About Essential Statements
The biblical responsibility for training a child rests completely on his/her parents/guardians and they are accountable to God for that training. By enrolling at SJCS, parents/guardians are delegating the responsibility of formal education to the school. The school board, faculty, and staff of SJCS humbly receive that responsibility, taking it seriously, and desiring to work with parents in building a solid foundation on biblical truths. The school cannot and will not replace the roles of the home and church. In fact, the child who benefits most from attending a Christian school is one whose parents faithfully participate in a Bible-teaching church and diligently train themselves and their family in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. It is very difficult for a Christian school to spiritually train children effectively without unreserved support at home.
It is vital, therefore, that parents/guardians understand clearly, and wholeheartedly support, the school’s Essential Statements, as well as all policies and procedures provided in the student handbooks. Parents/guardians (and students 7-12), indicate they have read/reviewed the student handbook, including the Essential Statements, and are committed to uphold and abide by them by completing and signing the Essential Statements/Handbook Commitment page of online enrollment in FACTS each year.
Statements of Purpose
Vision
Mission
To provide students a biblically based pre-k through twelfth grade educational program that strives for excellence in the development of young men and women who will know and serve Jesus Christ with all their heart, mind, and strength. SJCS will partner with families, churches, and the community to provide students a wide range of education, mission, and service opportunities, based on a biblical worldview.
Philosophy
St. Joseph Christian School is a non-denominational, private Christian school strategically located to serve pre-k through twelfth grade students from the Northwest Missouri/Northeast Kansas area. The school’s purpose is to partner with Christian families in their God-given responsibility to encourage, discipline, and instruct their children. Based in a biblical worldview, instruction at SJCS builds in core curricula at the lower levels and expands to provide college-preparatory coursework at the upper levels.
Core Values: SJCS
Scholarship: Maximizing academic achievement for all students.
Jesus Christ: Encouraging all students to make Jesus Christ LORD of their lives.
Character: Encouraging development of Christ-like character in all students.
Service: Providing opportunities for all students to serve Jesus Christ by
serving others.
Statement of Faith
The Word of God
The Word of God, in both the Old and New Testaments, is inerrant as originally given. It is inspired by God, and it is the complete revelation of Himself to man. It is the consistent, only word of God (2 Tim. 3:16–17; 2 Pet. 1:20–21; Rev. 22:18–19).
God
There is one and only one living God. He is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (1 Tim. 1:17; Matt. 28:19; Mark 1:10–11).
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the eternal, only Son of God, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin birth. Jesus is truly God and truly man. He died on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice. All who believe in Jesus by faith are justified on the basis of His shed blood on the cross. Jesus died and physically rose again after three days and ascended into heaven where He is exalted at the right hand of the Father. He will physically return to judge the world and establish His kingdom (John 1:1–3; Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18; 1 Cor. 15:3–4; 1 Tim. 1: 15–17).
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is sent to indwell, guide, teach, and empower believers. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (Acts 2:38; Eph. 1:13–14; 1 Cor. 6:19; John 16:7–8).
Mankind
Mankind was originally created without sin and in the image and likeness of God. He sinned through disobedience and incurred physical and spiritual death. The eternal soul of a man is given at conception, and as eternal, will experience either eternal life in heaven or eternal death in hell, based upon one’s relationship with Christ (Gen. 1:26, 27; Ps. 139:13–16; Jer. 1:5; Rom. 3:23; Rev. 20:10–15; 1 John 5:11,12).
Salvation
Salvation has been provided through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for all who by faith believe in Him as Savior. All who personally accept Him as Savior are born again and receive the Holy Spirit, the gift of eternal life, and become children of God (John 1:14–18; 1 Cor. 15:3–4; Eph. 2:8–9; 1 John 5:9–13; John 1:12).
Statement of Positions
- Biblical Worldview – SJCS defines “biblical worldview” as believing that absolute moral truths exist and that such truth is defined by the Bible.
- Creation verses Evolution – SJCS believes that the universe was purposefully created by God to bring Him glory and not by random chance (evolution). Although SJCS board members personally believe in a literal six-day creation, affirming God’s omnipotence to have created a fully mature world in six literal days (for example, we believe Adam was fully mature at creation, though only seconds old), we do not take sides in the debate between “old earth” and “young earth” creationists.
- America’s Christian Heritage – SJCS affirms the Christian heritage of the United States of America while acknowledging many political and societal failures in our nation’s history.
- Education – SJCS believes that the highest goal of education should be to honor and glorify Jesus Christ.
- Evangelism – SJCS is committed to reaching the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ and resolutely asserts that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to God (salvation).
- Marriage – SJCS defines marriage as a sacred, life-long covenant between one man and one woman.
- Children – SJCS affirms that children are a gift from God and that parents will give an account to God for the nurturing and training of their children.
- Family – SJCS affirms the “nuclear” family as the building block of society, ideally comprised of two parents, a husband and a wife, and any children produced by their union or through adoption.
- The Sanctity of Human Life – SJCS affirms a pro-life position regarding the unborn, the aged, and the mentally or physically challenged. SJCS resolutely stands against abortion, embryonic stem cell research, the “harvesting” of human embryos for any purpose, and euthanasia.
- Sexuality – SJCS’s sincerely held religious belief is that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as either male or female, and that these two distinct, complementary sexes together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26-27). SJCS further believes that sexual activity outside of a marriage between one biological man and one biological woman, sexual abuse of children, and the use of pornographic materials are sinful, deviant behaviors.
- Social Responsibility – SJCS believes that Christians are called upon by God to defend and support the family, church, and government according to God’s intended (biblical) purpose for each.
- Unity of the Faith – SJCS affirms that, despite our individual doctrinal preferences and distinctions, all believers in Jesus Christ who hold to the basic tenets of salvation by faith in Christ alone are valued members of the Body of Christ and we strongly support and celebrate the distinctives that bring strength to the whole.
Statement of Unity
St. Joseph Christian School’s educational mission involves working with the home in the overall Christian education of students. On occasion this cooperation between the school and home may become difficult. To avoid such situations, the school requires that, in order to be employed, all faculty and staff indicate their commitment to affirmatively support and cooperate with the school as part of their contractual agreement. Likewise, to maintain their student’s enrollment, parents must do the same. Employees and families must agree to support the school with their prayers and with a positive attitude. They must also follow the Matthew 18 principle: Complaints or negative comments will be shared only with the teacher, administrator, or person involved and not with other people. Parents must understand that if at any time the school determines at its sole discretion that a parent’s actions do not support the ministry or reflect a lack of cooperation and commitment to the home and school working together, the school has the right to request the withdrawal or to disenroll the student.
Steps for Addressing Problems/Concerns
At SJCS, we strive to deal with problems and concerns in a Christ-like manner. Disagreements with other parents, teachers, and administrators are handled according to the principles explained in Matthew 18:15 – 17. The appropriate steps for addressing problems/ concerns are:
- Go to the person with whom you disagree. Please refrain from sharing your concern with others.
- If unresolved, ask the principal for a conference with the person(s) involved.
- Any further concerns may be taken to the school board.
Additionally, please keep in mind the following:
- Do not assume you have all the facts. Remember that there are two sides to every story.
- Refrain from gossip. Gossiping can be easy to do when conflict is occurring.
- Agree to disagree. Not all of us are going to agree on every issue every time.
Statement Concerning Expected Standards of Conduct Regarding Human Sexuality
The biblical and philosophical goal of St. Joseph Christian School is to work with the home in developing students into mature, Christ-like individuals, who will be able to exhibit a Christ-like life. Of necessity, this involves employees, students and families understanding, agreeing with, and exhibiting those major qualities or characteristics of a Christ-like life. If the home lifestyle and beliefs are contrary to the school’s teaching, the conflict raises significant biblical issues (Amos 3:3: “How can two walk together unless they be agreed?”).
Many would agree that American culture has changed a lot in the last several decades. One of the most significant cultural shifts is evidenced in what people believe is acceptable in the realm of human sexuality. Some people (including many who consider themselves Christians) are tolerant of aberrant sexual behavior, whether it is the use of pornography, engaging in premarital sex, cohabitation, marital infidelity, or homosexual behavior. We believe authentic Christianity shows itself in a lifestyle committed to Jesus Christ and biblical teaching; one that holds itself accountable to a local fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ.
To be employed, or to enroll a student, or while a student is enrolled at St. Joseph Christian School, all persons are expected to exhibit the qualities of a Christ-like life espoused and taught by the school and to refrain from certain activities or behavior. Thus, St. Joseph Christian School retains the right to expel, withdraw enrollment from, or refuse enrollment to any student if said student, their parent, guardian, or their parent’s “significant other” engages in, condones, supports, or otherwise promotes sexual immorality, transgender activity (including cross-dressing of any type), professed or practicing homosexual/bisexual activity, or the use of pornography. (See Lev. 20:13; Rom. 1:27) Such behaviors are grounds for immediate dismissal for employees.
Statement Regarding Church Attendance
Every employee and at least one parent of each enrolled student must be a born-again Christian who is actively involved in a local evangelical* church (attending 3 to 4 times per month) and evidencing Christ-like character in his/her lifestyle.
*Evangelical – Emphasizing salvation by faith in the atoning death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through personal conversion, the authority and inerrancy of scripture, and each person’s need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
In addition, each student (grades 7-12) must be a born-again Christian, committed to holy living and the pursuit of excellence in their education. Students must evidence that they are under the authority of their parents and seek to live a life that is above reproach. All enrolled students must attend a local evangelical church on a regular basis.
Since its inception, parents and students enrolling at SJCS have done so with the understanding that attendance at their local evangelical church is essential for enrollment. Each new family must have a pastor’s recommendation uploaded to their students’ enrollment portfolio in FACTS before the student’s enrollment is considered complete and they are able to attend classes (Hebrews 10:24, 25). Returning families review/update their church attendance information during online reenrollment. Exceptions to the church attendance requirement may be made by the school board, at its sole discretion.
Statements of Purpose
Vision
Mission
To provide students a biblically based pre-k through twelfth grade educational program that strives for excellence in the development of young men and women who will know and serve Jesus Christ with all their heart, mind, and strength. SJCS will partner with families, churches, and the community to provide students a wide range of education, mission, and service opportunities, based on a biblical worldview.
Philosophy
St. Joseph Christian School is a non-denominational, private Christian school strategically located to serve pre-k through twelfth grade students from the Northwest Missouri/Northeast Kansas area. The school’s purpose is to partner with Christian families in their God-given responsibility to encourage, discipline, and instruct their children. Based in a biblical worldview, instruction at SJCS builds in core curricula at the lower levels and expands to provide college-preparatory coursework at the upper levels.
Core Values: SJCS
Scholarship: Maximizing academic achievement for all students.
Jesus Christ: Encouraging all students to make Jesus Christ LORD of their lives.
Character: Encouraging development of Christ-like character in all students.
Service: Providing opportunities for all students to serve Jesus Christ by
serving others.
Statement of Faith
The Word of God
The Word of God, in both the Old and New Testaments, is inerrant as originally given. It is inspired by God, and it is the complete revelation of Himself to man. It is the consistent, only word of God (2 Tim. 3:16–17; 2 Pet. 1:20–21; Rev. 22:18–19).
God
There is one and only one living God. He is infinitely perfect, existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (1 Tim. 1:17; Matt. 28:19; Mark 1:10–11).
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the eternal, only Son of God, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin birth. Jesus is truly God and truly man. He died on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice. All who believe in Jesus by faith are justified on the basis of His shed blood on the cross. Jesus died and physically rose again after three days and ascended into heaven where He is exalted at the right hand of the Father. He will physically return to judge the world and establish His kingdom (John 1:1–3; Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18; 1 Cor. 15:3–4; 1 Tim. 1: 15–17).
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is sent to indwell, guide, teach, and empower believers. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (Acts 2:38; Eph. 1:13–14; 1 Cor. 6:19; John 16:7–8).
Mankind
Mankind was originally created without sin and in the image and likeness of God. He sinned through disobedience and incurred physical and spiritual death. The eternal soul of a man is given at conception, and as eternal, will experience either eternal life in heaven or eternal death in hell, based upon one’s relationship with Christ (Gen. 1:26, 27; Ps. 139:13–16; Jer. 1:5; Rom. 3:23; Rev. 20:10–15; 1 John 5:11,12).
Salvation
Salvation has been provided through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for all who by faith believe in Him as Savior. All who personally accept Him as Savior are born again and receive the Holy Spirit, the gift of eternal life, and become children of God (John 1:14–18; 1 Cor. 15:3–4; Eph. 2:8–9; 1 John 5:9–13; John 1:12).
Statement of Positions
- Biblical Worldview – SJCS defines “biblical worldview” as believing that absolute moral truths exist and that such truth is defined by the Bible.
- Creation verses Evolution – SJCS believes that the universe was purposefully created by God to bring Him glory and not by random chance (evolution). Although SJCS board members personally believe in a literal six-day creation, affirming God’s omnipotence to have created a fully mature world in six literal days (for example, we believe Adam was fully mature at creation, though only seconds old), we do not take sides in the debate between “old earth” and “young earth” creationists.
- America’s Christian Heritage – SJCS affirms the Christian heritage of the United States of America while acknowledging many political and societal failures in our nation’s history.
- Education – SJCS believes that the highest goal of education should be to honor and glorify Jesus Christ.
- Evangelism – SJCS is committed to reaching the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ and resolutely asserts that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to God (salvation).
- Marriage – SJCS defines marriage as a sacred, life-long covenant between one man and one woman.
- Children – SJCS affirms that children are a gift from God and that parents will give an account to God for the nurturing and training of their children.
- Family – SJCS affirms the “nuclear” family as the building block of society, ideally comprised of two parents, a husband and a wife, and any children produced by their union or through adoption.
- The Sanctity of Human Life – SJCS affirms a pro-life position regarding the unborn, the aged, and the mentally or physically challenged. SJCS resolutely stands against abortion, embryonic stem cell research, the “harvesting” of human embryos for any purpose, and euthanasia.
- Sexuality – SJCS’s sincerely held religious belief is that God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as either male or female, and that these two distinct, complementary sexes together reflect the image and nature of God (Genesis 1:26-27). SJCS further believes that sexual activity outside of a marriage between one biological man and one biological woman, sexual abuse of children, and the use of pornographic materials are sinful, deviant behaviors.
- Social Responsibility – SJCS believes that Christians are called upon by God to defend and support the family, church, and government according to God’s intended (biblical) purpose for each.
- Unity of the Faith – SJCS affirms that, despite our individual doctrinal preferences and distinctions, all believers in Jesus Christ who hold to the basic tenets of salvation by faith in Christ alone are valued members of the Body of Christ and we strongly support and celebrate the distinctives that bring strength to the whole.
Statement of Unity
St. Joseph Christian School’s educational mission involves working with the home in the overall Christian education of students. On occasion this cooperation between the school and home may become difficult. To avoid such situations, the school requires that, in order to be employed, all faculty and staff indicate their commitment to affirmatively support and cooperate with the school as part of their contractual agreement. Likewise, to maintain their student’s enrollment, parents must do the same. Employees and families must agree to support the school with their prayers and with a positive attitude. They must also follow the Matthew 18 principle: Complaints or negative comments will be shared only with the teacher, administrator, or person involved and not with other people. Parents must understand that if at any time the school determines at its sole discretion that a parent’s actions do not support the ministry or reflect a lack of cooperation and commitment to the home and school working together, the school has the right to request the withdrawal or to disenroll the student.
Steps for Addressing Problems/Concerns
At SJCS, we strive to deal with problems and concerns in a Christ-like manner. Disagreements with other parents, teachers, and administrators are handled according to the principles explained in Matthew 18:15 – 17. The appropriate steps for addressing problems/ concerns are:
- Go to the person with whom you disagree. Please refrain from sharing your concern with others.
- If unresolved, ask the principal for a conference with the person(s) involved.
- Any further concerns may be taken to the school board.
Additionally, please keep in mind the following:
- Do not assume you have all the facts. Remember that there are two sides to every story.
- Refrain from gossip. Gossiping can be easy to do when conflict is occurring.
- Agree to disagree. Not all of us are going to agree on every issue every time.
Statement Concerning Expected Standards of Conduct Regarding Human Sexuality
The biblical and philosophical goal of St. Joseph Christian School is to work with the home in developing students into mature, Christ-like individuals, who will be able to exhibit a Christ-like life. Of necessity, this involves employees, students and families understanding, agreeing with, and exhibiting those major qualities or characteristics of a Christ-like life. If the home lifestyle and beliefs are contrary to the school’s teaching, the conflict raises significant biblical issues (Amos 3:3: “How can two walk together unless they be agreed?”).
Many would agree that American culture has changed a lot in the last several decades. One of the most significant cultural shifts is evidenced in what people believe is acceptable in the realm of human sexuality. Some people (including many who consider themselves Christians) are tolerant of aberrant sexual behavior, whether it is the use of pornography, engaging in premarital sex, cohabitation, marital infidelity, or homosexual behavior. We believe authentic Christianity shows itself in a lifestyle committed to Jesus Christ and biblical teaching; one that holds itself accountable to a local fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ.
To be employed, or to enroll a student, or while a student is enrolled at St. Joseph Christian School, all persons are expected to exhibit the qualities of a Christ-like life espoused and taught by the school and to refrain from certain activities or behavior. Thus, St. Joseph Christian School retains the right to expel, withdraw enrollment from, or refuse enrollment to any student if said student, their parent, guardian, or their parent’s “significant other” engages in, condones, supports, or otherwise promotes sexual immorality, transgender activity (including cross-dressing of any type), professed or practicing homosexual/bisexual activity, or the use of pornography. (See Lev. 20:13; Rom. 1:27) Such behaviors are grounds for immediate dismissal for employees.
Statement Regarding Church Attendance
Every employee and at least one parent of each enrolled student must be a born-again Christian who is actively involved in a local evangelical* church (attending 3 to 4 times per month) and evidencing Christ-like character in his/her lifestyle.
*Evangelical – Emphasizing salvation by faith in the atoning death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through personal conversion, the authority and inerrancy of scripture, and each person’s need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
In addition, each student (grades 7-12) must be a born-again Christian, committed to holy living and the pursuit of excellence in their education. Students must evidence that they are under the authority of their parents and seek to live a life that is above reproach. All enrolled students must attend a local evangelical church on a regular basis.
Since its inception, parents and students enrolling at SJCS have done so with the understanding that attendance at their local evangelical church is essential for enrollment. Each new family must have a pastor’s recommendation uploaded to their students’ enrollment portfolio in FACTS before the student’s enrollment is considered complete and they are able to attend classes (Hebrews 10:24, 25). Returning families review/update their church attendance information during online reenrollment. Exceptions to the church attendance requirement may be made by the school board, at its sole discretion.
