INSPIRE! CONNECTING OUR WORK TO GOD’S WORK
We are excited to launch our third and final phase of the new STEM program at MCS this year entitled, INSPIRE! Connecting Our Work to God’s Work.
The IGNITE phase in year one was designed to spark a passion or interest in STEM fields that clearly show the hand of God. The second year was branded, INNOVATE, and captured the idea of “faithful change” – creating new subjects and approaches to learning while remaining true to our mission. Both of these phases have been a tremendous success as STEM courses have become our most popular student electives and STEM clubs/activities after school hours are routinely filled to capacity.
The final phase, INSPIRE, is about ensuring that our students see their work as a calling, that is, a way that they have been designed to serve Christ and others. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul counsels readers that when they become Christians it is unnecessary to change what they are currently doing in life (job, marriage, social status) in order to live in a way that pleases God. In verse 17, Paul writes, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.”
Few people, including Christians, live inspired lives because they don’t see a connection between their work and their faith. They understand that God has given them specific interests and talents for a reason and they are commanded to work, but they do not understand how their work serves God’s kingdom or accomplishes His greater purposes. For many, work is uninspiring and just a job.
Our culture desperately needs young people who have a right understanding of work and are inspired to do so for the common good of others and in response to God’s calling. We want to train our students to discern God’s guidance to a particular kind of work as they consider the needs of the world, recognize their own skills and gifts, and acknowledge their truest desires:
The place God calls you to is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. ~ Frederick Buechner
Our pursuit of STEM education is bigger than simply making sure our students are equipped for the jobs that are most in demand today. By training them to understand the Biblical worldview, we are launching them into careers for which they have been prepared to make an impact for Christ.
We are inspiring students to lead the church as they become pastors, worship leaders, elders, deacons, teachers, and mentors…all for the glory of God.
We are inspiring students to serve the world as they become missionaries, aid workers, translators, evangelists, and problem-solvers…all for glory of God.
We are inspiring students to work for others in whatever field God has called them to [with their existing abilities and opportunities]…all for the glory of God.
May God bless our work and may He receive the glory.