In Pursuit of Wisdom - Grace Christian Academy

Overview

I love the ministry of Grace Christian Academy and am excited for the opportunity to lead it into the future. To prepare myself, I have endeavored to study the organization while also immersing myself in prayer, the book of Proverbs and any leadership book I can get my hands on. It is from these influences, that Grace is moving in a different direction; with a new mission and subsequently a change in how we view success within the organization.

Let me start by making a very bold assertion. Grace Christian Academy is not in the education business! We do not exist to teach English, History, Science, and Math. We do not exist to produce fine arts concerts. We do not exist to kick, dribble, or hit a ball around a playing field. These are all entities that we use to accomplish why we truly exist, the development and discipleship of young people. Grace Christian Academy is in the discipleship business using the means of education.

What then should our end product (our students) look like? After pondering this new direction and all of its implications, I have come to the conclusion that Grace Christian Academy wants to matriculate students who are wise. Proverbs 16:16 reminds us, “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” Ultimately a wise student is far better equipped for life than one whose head is just full of knowledge. The development of wisdom applies to every facet of our organization (academics, fine arts, athletics, and extra-curricular activities) and brings a unity of purpose to the whole organization; develop wisdom in students.

This is a unique purpose, different from other schools because we know the beginning of wisdom; the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 9:10). With this as our starting point, the sole compelling vision of Grace as an institution is to instill wisdom in students. The mission statement and subsequent core values address the question of how we will develop wise students. In order to develop wisdom within a student, one must have a great influence on the thoughts and actions of that student. The most effective means of obtaining this kind of influence is to invest in a loving, trusting relationship. Students will rise to a high standard (rigorous academics) if they know that they are loved and what they are going through is an act of love. However, rigorous academics is only valuable in the context that it is a worship act (Romans 12:1). Students will start to develop wisdom when they understand how to use what God has given them to serve others. Ultimately, this is what success looks like; students who have adopted a lifelong passion to become wise and know that by doing so, they are worshiping. This is a compelling mission and a worthy calling.

-Mr. Most, Principal

Vision Statement

The vision of Grace Christian Academy is to know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth. ~Proverbs 1:2-4~

Mission Statement

The mission of Grace Christian Academy is to develop wise students through intentional relationships, rigorous instruction, and nurturing God-given talents for the purpose of service and bringing glory to God.

Core Value

• For students to cultivate a personal relationship with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
• For students to acquire and cultivate Wisdom (knowledge and skill) which leads to productive, meaningful lives for the glory of God;
• For students to discover, nurture, and discipline their God-given talents For students to develop habits that lead to righteous living; striving to live honestly and justly.