To Equip and Challenge

I recently visited Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia where I had the chance to catch up with several of our alumni. One evening in the dining hall, a group of students that were at my table began discussing Christ and Culture, a required seminar at Covenant. I was encouraged to hear these young men and women talk about this topic, and during the course of the conversation it became clear that some of these young people had been trained to actively engage in the world as salt and light. On the other hand, it was also evident that some at the table had been trained to avoid the world. 

Covenant College atop Lookout Mountain, GA

This dichotomy made me ask myself 'what are we trying to do at Shannon Forest?' Our mission statement calls us to "equip and challenge our students to influence culture and society for Jesus Christ." Thus given our mission, it seems to me that we must train our students to engage the world, not hide from it. Let me offer some ideas on what this means:

1. Transform not Conform. I have always told my daughter Lyndsay that in life you are either a thermostat or a thermometer: you either set the temperature or you merely measure it. Romans 12:1-2 states this plainly:

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this if your true and perfect worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will."

 2. Filter. One of the primary values of Christian education is that it allows students to be exposed to Truth, primarily the Truth as presented in Scripture. Rather than simply give students a list of dos and don'ts, we must teach them to filter all of life through a filter of Truth. Paul tells us to "take every thought captive." In the conversation at Covenant, and in many other conversations with students, I find an underdeveloped discernment regarding the contrast between a Biblical worldview and the message of the world. 

3. Love. Jesus came to save the world, not condemn it. All too frequently Christians are simply known for what they are against. Our interaction with the world is to be part of the mission of God: to save that which was lost. 

I believe that if we can equip our students in these ways, we will indeed influence culture and society for Jesus.

Salt and Light

What about Windy Gap?

As most of the Shannon Forest community knows, October 5-7 marked our 15th annual spiritual emphasis retreat to Windy Gap in Weaverville, NC.  What a great experience it was to be with 24 parent volunteers, 31 staff and faculty members, 141 students, 4 band members, 2 volunteer nurses and 1 very energetic speaker all worshiping together for 2 and a half days in God's glorious creation.  I say "worship" because the natural beauty of the place, the music, the food, the fun, and the time spent together applying the Truth found in Romans all produced a spirit of worship for the God who made all this possible. 

 

Teachers Amanda Tinklepaugh and Stephanie Lewis enjoy taking in the sights of the zipline and 

blob from the snack shop with student Ian Mendelsohn. One of the many times that WG provided

opportunities for faculty and students to connect outside of the classroom.

Yes, that's me, Bob Collins. 

Teacher Pam Erwin played senior Emily Pyhala in the Senior Skit this year. The skit has become 

an annual tradition during Skit Night at Windy Gap.

Whereas I know that the excitement of the camp experience often has a short shelf life and can fade away as the holidays and semester exams approach, I do believe that Windy Gap leaves a lasting impact on our students. One reason this is true is because what happens at WG is really just a condensed version of what we try to do daily at SFCS. The parent/ teacher partnership, the fun, the fellowship, and the opportunity to let the Truth found in scripture shape our hearts and minds are as much a part of the Shannon experience on campus as they are at WG. The other reason I believe this to be true is because here at school we spend large chunks of time examining scripture and applying it to our lives, and helping our students apply it personally to their lives as well. 

 Students Neil Conover and Maddie Allen engage with this year's speaker 

Chris Armfield on the WG volleyball court. Chris spoke on Romans throughout the week, 

encouraging and connecting with the students on God's Truth. 

Teacher Elizabeth Tate captures student Katherine Roach from behind her camera lens. 

The sights and memories at Windy Gap always make for amazing shots for our 

annual yearbook and yearbook students like Miss Roach and Samuel Glenn can often 

be seen around camp toting their camera bags and sharpening their photography skills. 

Students Samantha Steele and Katelyn Pittman scream their hearts out on the Windy Gap swing.

The promise that God’s Word will not fail to accomplish its purpose gives me every confidence that our students will be forever affected by what happens at Windy Gap, and so will we.