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Ministry at Work is a unique opportunity for ACS high school students to gain exposure to the many types of career ministry available in the West Michigan area and beyond. This year, 9th-11th graders visited 9 different ministries and were able to experience ministry in action. Students assigned to Women at Risk International (WAR) got to sit in on a business meeting with the ministry’s founder, stock merchandise in the boutique, and help with landscaping. Groups sent to City Impact and North Kent Connect helped organize food pantry items, worked in the “Grocery Garage,” and delivered pizzas to residents of the nearby trailer park, taking time to talk and pray with recipients. At Roosevelt Park Ministries in Grand Rapids, students learned about how founders saw a need in the community (services for non-English speakers) and met it, while sharing the love of Jesus. Students assigned to the School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) realized that working in ministry does not require years of seminary. They were able to see behind the scenes of airplane mechanic operations, try out the flight simulator, and even go up for a flight! ACS students shone the light of Jesus by serving wholeheartedly no matter where they were assigned. The group at Base Camp GR was tasked with cleaning vans, and when the tools they were provided proved less than adequate, sophomore Jaxton Scholten brought in his own from home.  The proprietor of The Cottages at Martin Lake makes it her mission to show the love of Christ in a non-religious job. While this business is not specifically a religious ministry, it served as an important example to students of incorporating ministry into any job. They spent three days interacting with elderly residents. One lady did not speak the entire time, but when ACS students led a time of singing, she joined in with Jesus Loves Me, reminding all in attendance that God is always working, even when we don’t see it. Students in each ministry learned the importance of faithfulness even in seemingly small things. Mason Gilmore and his team worked at Lincoln Lake Baptist Camp. He says, “We didn't do much. We raked a lot of leaves. But we did work on some picnic tables and maybe someday a kid will accept Jesus at this table.”  Ministry at Work opened students' eyes to the many forms ministry can take as a career. Whether through aviation, social work, business, or even elder care, they saw firsthand that serving God isn't limited to a church building. From raking leaves to flying planes, each task became a glimpse into how faithfulness in any setting can lead to a life of meaningful, Christ-centered impact.
Each year, our Spiritual Formation Committee chooses a theme to observe for the entire school year. All aspects of our discipleship training center on that theme for an entire school year. This year's focus is Growing in Christ. Adapted for learners of various ages, teachers, chapel speakers, and small group leaders will dive into eight topics that answer the question, "How Can I Grow in Christ?" Each month, every student in our school will focus on a passage of the Bible together as we build each other up in faith, love, and unity. Elementary students commit these verses to memory, while secondary students discuss them in their Small Groups.  |
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