April 29, 2010
In recent weeks, we have been focusing on the challenge given to the board and teachers of Heartland Christian Academy by our board chairman, Dr. Mark Claussen. That challenge for Heartland’s future is to pursue areas of excellence in our school that will make the next decades of educational ministry even more powerful in this community than the 30 years of in Heartland’s faithful past.
As the first of four areas of excellence, we looked at developing an even deeper level of Christian discipleship and leadership in our students. I shared that excellence in a truly Christian education equips the next generation to stand firm in their faith. This will not happen just by having the Christian label on the school’s name. Every teacher, board member and parent must examine their own hearts first, and then seek the Spirit’s leading in how to develop both the tools and opportunities for Christian leadership development in the children.
We also examined excellence in the area of fine arts: developing God-given talents and gifts in music, art and drama. I shared my belief that even a modest-sized school can produce a quality education in these areas, and not just for the very gifted and talented. I am convinced that an excellent fine arts program will be an asset to the larger community, as well as to the family of God, as Heartland helps develop a generation able to use a wide variety of creative tools to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Last week we shared a third area targeted for excellence in Heartland’s future: the fields of the sciences, including technology and math. Science helped stir my own imagination and wonder as to the power of a creative God. As someone familiar with the sciences, I personally have been able to witness to agnostic scientists who would likely listen only to one who could discuss their work and theories with the language of their field. I believe that an excellent science, math and technology program at Heartland will produce a new generation of savvy boys and girls who can bring many in the science fields back to faith through their own research and inventions.
Finally, as a physician, Dr. Claussen has a strong desire that an area of excellence for Heartland should include health and physical fitness. It is remarkable how many schools are sacrificing their general health and fitness programs for all students, perhaps only keeping athletic programs for the talented few. We envision a school where all the children, no matter how naturally athletic or not, understand that taking care of their bodies is a way of saying “thanks” to the Creator who gave them such a marvelous gift. Plans are already being formulated as to how, with proper facilities and equipment, a fitness program for all students, and even their families, might be made available. And that excellence in the area of health and fitness would impact even the very lunches and snacks our students choose to eat. Outstanding health leads to optimized academics, and a student who feels confident in body, mind and spirit.
Our program today was sponsored by our good friends at QFM radio who congratulate Heartland on 30 years of faithful educational ministry to the community.