Our Mission
Bethesda Christian Academy partners with Christian families to inform the student’s mind, to affect the student’s heart, and to increase the student’s personal talents as they seek to be an Ambassador for Christ.
Our Vision
Bethesda Christian Academy seeks to be the cornerstone in aiding students to become men and women of God by developing their spiritual, academic, physical, and social gifts.
Statement of faith
Statement of Faith
Synonymous with "Our Beliefs" or "Doctrinal Position"
BCA is composed of the following beliefs:
IN ESSENTIAL BELIEFS WE HAVE UNITY:
“There is one Body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all...” (Ephesians 4:4-6).
IN NON-ESSENTIAL BELIEFS WE HAVE LIBERTY:
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls... so then each of us will give an account of himself to God... so whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” (Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22).
IN ALL OUR BELIEFS WE SHOW CHARITY:
“If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2).
ABOUT GOD
We believe there is one true God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each of whom possesses equally all the attributes of deity and the characteristics of personality. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Psalm 18:35).
ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became fully Man without ceasing to be fully God through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and sinless life. He voluntarily paid for the sins of all people by dying on the cross as their substitute, thus satisfying divine justice and accomplishing salvation for all who trust in Him alone. The third day, He arose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Hebrew 1:1-3; 1Timothy 2:5).
ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit has come into the world to reveal and glorify Christ and apply the saving work of Christ to people. He convicts sinners of their need for Christ, baptizes them into the Body of Christ, imparts new life to them, imparts spiritual gifts to them, indwells them, and seals them until the day of redemption. Each believer is called to live in the power of the indwelling Spirit and in so doing, his faith will be manifested in works pleasing to God (John 16:5-14; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; Matthew 3:11; Galatians 5:22; Mark 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Eph. 1:13; 1 Corinthians 12:1-7; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:8-21; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 12:13).
ABOUT THE BIBLE
We believe that every word in the original writings of the Holy Scriptures is inspired by God and therefore without error. We accept the Holy Scriptures as the supreme and final authority on all matters on which it speaks (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Psalm 19:1-7).
ABOUT MAN
We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin through disobedience to a divine command and, therefore, brought all mankind under condemnation. Man's nature is, therefore, such that he is totally unable to please God for acquisition of a right standing before Him (Genesis 1:27, 3; Romans 5:12; Romans 3:9-18; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23).
ABOUT SALVATION
We believe that salvation is the gift of eternal life received only through a personal trust in Jesus Christ, who was man's substitute for sin. This gift is given by the unmerited favor of God (grace) and is given without regard to human works or goodness. All those who believe in Jesus are eternally secure in Him. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:3-5; John 10:28- 30).
ABOUT THE CHURCH
We believe that God admonishes His people to assemble together regularly in a local Church for worship, for participation in ordinances, for evangelism, for edification through the Scriptures and for mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:25).
ABOUT CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions:
1) the home, 2) the Church, and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the Church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. (Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-24; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13-14)
ABOUT HUMAN SEXUALITY
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance (Genesis 2:24; 19:4-7, 13; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1: 26-29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4). We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-23)
ABOUT FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God, but that God has ordained distinct and separate functions for men and women in the home and the Church. The husband is to be the leader of the home, and women are to be the helpmate to glorify God by establishing a Godly household. We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the Church. The wife is to submit herself to the scriptural leadership of her husband as the Church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline (Genesis 1:26-28; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mark 10:6-12; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4, Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Peter 3:1-7).
ABOUT DIVORCE
We believe that God disapproves of divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies (Malachi 2:14-17; Matthew 19:3-12; Mark 10:1-12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2-3).
ABOUT ABORTION
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being.
Abortion constitutes the unjustifiable taking of innocent human life. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well-being of the mother are acceptable. (Job 3:16; Psalm 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:44).
ABOUT ETERNITY
We believe in the imminent return of Christ for His Church, the eternal state of punishment for the unsaved called hell, and the eternal state of blessing for the saved called heaven (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Philippians 3:20; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; John 3:16; 1 John 2:25).
ABOUT AUTHORITY OF THE STATEMENT OF FAITH
This Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. Bethesda Christian Academy abides by and upholds the Statement of Faith of Bethesda Baptist Church, as stated in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Synonymous with "Our Beliefs" or "Doctrinal Position"
BCA is composed of the following beliefs:
IN ESSENTIAL BELIEFS WE HAVE UNITY:
“There is one Body and one Spirit...there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all...” (Ephesians 4:4-6).
IN NON-ESSENTIAL BELIEFS WE HAVE LIBERTY:
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters... Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls... so then each of us will give an account of himself to God... so whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” (Romans 14:1, 4, 12, 22).
IN ALL OUR BELIEFS WE SHOW CHARITY:
“If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2).
ABOUT GOD
We believe there is one true God, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each of whom possesses equally all the attributes of deity and the characteristics of personality. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Psalm 18:35).
ABOUT JESUS CHRIST
We believe that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, became fully Man without ceasing to be fully God through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and sinless life. He voluntarily paid for the sins of all people by dying on the cross as their substitute, thus satisfying divine justice and accomplishing salvation for all who trust in Him alone. The third day, He arose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own (Matthew 1:22-23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Hebrew 1:1-3; 1Timothy 2:5).
ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
We believe that the Holy Spirit has come into the world to reveal and glorify Christ and apply the saving work of Christ to people. He convicts sinners of their need for Christ, baptizes them into the Body of Christ, imparts new life to them, imparts spiritual gifts to them, indwells them, and seals them until the day of redemption. Each believer is called to live in the power of the indwelling Spirit and in so doing, his faith will be manifested in works pleasing to God (John 16:5-14; 1 Thessalonians 1:5; Matthew 3:11; Galatians 5:22; Mark 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Eph. 1:13; 1 Corinthians 12:1-7; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:8-21; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 1 Corinthians 12:13).
ABOUT THE BIBLE
We believe that every word in the original writings of the Holy Scriptures is inspired by God and therefore without error. We accept the Holy Scriptures as the supreme and final authority on all matters on which it speaks (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Psalm 19:1-7).
ABOUT MAN
We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin through disobedience to a divine command and, therefore, brought all mankind under condemnation. Man's nature is, therefore, such that he is totally unable to please God for acquisition of a right standing before Him (Genesis 1:27, 3; Romans 5:12; Romans 3:9-18; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:23).
ABOUT SALVATION
We believe that salvation is the gift of eternal life received only through a personal trust in Jesus Christ, who was man's substitute for sin. This gift is given by the unmerited favor of God (grace) and is given without regard to human works or goodness. All those who believe in Jesus are eternally secure in Him. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:3-5; John 10:28- 30).
ABOUT THE CHURCH
We believe that God admonishes His people to assemble together regularly in a local Church for worship, for participation in ordinances, for evangelism, for edification through the Scriptures and for mutual encouragement (Hebrews 10:25).
ABOUT CIVIL GOVERNMENT
We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions:
1) the home, 2) the Church, and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the Church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. (Romans 13:1-7; Ephesians 5:22-24; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13-14)
ABOUT HUMAN SEXUALITY
We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. We believe that any form of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, fornication, adultery, and pornography are sinful perversions of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to alter one’s gender by surgery or appearance (Genesis 2:24; 19:4-7, 13; Leviticus 18:1-30; Romans 1: 26-29; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Hebrews 13:4). We believe that the only legitimate marriage is the joining of one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24; Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:10; Ephesians 5:22-23)
ABOUT FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
We believe that men and women are spiritually equal in position before God, but that God has ordained distinct and separate functions for men and women in the home and the Church. The husband is to be the leader of the home, and women are to be the helpmate to glorify God by establishing a Godly household. We believe that God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the Church. The wife is to submit herself to the scriptural leadership of her husband as the Church submits to the headship of Christ. Children are a heritage from the Lord. Parents are responsible for teaching their children spiritual and moral values and leading them, through consistent lifestyle example and appropriate discipline (Genesis 1:26-28; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 127:3-5; Proverbs 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; Mark 10:6-12; 1 Corinthians 7:1-16; Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4, Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Peter 3:1-7).
ABOUT DIVORCE
We believe that God disapproves of divorce and intends marriage to last until one of the spouses dies (Malachi 2:14-17; Matthew 19:3-12; Mark 10:1-12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2-3).
ABOUT ABORTION
We believe that human life begins at conception and that the unborn child is a living human being.
Abortion constitutes the unjustifiable taking of innocent human life. We reject any teaching that abortions of pregnancies due to rape, incest, birth defects, gender selection, birth or population control, or the mental well-being of the mother are acceptable. (Job 3:16; Psalm 139:14-16; Isaiah 44:24; 49:1, 5; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:44).
ABOUT ETERNITY
We believe in the imminent return of Christ for His Church, the eternal state of punishment for the unsaved called hell, and the eternal state of blessing for the saved called heaven (Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Philippians 3:20; Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:15; John 3:16; 1 John 2:25).
ABOUT AUTHORITY OF THE STATEMENT OF FAITH
This Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. Bethesda Christian Academy abides by and upholds the Statement of Faith of Bethesda Baptist Church, as stated in the Constitution and Bylaws.
CORE VALUES
BCA Seven Core Value Statements:
1. Spiritual Formation: We believe in the importance of spiritual disciplines in the lives of our students. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Col. 3:16 (Other verses to note include 1 Peter 1:22-23, Phil. 4:6-7, Phil. 1:6, 2 Peter 3:18, Prov. 4:20-24).
2. BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW INTEGRATION & ORIENTATION: We believe that God’s Word is inspired and without error. Its contents are paramount in the education and success of our students. Therefore, learning to integrate God’s word into all of life’s decisions is a major goal of the school (I Tim. 3:16, Gen. 1:1-31, Heb. 4:15, II Tim. 2:15, Phil. 3:14).
The school:
3. LEADERSHIP: We believe that individuals should exhibit self-discipline in their thoughts, words, and actions as they rely on and are guided by the Holy Spirit. This provides an opportunity for positively influencing our relationships, community, and culture (Gal. 5:22-26; Job 5:17; Prov. 16:32, 25-28; 1 Tim 4:7-8).
4. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: We believe in the development of the Christian mind, one that seeks God’s perfect will for their lives. This is what matters for eternity (Isa. 11:2, Dan. 6:3, Prov. 16:3, Prov. 22:29, Rom. 8:28, Col. 3:23, 2 Cor. 8:7, Psa. 119:99-100, Phil. 1:9-10, Phil. 1:6).
5. SERVICE: Christ set the example of living a life that is not self-centered, rather, one of service to others. BCA seeks to serve Christ as we show our love to others through service to our community (Eph. 5:21; Phil. 2:3-11; James 4: 6, 10).
6. EVANGELISM: We believe in the Great Commission and the importance of sharing the Good News to the world (I Pet. 3:15, II Cor. 5:20, II Tim. 2:15, II Tim. 4;5, Acts 2:38.
7. KINGDOM EDUCATION: We believe Kingdom education is a life-long, Bible-based, Christ-centered process of bringing a child to Christ, building a child up in Christ, and equipping a child to serve Christ so that they bring honor and glory to God (Luke 6:40, II Tim. 3:16-17, Col. 1:15-19, Rom. 10:17).
1. Spiritual Formation: We believe in the importance of spiritual disciplines in the lives of our students. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Col. 3:16 (Other verses to note include 1 Peter 1:22-23, Phil. 4:6-7, Phil. 1:6, 2 Peter 3:18, Prov. 4:20-24).
- Every learning experience aims to enable students to reach a full potential in Christ.
- Deepen the walk of the students we serve.
- Trust in God and be a person of character that pleases Him.
- Be honest in word and deed.
- Respect authority and be kind to one another.
- Introduce doctrines like Christ’s Lordship, sin, repentance, forgiveness, and justification.
- Encourage students and parents to live by God’s standard of holiness and obedience.
- Encourage the school family in scriptural study and application of God’s Word.
- Live above reproach and inspire others to love one another.
- Be strong in character, rooted in God’s Word, and fruitful in life.
- Make disciples.
- Prepare for works of service.
- Develop an eternal view of life.
- Cultivate ability to think and process information in the context of a biblical worldview.
- Focus teaching on providing programs and services appropriate for the student.
- Establish awareness of the student’s relationship and responsibility to society.
- Develop students spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically through every curricular and co-curricular activity.
2. BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW INTEGRATION & ORIENTATION: We believe that God’s Word is inspired and without error. Its contents are paramount in the education and success of our students. Therefore, learning to integrate God’s word into all of life’s decisions is a major goal of the school (I Tim. 3:16, Gen. 1:1-31, Heb. 4:15, II Tim. 2:15, Phil. 3:14).
The school:
- Recognizes that the Bible is the foundation of all knowledge and must be integrated into education.
- Sees Jesus Christ as our authority and Lord of truth; He must have the preeminence.
- Acknowledges the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the guidance He gives.
- Focuses on what God intends every child to be for they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psa. 119:14) and are creations in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:10).
- Endeavors to help in the formation of a worldview that is patterned after the worldview of one’s teachers as they live a life patterned after God’s Word (Luke 6:40).
- Equips students to fulfill God’s highest purpose for man, to glory Him for life and eternity.
- Teaches students how to interact with the world.
3. LEADERSHIP: We believe that individuals should exhibit self-discipline in their thoughts, words, and actions as they rely on and are guided by the Holy Spirit. This provides an opportunity for positively influencing our relationships, community, and culture (Gal. 5:22-26; Job 5:17; Prov. 16:32, 25-28; 1 Tim 4:7-8).
- Be committed followers of Christ, actively engaged in church, and in agreement with Bethesda Christian Academy’s Statement of Faith.
- Be role models in and out of school.
- Lead from a biblical perspective; model Christ in leading and teaching.
- Reflect and support the school’s vision, mission, core values, and expected student outcomes.
- Live before an all-seeing God and understand your life is subject to public scrutiny.
- Exhibit love, justice, humility, and service throughout the community.
- Reflect Christlike sensitivity relevant to a diverse school community.
- Hold yourself to the highest standards of accountability.
4. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: We believe in the development of the Christian mind, one that seeks God’s perfect will for their lives. This is what matters for eternity (Isa. 11:2, Dan. 6:3, Prov. 16:3, Prov. 22:29, Rom. 8:28, Col. 3:23, 2 Cor. 8:7, Psa. 119:99-100, Phil. 1:9-10, Phil. 1:6).
- Develop students with a biblical worldview who are well prepared in all academic disciplines.
- Understand the Christian mind should be the best mind, enlightened by the mind of Christ and one that integrates God’s principles with academic pursuits.
- Emphasize accurately interpreting God’s Word.
- Master communication skills.
- Shows proficiency in mathematics and science.
- Understands history and God’s role.
- Appreciates literature and the arts.
- Reasons and thinks critically.
- Analyzes and appropriately uses information.
- Integrates faith and learning in all academic disciplines.
- Develops innovative curriculum and programs.
- Teaches Bible is an essential core subject in the academic curriculum.
5. SERVICE: Christ set the example of living a life that is not self-centered, rather, one of service to others. BCA seeks to serve Christ as we show our love to others through service to our community (Eph. 5:21; Phil. 2:3-11; James 4: 6, 10).
- Support families in their desire to raise Godly young men and women.
- Deepen the walk of other believers through acts of service.
- Be worthy of the trust that has been placed on us individually.
- Encourage others to live by God’s standard of obedience in scriptural study and in application of God’s Word in all areas of life.
- Establish awareness of one’s relationship and responsibility to society.
- Cultivate a spirit of sensitivity to the needs of others.
- Exercise the gift of giving – time, talents, money, resources, etc.
6. EVANGELISM: We believe in the Great Commission and the importance of sharing the Good News to the world (I Pet. 3:15, II Cor. 5:20, II Tim. 2:15, II Tim. 4;5, Acts 2:38.
- There is nothing more important than encouraging people to respond to the Gospel.
- Encourage students to disseminate the Gospel to as many people as possible.
- Believe the ultimate purpose in living is to know and glorify God and experience eternal life.
- Live with an eternal perspective of a Heaven and a Hell.
- Begin with our school families and reach beyond to the rest of the world.
7. KINGDOM EDUCATION: We believe Kingdom education is a life-long, Bible-based, Christ-centered process of bringing a child to Christ, building a child up in Christ, and equipping a child to serve Christ so that they bring honor and glory to God (Luke 6:40, II Tim. 3:16-17, Col. 1:15-19, Rom. 10:17).
- Kingdom education is a life-long, bible-based, Christ-centered process.
- The main goal of Christian education is to lead a child to Christ (salvation), build a child up in Christ (discipleship), and equip a child to serve Christ (ministry).
- It recognizes that the Bible is the foundation of all knowledge and must be integrated into education.
- It sees Jesus Christ as our authority and Lord of truth; He must have the preeminence.
- It acknowledges the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the guidance He gives.
- It focuses on what God intends every child to be for they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psa. 119:14) and are creations in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:10).
- It results in the formation of a worldview that is patterned after the worldview of one’s teachers.
- It equips students to fulfill God’s highest purpose for man, to glory Him for life and eternity.
- It teaches students how to interact with the world.
diversity statements
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
BCA seeks to uphold the core beliefs expressed in God’s word. These scriptural-based beliefs will be the defining culture in our school. Anything expressed, decorated, worn, or possessed by any staff, student, or family while attending or representing our school must support these core beliefs. We strive to draw each person closer to Christ and these core values will aid in this mission.
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY SEEKS TO EXPRESS THESE CORE BELIEFS BY WHAT WE SAY AND DO:
1. We must demonstrate love, honor, and respect for God and all others equally. We are to live differently than those in the world. God has put to death hostility and sin and made grace abundant for all.
“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV)
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 (ESV)
2. Every person is valued by God and thus has value to our world. We are each image bearers of God. Regardless of race, economic status, or culture, we are EACH equipped by God to do a mighty work.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2:8-9 (ESV)
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9–10 (ESV)
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
3. We seek to develop deeper relationships with each person to understand the value in each person as we strive to build a community of learners that will honor God with their actions, attitudes, and lives.
"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one.” John 17:20-22 (ESV)
“And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”” Luke 10:27 (ESV)
“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (ESV)
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY SEEKS TO EXPRESS THESE CORE VALUES IN WHAT WE SAY AND DO:
1. We will understand race, ethnicity, culture, and any differences as a reflection of our commitment to the Gospel of Christ.
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)
“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.” Acts 17:26-27 (ESV)
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)
2. We will seek to handle all things as Christ would handle them. Knowing we are not perfect, we will accept responsibility for mistakes or failures and seek restoration.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (ESV)
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18:15 (ESV)
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23–24” (ESV)
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 (ESV)
3. We agree the focus in the school environment will be focused only on instructional objectives while drawing families alongside as part of the support team.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (ESV)
4. Bullying and racial discrimination is not tolerated under any circumstance. Discipline is used to refocus any student and promote redemption through Christlikeness.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)
“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:11–12 (ESV)
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)
“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19–20 (ESV)
BCA seeks to uphold the core beliefs expressed in God’s word. These scriptural-based beliefs will be the defining culture in our school. Anything expressed, decorated, worn, or possessed by any staff, student, or family while attending or representing our school must support these core beliefs. We strive to draw each person closer to Christ and these core values will aid in this mission.
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY SEEKS TO EXPRESS THESE CORE BELIEFS BY WHAT WE SAY AND DO:
1. We must demonstrate love, honor, and respect for God and all others equally. We are to live differently than those in the world. God has put to death hostility and sin and made grace abundant for all.
“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV)
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 (ESV)
2. Every person is valued by God and thus has value to our world. We are each image bearers of God. Regardless of race, economic status, or culture, we are EACH equipped by God to do a mighty work.
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 (ESV)
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2:8-9 (ESV)
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9–10 (ESV)
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)
3. We seek to develop deeper relationships with each person to understand the value in each person as we strive to build a community of learners that will honor God with their actions, attitudes, and lives.
"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one.” John 17:20-22 (ESV)
“And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”” Luke 10:27 (ESV)
“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (ESV)
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY SEEKS TO EXPRESS THESE CORE VALUES IN WHAT WE SAY AND DO:
1. We will understand race, ethnicity, culture, and any differences as a reflection of our commitment to the Gospel of Christ.
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)
“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.” Acts 17:26-27 (ESV)
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)
2. We will seek to handle all things as Christ would handle them. Knowing we are not perfect, we will accept responsibility for mistakes or failures and seek restoration.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (ESV)
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18:15 (ESV)
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23–24” (ESV)
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 (ESV)
3. We agree the focus in the school environment will be focused only on instructional objectives while drawing families alongside as part of the support team.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (ESV)
4. Bullying and racial discrimination is not tolerated under any circumstance. Discipline is used to refocus any student and promote redemption through Christlikeness.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)
“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Proverbs 3:11–12 (ESV)
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)
“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19–20 (ESV)
