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— 1 John 3:18

Any parent who has ever asked their child to clean their room knows serving others does not come naturally. Humans are innately selfish. We tend to do things that make us feel good in the moment. This begs the question: How do we turn our hearts toward joyful service? How do we help students learn to enjoy giving to others? James Hunter, in The World’s Most Powerful Leadership Principle, says, “Legitimate leadership is built upon service and sacrifice.” There is no better model for us than Jesus.

At MPCS, it is our desire to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth. As part of this mission, we are intentional about growing students into servant-leaders. We believe that service is an outward act of gratitude because of what Jesus has done for us. We serve out of thankfulness and obedience, following in the example of Christ. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, reminds us to “look not only to [our] own interests, but also to the interests of others.” In doing so, we live a life of humility and service.

There are many ways of engaging in service to our community at MPCS. Each month, Serve Saturdays provide families the opportunity to volunteer at local organizations, with parents and faculty serving alongside students. Further, MPCS is uniquely positioned as a PK-grade 12 campus, providing the opportunity for older students to model servant-leadership to younger students. There are also opportunities on campus to give back to MPCS. Students volunteer at concession stands for sporting events and help backstage for arts programs.

MPCS high school students have opportunities throughout the year to engage in service through Beta Club, National Honor Society, Key Club, promRED, and Christian Life Club. While each organization has its own service requirements, the hope is that students grow from serving only to meet a requirement to developing a servant’s heart. Oftentimes, students choose a service opportunity because their friends are there; they leave having found a ministry or cause that compels them to love as Christ has loved. This school year, students have initiated their own projects at Sterling Estates Memory Care and Hands Extended International, helping refugee families from Afghanistan.

In addition to service clubs, the MPCS high school offers a unique two-year curricular leadership program for juniors and seniors, goLEAD. During the first year of the program, students attend class, reading and discussing Christian books on servant-leadership, learning more about their strengths and areas of growth, hearing from local leaders, and working on projects. One such project is partnering with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to raise funds to fight blood cancer. This past school year alone, students collected more than $80,000 to benefit LLS. In the second year of goLEAD, students participate in an internship, putting into practice what they have learned and receiving guidance from a mentor.

A s Christians, we are called to not only be hearers of the Word, but also doers. Jesus, in Matthew 20, instructs us to be different, and serve others because he himself did not come to be served but to serve. It is our calling to be his hands and feet here on earth. The yearly service opportunities at MPCS culminate with Family Serve Day each April – a day when all students, staff, and families serve nearly 60 different churches and nonprofits.

Rising senior Maya Perry shared, “Being a part of service opportunities at Mount Paran has enabled me to spread the love and generosity God has blessed me with to others, while also effectively growing in my leadership skills and Christian walk.” W

CHRISTIAN LIFE SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: CHLOE WILLIAMS

During her four years at MPCS, class of 2023 graduate Chloe Williams has been “all in.” She’s participated in Beta Club, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, Christian Life Council, French Club, HOPE, Key Club, National Honor Society, Peer Mentoring Initiative, PMI Up, Student Government Association, goLEAD, 11:1 Effect, classroom volunteering, tech theater, drama, missions, cross country, and lacrosse.

Chloe volunteered with Mission 1:27 and GRACEGRACE POINT School and co-led the fourth-grade girls’ Bible study. During her junior year, she served as vice president of Christian Life for SGA. Faculty selected Chloe to win the Bible Award in her freshman, junior, and senior years.

“All of the Bible teachers have helped me form my faith and learn how to defend what I believe in,” Chloe shares. “They are genuine and care about me. I feel they sincerely listen and try to help. I also love asking theological questions to my Bible teachers.”

During her time at MPCS, Chloe says she has grown in her academics, social life, and, most importantly, her faith: “Being Christ-centered is the most important value that Mount Paran has. In everything we do, whether it is academic or social, we should be doing it all for Christ.”

Chloe plans to study Elementary Education at Lee University in the fall.