2 2.6.3 a Godly world view in regards to the value God places on each culture and race; a love for people of all nationalities and a desire to share the Gospel with them; and an understanding of cultural differences and how to relate effectively to people from other cultures. 3 PURPOSE The College s corporate goal is that by the time each student graduates they grow in spiritual maturity under the Lordship of Christ and become effective members of the body of Christ and the wider community. This policy articulates the College s approach to achieving this goal. 4 POLICY STATEMENT The College will provide a safe place for students to explore their spirituality and respond to God if and when they are ready. The College will teach and model to students the value of positive Christlike relationships and a lifestyle of regular Bible reading, worship, prayer, mission and service and provide them with opportunities to develop such a lifestyle in the context of healthy relationships with all members of the College community. Biblical perspectives and principles will be presented in a non-dogmatic way, providing students the liberty to hold an alternate perspective. Acceptance of and respect for individuals will be shown regardless of their perspective or beliefs, and open and rigorous discussion about them will be encouraged and facilitated. However, no-one will be permitted to actively promote a faith tradition other than Christianity within the College community. Students will be encouraged to exhibit College values in their character and through very practical actions that serve those in need in the local, regional, national and international communities. Those students that profess and live a Christian faith will be encouraged to express their faith and share it with others. When a student is born again at a College activity the College Chaplain will take responsibility for their spiritual well-being until they are connected to an appropriate church and/or youth ministry. No staff member or volunteer is permitted to single-mindedly proselytise students into their own church or youth ministry. 5 MISSION ACTIVITIES 5.1 College Culture The College s culture is to be consistent with that of a Biblical Christian community. 5.1.1 5.1.2 5.1.3 5.1.4 Lifestyle & Relationships Staff will remain conscious of the example they set to students as followers of Christ and will maintain a lifestyle and daily witness consistent with a protestant Christian faith. They will model positive relationships and encourage and nurture the same from parents and students. Staff Devotions Staff will meet regularly for devotions, worship and prayer. Biblical Perspective A Christian worldview will form the foundation and framework for all teaching/learning programs and all other aspects of College life. Opportunities to Respond to the Gospel The College acknowledges that true spiritual decisions involve the activity of the Holy Spirit and encourages students to make a real and lasting commitment to Christ. To this end the College does not endorse or permit practices that are based purely on fear, are overly manipulative, overly emotive, or elicit NWCC & author: I.Maynard page 2 of 5
altar-call style responses. When a student is born again it is acknowledged as a wonderful miracle and cause for celebration. Any staff member aware of a student being born again at a College activity will inform the College Chaplain and the student s classroom teacher or Home group mentor. The Chaplain will then facilitate the student to be connected to an appropriate church and/or youth ministry. 5.1.5 5.1.6 5.1.7 Opportunities to Develop in Faith Students will participate in activities that model and promote bible reading (eg devotions, weekly Bible Study, Assembly), prayer (eg devotions, Assembly, Prayer Nights, grace before eating), worship (a whole of life activity but understood here as praising God in Chapel Services), and acts of service (including school service, community service, support of charities, giving to the poor, and Mission Trips). Peacewise Conflict Management The College uses the principles outlined in the Peacewise Personal Peacemaking course to manage conflict. These principles are taught to students to better enable them to manage conflict in their own lives. Norwest Challenge The Norwest Challenge is an award system that acknowledges students that exhibit College values. The Award requires students to apply significant effort to both academic and extra-curricular pursuits, and to maintain an acceptable level of participation in College life. The program also requires them to serve the College community and the broader community in some significant age-appropriate manner. 5.2 Programmed Fortnightly Activities The College will program activities on a weekly or fortnightly basis that provide opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the nature and character of God, the person of Jesus, Biblical faith, and the principles upon which the Christian life is developed. 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.2.3 5.2.4 5.2.5 Daily Devotions At the beginning of each day Primary classes and Secondary Home groups spend a few minutes in prayer and reflection on the scriptures. Biblical Studies Lessons Each student from Pre-school to Year 10 will undertake timetabled Biblical Studies lessons that derives from a structured published program (Primary 30 minutes weekly, Secondary 1 hour fortnightly). Chapel Services K-12 students participate in fortnightly Chapel services that give many students opportunity to lead, serve and share, and give opportunity for all students to worship and have the bible applied to their lives. Student Ministries Primary and Secondary students organise, under the supervision of staff, weekly lunchtime ministries to both younger students and their peers, providing them with opportunities to serve, lead and share their faith. Christian Growth Ministries The Chaplain runs weekly lunchtime groups for Primary and Secondary students designed to nurture Christian students in their faith. 5.3 Service Activities 5.3.1 5.3.2 5.3.3 Class/Home Group Service Activities Older Primary classes and Secondary Home groups regularly perform service activities either for the College community or the wider community. The Ponds Special School Support College students assist The Ponds Special School, currently housed in Regent Street Riverstone, in the care and education of its students. Charity Support College students assist various charities with both labour and fundraising efforts within the College community and in the local community. NWCC & author: I.Maynard page 3 of 5
5.3.4 Compassion Children College students raise funds to support Compassion children. 5.4 Christian Ministry Training 5.4.1 Crusaders Youth workers from Crusaders visit the College each term to promote the development of Christian leadership in College students and help train our student leaders. 5.5 Infrequent Ministry Events 5.5.1 5.5.2 5.5.3 5.5.4 5.5.5 Fusion Easter Mission The College attends the annual Fusion Easter Mission in both Martin Place and Parramatta Church Street Mall. Our involvement consists of the performance of gospel based music and drama pieces to the general public. This event gives students the opportunity to make Jesus known in a very public venue. Exo-Day The Secondary student leadership team organise and run an annual College Exo-Day in the lead-up to the larger Exo-Day. This day celebrates life in Christ and highlights the inherent value in every young person. Chapel Team Inter-School Ministry There is a medium-term plan to develop the current Secondary Chapel band to provide student-led gospel based shows for neighbouring Primary schools in our auditorium. Shopping Centre Performances The College s Primary Choir perform Christian songs in shopping centres and other public venues throughout the year. Glow & Riverstone Carols by Candlelight The College s Christmas concert, Glow, and the combined Riverstone churches community carols service are two wonderful opportunities for our students to give thanks to the Father for the gift of Jesus. Students are given opportunity to bless others with the gift of music and share the joy that Jesus brings to a young life. 5.6 Mission Trips The College s Mission Trip Program will eventually include one compulsory annual mission trip and four optional mission trips on a rotating basis (two biannual trips in each year). These trips will be centred around either an organised act of physical service or supporting a Christian ministry in some other practical way. 5.6.1 5.6.2 5.6.3 5.6.4 5.6.5 Local Mission Trip (compulsory) All Year 11 students participate in a three day City Mission camp to downtown Sydney that exposes them to the needs of poor urban people and the various agencies/ministries that serve them. They are given opportunities to participate in service activities with some of these agencies. Mission Outback Australia (voluntary) In the future, a mission trip will be organised to a remote community in Northern or Central Australia, taking in tourist visits to Kakadu and/or Uluru. Mission Cambodia (voluntary) The College operates a two week mission trip to Cambodia in conjunction with YWAM Phnom Penh. In January, students from Years 9-12 and adult supervisors, spend time in Phnom Penh serving in a children s ministry of some type, working hands-on with the children. The trip includes various cultural experiences, including visits to the Killing Fields, a floating village, and the temples at Siem Reap. Mission Vanuatu (voluntary) The College s well-established ten day mission trip to Vanuatu gives students in Years 9-12 the opportunity to visit the island of Efate and stay near a local village and serve the community in practical ways. The students are also given opportunity to serve in the village church and the local Primary school, working with younger children and sharing the Lord Jesus with them. The trip also includes a tourist visit to a local waterfall, a lookout, and a visit to a neighbouring volcanic island. Mission Africa (voluntary) In the future a mission trip will be organised to an African nation. NWCC & author: I.Maynard page 4 of 5
6 GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES 6.1 Organisation of Mission Activities The planning and management of all mission activities must be undertaken in accordance with all College policies, including the Excursions and Incursions Policy and its associated Guidelines and Procedures statements. 6.2 Participants of Mission Activities All mission trips will be organised and supervised by an appropriately qualified and experienced staff member. Supervisors of all mission activities will be appointed by the Principal and College leaders on the basis of both their personal suitability, their passion and commitment for the service or ministry, and the particular set of skills required for effective leadership or supervision. All adult volunteers that participate in mission activities must be approved by the Principal. All students that participate in residential mission activities must be approved by the Principal. 6.3 Cost of Mission Activities Whilst individuals will bear the costs associated with mission activities the College will commit a finite budget each year to assist in the achievement of the goals of this policy. At the Principal s discretion, the costs of staff organisers may be borne by the College. Individuals may organise fundraising activities related to their involvement only when approved by the Principal. 7 POLICY CYCLE 7.1 Implementation The responsibility for the implementation of this policy lies with the Principal. 7.2 Accessibility A PDF version of this policy will be kept on the Staff and Community sections of Insite for access by staff and parents. 7.3 Communication & Training Sectional leaders will regularly communicate this policy to staff and apply it to the daily operations of the College. They will also plan for and/or implement professional development for teaching staff. 7.4 Compliance Sectional leaders are responsible for the spirit, content and maintenance of this policy. The Principal is responsible for the adherence of sectional leaders and their staff to the procedures/guidelines. 7.5 Review This policy will be reviewed at the specified dates. Evaluation will involve discussion with users to evaluate the practicality of the policy and its procedures. 8 REQUIREMENTS, SOURCES, CONSULTATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Sources: CSA Sample Overseas Excursion Policy (2008) The Coast Christian School Christian Growth & Missions Policy (March 2013) Tyndale Christian School (South Australia) Missions Documentation (2011-2012) NWCC & author: I.Maynard page 5 of 5