(by Samantha Maszton)

As educators and parents, God has entrusted us with the incredible responsibility of shaping our children both academically and spiritually. In that spirit, as part of the partnership between Northwest Christian and your family, the mission of Northwest Christian School is to provide a Bible-based program of education that enables students to develop a Biblical worldview. At the heart of our mission is our initiative, Pursuing His Purpose, a program designed to help all students discover the unique calling God has placed on their lives.

Understanding God’s purpose.  One of the most powerful truths we can impart to our students is that they are His craftsmanship, they were intentionally created by God, with unique gifts and talents to fulfill His divine plan. Middle and high school is a critical season in a child’s life—a time of growth, self-discovery, and the formation of lifelong values and worldview formation.  Through Pursuing His Purpose, it is our goal to guide each student toward a deeper understanding of why God created them and how He has equipped them to make an impact in the world.

Equipping students for their journey.  Through Pursuing His Purpose, our teachers and staff are committed to walking alongside students as they explore their strengths, passions, and the ways they can serve others. Understanding our strategy more fully will allow you to discover ways in which you can support and further this initiative within your home.  To that end, this initiative includes:

• Biblical Studies.  We want to encourage students to dive into scripture to understand their identity in Christ. This is done through Biblical integration in every class that students have throughout the day.  In addition to scripture study in Bible class and the other various content-area classes, school-wide, students will experience focused efforts in chapels and our Missions Learning experiences are part of the curriculum at NCS in every classroom, both in-person and online.  In the elementary program, Mr. Brown encourages this through the Red Letter Challenge.  Beyond these strategies, however, the greatest impact that scripture will have on a student happens when they see it being pursued in the home.  I would invite you to consider ways in which you can both model the employ of God’s word within your family and utilize moments to read God’s word together.
• Spiritual Gift Discovery.  We want to help students recognize their God-given talents and how to use them for His glory.  At various, pre-determined, and developmentally appropriate points within their journey at Northwest Christian, students take a series of assessments to help them inventory and identify their God-given abilities and aptitudes.  Then, through Missions Learning opportunities, they are then encouraged to set forth on a path where they can use those gifts within their unique vocation.  You can complement this process within your home with additional service opportunities.  These may occur through your home church or you can find innumerable possibilities through Christ-honoring area non-profit ministries.
• Mentorship and guidance.  Alumni surveys are demonstrating to us that through the provision of opportunities for students to seek wisdom from Christian mentors, they experience the greatest growth within their walk with Christ.  Research tells us that discipleship is the single most impactful element within worldview formation.  We support this within the school in various ways.  Beyond the very special relationship that students can enjoy with teachers and coaches, each middle and high school student has an Impact Group or Community Group leader to help guide them.  
• Missions learning opportunities.  Encouraging students to live out their faith through acts of service within the community is the catalyst that brings together various aspects of our program in a very powerful way, drawing together their growing knowledge from class, enabling them to see and apply scriptural principles, and permitting a time of processing and reflection with mentors.  Every student at Northwest Christian is engaged in Missions Learning opportunities.  We have over forty Missions Learning partners who help us provide remarkable service opportunities in the life of each and every child on campus.  When, with your home home you recognize that your student has recently enjoyed one of these opportunities, take some time to debrief the experience with them.  Ask open-ended questions that allow them to internalize and externalize their experience.

Partnering together.  Our earnest hope and prayer are that each student will grow in their understanding of their God-given purpose during these formative years. But we cannot do this alone.  As parents, your involvement is crucial in reinforcing, modeling, and furthering these truths at home. We encourage you to take time to discuss these topics with your child, allowing time for your own Kingdom Culture Conversations within your home and around the dinner table.  And, of course, find time to pray for their spiritual growth, asking God to allow them to enjoy fruitful faith-formative moments.

Moving Forward in Faith.  As we embark on this journey together, let us trust in God’s perfect plan for each child. Pursuing His Purpose is more than an initiative—it is a commitment to fostering a generation of young believers who understand their identity in Christ and step boldly into the purpose for which they were created.  

Samantha Maszton is the Assistant Superintendent and Middle School Principal for Northwest Christian School located in Phoenix, AZ. Northwest Christian School is one of the largest private Christian schools in the state of Arizona and the only ACSI Exemplary Accredited school in the state.

This post is sponsored by NCS Online. NCS Online is a fully online K-11th grade Christian school providing an online education that is rigorous, affordable, and rooted in Biblical worldview. To learn more about NCS Online, visit NCSonline.org.