The advance of the Kingdom of God is the central message of the gospels and is relevant throughout eternity. Defined as the present and future reign of God both individually and collectively, the Kingdom of God encompasses the entire message of the Bible. The Kingdom of God finds its fullest expression in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ (Luke 17:21).
In the Great Commission, Jesus instructs all of us as Christians to make disciples, teaching these disciples to observe all He modeled, taught, and commanded us (Matthew 28:19). That process of discipleship, mentoring and teaching is the essence of Kingdom Education, and is how the Kingdom of God inexorably advances (Daniel 2:35).
In the context of a Christian school, Sacred Journey accomplishes Kingdom Education through a careful blend of spiritual, academic, and skill-building activities.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
The goal of Sacred Journey is that students embrace the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) and Great Commission as central to their identity in Christ. Putting Jesus first, our students are truly sons and daughters of the King of the universe (John 1:12-13). Helping students embrace their identity in Christ is profoundly life-changing (Colossians 3:1-3).
Flowing from the power of the creator of the universe, and the freedom that life in Jesus brings (Galatians 5:1), our sons and daughters have enormous potential for creative and unique contributions in life. As mentors and models, we help our students discover their unique giftings, interests and the seeds of core purpose for their lives (Philippians 2:1-8).
Out of ongoing encounters with the Living God, students develop a deep respect and reverence for God and His Kingdom – and the ability to hear the still, small voice of God (1 Kings 19:11-13) through the working of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13).
Students will graduate from Sacred Journey with motivation, inspiration, and a confidence that flows from developed abilities both natural and supernatural. Beyond problem-solvers, we want students to understand what the problems are in the first place. To do this, it is essential that students come to see their neighbors, their city, their state, their country and the world as Jesus sees them (Ephesians 1:17-19). We likewise pray our graduates will serve in all of these arenas of life as Jesus did, with peace, joy and humility (Matthew 11:29).
Critical thinkers, yes. But beyond discernment and understanding, Sacred Journey students learn to effectively engage their world with honor (Danny Silk) and loving kindness (Barry Corey). Flowing in the freedom of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17), students willingly take risks, express opinions, and grow towards mature self-management and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).
Yes, all students will have bad days. When that happens, our goal is that without condemnation (Romans 8:1) students learn to work through, and learn from, their failures both big and small. Within bounds of necessary safety, we allow students to learn through natural consequences (Roman 5:3-5).
Altogether, students learn to solve their own problems, both personal and interpersonal. They learn to lead, pray, praise, and even teach each other (Colossians 3:16).
For any modern Christian school, a core work must be academic achievement and developing college- and job-ready 21st Century skills. All of this is filtered and tempered from an intentional Biblical worldview (Colossians 3:2) and God’s ongoing leading, day by day (John 15:5). Students become passionate life-long learners (Proverbs 19:8) – with a world-wide perspective, and seeds of destiny prayerfully sown as they discover their unique life calling (Psalm 138:8).
We recognize that all young adults, including our students, will ultimately make their own choices in life when they are on their own. Therefore, the noble goals outlined here can be accomplished only through the ongoing partnership of parents like you. We also believe the partnership of your local church is vitally important. School, home, and church: Three essential strands of an unbreakable cord (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
Ultimately, the transformation Sacred Journey teachers seek in their own lives, and the lives of our students, is only available through the power and leading of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), and the powerful presence of our living Lord and Savior, who never leaves us (Matthew 28:20).
“There is genius, brilliance, and aptitude in each student. We are mining for Treasure.” A Field Guide to Kingdom Education, p. 51
Sacred Journey teachers authentically care. Students know that their teachers are firmly committed to their success. This understanding is the foundation for students to work harder and take more risks. Teachers treat students as significant, with honor and respect (Romans 12:10).
Sacred Journey teachers look for students doing things well, for appropriate praise and encouragement. We also recognize that how we handle a student’s failures defines who we are. Is there conviction, repentance, renewed accountability, and an opportunity to grow? Yes! Shame and condemnation for simple control? No. (Note Jesus’ restoration of Peter in John 21.)
No matter how immature in the moment, we seek to see the long-term potential of every student – exactly how our Loving Heavenly Father sees us in our moments of sin and weakness (Jeremiah 29:11).
Throughout, teachers work closely with parents and invite and encourage parents and grandparents (1 Peter 5:5) alike to be part of the Sacred Journey experience. We endeavor to listen to, and invite, both student and parent suggestions.
Ultimately Holy Spirit led transformation is necessary. Transformation requires different ideas, a different mindset from our teachers …
… Rather than false control with external discipline systems, tricks, or gimmicks, students learn self-control and a clear understanding that ultimate accountability is to God (Romans 14:12).
… Beyond classroom codes of conduct, each student has covenants of accountability – internal and external (Hebrews 10:16).
… Rather than labeling students according to some weakness, Sacred Journey teachers actively seek out students’ unique potential and innate genius as an image-bearer of God (2 Corinthians 3:17).
… Avoiding legalism, Sacred Journey teachers model lives centered on God’s grace (Romans 2:4).
… God’s grace brings great freedom – and great responsibility (Galatians 5:13). This is a central principle to Sacred Journey teachers.
… Moving from our teaching and leading, transformative teaching gives students the tools to teach and lead their own classmates – and ultimately their own generation (1 Timothy 4:12).
… Instead of focusing on external conformity (often through shame-based methods), teachers go the extra mile to help students develop internally motivated obedience through many teaching moments (Romans 8:5-14).
… Following Sacred Journey’s teachers’ own example and mentoring, students learn that righteousness is far more than rule-keeping. We model that true righteousness is total dedication to the will of the Father (Ephesians 5:17-21).
Since students are created in God’s image (Ephesians 4:24), and empowered each day through His grace, (Eph. 2:10), each one has tremendous potential for significant contribution (Matthew 17:20). This is true for all students, regardless of perceived abilities or limitations. Teachers welcome, love, esteem and respect all students, regardless of where they start their journey with us.
To encourage our students to explore and discover their unique talents, interests, passions, and life focus, Sacred Journey Teachers strive to be permission-giving, not permission-withholding (Colossians 3:21).
Together with our sacred partners – parents and the church – our goal is to plant good seed, and carefully nurture the soil, as our students develop their interests and passions, moving to pursue God’s highest calling for their lives – with excellence (1 Corithians 3:6-8).
We are looking for parents, teachers, donors, and volunteers to make Sacred Journey Academy a reality. Fill out this form and we will call you with next steps.
We are looking for parents, teachers, donors, and volunteers to make Sacred Journey Academy a reality. Fill out this form and we will call you with next steps.
