CHRISTIAN LIFE

ParentEd.:

PARTNERING WITH HOME AND CHURCH

BY STEVE KYLE, ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR CHRISTIAN LIFE

PPROVIDING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN A CHRIST-CENTERED ENVIRONMENT, MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL UNITES WITH HOME AND CHURCH TO PREPARE SERVANT-LEADERS TO HONOR GOD, LOVE OTHERS, AND WALK IN TRUTH.

The MPCS mission statement is intentionally the foundation for what happens on campus, both inside the classroom and out. Over the last several years, the aim to unite with home and church has been an increasing priority. This desire for the school to partner alongside families and their churches led to the creation of the MPCS ParentEd. program in 2017. Housed within the MPCS Christian Life department, ParentEd. provides parent education with the lens of a solid, biblical worldview. Its purpose is to provide opportunities throughout the school year to guide parents through the challenges of raising children, with programming and events that cover a wide range of topics. ParentEd. singular special events cover specific topics that are designed to engage the community. Guests, such as inspirational speaker Inky Johnson and authors Tim Elmore and Dr.

Wendy Mogel, offer content in a “TED Talks” format. Topics range from fiscal responsibility or technology to social media and mental health. The ParentEd. program also offers recurring events for families to engage more consistently, including P.E.P. Talks and the “Living Biblically” series. P.E.P. Talks (Parents Engaging Purposefully) are designed to help strengthen the partnership with home while providing helpful information to parents as they navigate different stages of their child(ren)’s lives. Offered each fall, three unique

“talks” were developed and presented for each important school transition from lower school through high school. A new theology study for parents, “Living Biblically” partners with the MPCS Bible department to present a curriculum designed to help parents better understand what MPCS teaches its students. The series allows parents to develop an even stronger theological framework and understanding of what and how scripture teaches us to live faithfully, recognizing that there is always room to better equip ourselves theologically. Finally, MPCS hosts WingTips, a thought-leadership blog written by the faculty and staff of

MPCS. These blogs share additional ParentEd. information with the MPCS community and readers worldwide. With family being a key component in the discipleship and growth of our students, MPCS wants to DO OUR PART BY COMING ALONGSIDE PARENTS AS PARTNERS. The Par-

entEd. program will only continue to grow as we seek to unite with home and church.

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CHRISTIAN LIFE SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: WILL DUNCAN

Will Duncan ‘22 has been an MPCS student since the first grade. It’s an experience that has changed his life for the better, in part due to caring teachers, a variety of opportunities available both inside the classroom and out, and the ever-present biblical emphasis.

MPCS has offered Will a creative outlet for his God-given musical talents with the MPCS chapel band course. Assistant Head of School for Christian Life Mr. Steve Kyle shares, “Will’s consistent leadership in chapel band has been essential. He is a glowing example for other students to follow as we continue to fulfill our mission of creating servant-leaders.”

Will’s participation in chapel band has developed his faith walk: “It’s demonstrated to me how important it is to maintain a relationship with Christ and how important worship is.” Will made a point to participate in chapel band yearly, though it meant taking fewer academic classes and losing a free block. He earned multiple highest All-State Jazz Band and Bassist honors.

As he heads off to Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, Will plans to remain involved in music in some capacity, be it as a church musician or a symphonic orchestra member. He plans to study music business and then move on to law school, with the aim of becoming an intellectual property lawyer. W

FAITH and FINANCES

BY SYNDI KYLE, HIGH SCHOOL ECONOMICS TEACHER

TThough it may be surprising, money mattered to Jesus. He knew an individual’s attitude toward money was a reflection of the heart. Today’s culture teaches that having money is synonymous with human value, that money means independence from accountability, and that all one needs to be happy is just a little more money.

This is in contrast to what the Bible says about money. Maybe the most foundational principle is that God owns it all. In Psalms 24:1, David proclaims, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains.” Once Christians develop the worldview that all belongs to Him, choosing a life of fiscal responsibility and cheerful giving becomes intuitive. 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and, by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Money can be very good. It can be used to partner with God and used for generosity, enjoyment, and worship. But, money can also become an idol, an end in itself. Christian parents need to model good finances to their children, being transparent about mistakes and financial priorities. According to the Ron Blue Institute, here are some stewardship skills parents should instill in their children: 1. Spend less than you earn. Living within one’s means must be practiced. Strategies can include setting aside pay into savings, leaving the rest of the paycheck for living expenses. 2. Make a budget and stick to it. Consider paying with cash using an envelope system each month to discipline yourself. 3. Give generously. Teens and adults are called to give of their time, talent, and treasure. Volunteering is but one way to give to others. 4. Avoid debt. Talk about the dangers of debt and provide teens with safe opportunities to practice spending. 5. Set financial goals. Goals set up young people for future success and allow the freedom to give generously. To practice responsible spending, families can use the Eagle Card, launched in 2021-2022. Parents may choose to “pre-load” the card with funds for students to use for making purchases on campus at Roost, concessions, On The Fly snack cart, or the Eagles Nest school store. This equips parents with a safe tool to teach children about making wise purchase decisions and to spend within their limit, while giving them an opportunity to educate and learn about the handling of money. Proactive Christian parenting takes prayer, transparency, humility, and intimacy with God. With the loving and intentional guidance of parents, children can develop godly financial stewardship of their resources. W

[ CULTURE ] IS IN CONTRAST TO WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT MONEY CHOOSING A LIFE OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CHEERFUL GIVING BECOMES INTUITIVE