by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent

Crosshill Christian School families were reminded of the cost of Christian Education this month as we enrolled our children for the 2016-2017 school year and paying our registration fees. It is not lost on me the tremendous sacrifice it can be to send our children to an institution of Christian Education year after year. The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) of which CCS is a member, participated in a large survey of private schools in 2010/2011. Below are the some of the highlights that pertain to Christian and/or ACSI schools. I am personally encouraged as my family has experienced many of these widespread impacts of Christian Education. I pray these reminders are an encouragement to you as well. 

Spiritual Benefits of a Christian Education

• ACSI schools have the greatest emphasis on student development of moral character and personal virtue.
• Christian school graduates are significantly more likely to pray and read Scripture both alone and with family.
• ACSI schools have the highest belief in biblical accuracy in scientific and historical matters.
• Christian school graduates are more likely to attend religious services and respect the authority of church leadership.
• ACSI schools most often include these among their top priorities: for students to have a close, personal relationship with God, and for students to develop a Christian worldview.

 
Academic Benefits of a Christian Education

• Since 1974 ACSI schools have scored significantly higher than the national norm in every grade level on a national achievement test.
• ACSI school students read at least one grade level above the national averages as measured on a national achievement test.
• ACSI schools average more required course credits in math, science, English, biblical studies, civics, social studies, art and music, and physical education than all other programs surveyed.
• ACSI school graduates attend college at a significantly higher rate than the national average.
• Christian school graduates are more likely to attend a religious university and obtain more years of higher education than their public school peers.

 
Cultural Benefits of a Christian Education

• Christian school graduates donate significantly more money to their churches, religious causes, and other charitable causes overall.
• A greater percentage of ACSI schools offer missions and social service trips both in the United States and Canada.
• Christian school graduates give more of their time to volunteer in their congregations, on missions trips, and on relief/aid trips.
• ACSI schools have greater student involvement in community service, politics, and fine arts than public schools.
• Christian school graduates have a stronger sense of direction in their lives and are more confident in their ability to deal with life challenges than their peers.

 
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– Adam Kronberger / Superintendent

by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent

This month has been a busy season. Come to think of it, last month was a busy season, and next month will be a busy season. Recently, I have been considering what to subtract from my life so that everything can fit. A couple of weeks ago I referenced a parable taught by Jesus recorded in both Matthew 12 and Luke 11. It highlights the importance of not only removing “unclean spirits” from your life, but quickly replacing those unhealthy habits with healthy pursuits.  

As the school focuses on the character trait of orderliness this month, I think that sometimes we may apply this principle in the incorrect order. I am reminded of the apostle Paul’s exhortation that “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). An attempt to apply this lifestyle before “cleaning house” often only leads to frustration and lukewarm results.

Consider the inverse of this principle, “whatever is untrue, whatever is dishonorable, whatever is unjust, whatever is impure, whatever is unlovely, whatever is wrong, if there is any shoddiness, if there is anything worthy of shame, do not think about these things.”  In order to have the mind of Christ, we have to first make room by removing everything that is not of Christ. This is not about legalism, it is about the heart.  

For example, I love my wife. In order to spend time with her, I must first make decisions to my schedule that provides devoted time with her. I want to pursue her above all things. In order to do that, I must be careful to remove or decrease pursuits that distract me from that goal. I order my life this way not because of some legalistic adherence to a marriage book, but out of a heart-felt desire to love my wife. Either my wife is number one in my life or she isn’t. I can’t have more than one number one.  Jesus consistently taught that “no one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6 and Luke 16).  Before God can become our only master, other untrue and impure habits that may be mastering our lives must be removed. Then there exists an open space in our hearts for God to assume his rightful place as a result of a heartfelt invitation. Giving attention to the “don’ts” is simply a means to the ultimate end goal of “doing” a life completely partnered with God.

Lt. General William K. Harrison received every decoration for valor except the Congressional Medal of Honor – being honored with the Distinguished Silver Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. General Harrison was a soldier’s soldier who led a busy, ultra-kinetic life, but he was also an amazing man of the Word. When he was a twenty-year-old West Point Cadet, he began reading the Old Testament through once a year and the New Testament four times. General Harrison did this until the end of his life. If the seasons of your life seem too busy to add in time with God, consider there are others with busier lives who have made it work through the beauty of “addition by subtraction".
 
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– Adam Kronberger / Superintendent

by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal

The concept and call of discipleship has been weighing heavily on my heart. There is no greater assignment in our lives than to be and make disciples of Jesus. I will be held accountable for my own discipleship, and that of my children, which include the students who walk through the doors of CCS. Needless to say, I take it very seriously. That said, the road of discipleship has been rough lately, and I’ve had quite a few on my knees, pour it out, wisdom-seeking meetings with the LORD. I felt a bit discouraged and I wanted to know: if discipleship is one of the most important pieces in life, why then, is it also the most heartbreaking, frustrating, difficult, yet easiest piece to completely mess up? Why, instead of overflowing with blessing and ease, is it so often a long and exhausting battle? (Feel free to text me an AMEN!)

I answered my own question when I got around to focusing on the positive aspects of discipleship. There is amazing redemption, healing, freedom, hope, blessing, and joy intentionally planned throughout the journey. When we submit everything to Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit lead, God’s perfect will is revealed and accomplished. Some of those long, exhausting battles were fierce, but after much prayer and perseverance, the conflict created lasting and sustained change. I have witnessed true miracles born out of heartbreaking trials; lives completely transformed and joyfully committed to serving Jesus! Strength of character is always the goal, and humility is essential to the process. The best part is that Jesus himself is right beside us, providing all we need to equip us, as well as the encouragement, peace, and rest we need to persevere. 
 
James tells us that when our loyalty is divided between God and the world, we are unstable in everything we do (James 1:5). If we are striving for our own success, or ambitions, we will be unable to lead an obedient, faithful lifestyle. James goes on to share that we will also deceive ourselves if we merely listen to the word and do not do what it says. It is only through authentic discipleship that we can live loving, fulfilling, and fruitful lives. As we diligently work towards that goal, our ability to guide our children in their journey of discipleship will be incredible! The greatest experiences of our lives await us as we choose, every day, to sit at the feet of Jesus. 

"May we all be true disciples, bearing much fruit, and bringing great glory to our heavenly  Father" (John 15:8) ​


– Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal

by Adam Kronberger / Superintendent

About three years ago I had one of the most exhilarating and frightening months of my life. We had just purchased our new home, and one of the school families graciously brought over an excavator for my use. Our new home had no landscaping in the back yard, and it also had quite a steep grade (we joke we live on a cliff). I was thrilled when my “new toy” arrived, as my summer landscaping plans hinged on the execution of this delivery.  Oh, did I mention, that I had never driven one before!  

After what seemed a quick two-minute tutorial, my busy benefactor was on his way, leaving me to fend for myself. Inside the cab, I felt like I had the most complicated video game control at my hands, but the TV screen was replaced with reality. My wife’s prayer life grew exponentially that month. But was it fun!  And I only swung the excavator boom into my house once. And the sewer pipe I destroyed needed replacing anyway. But boy did I dig some holes and move some dirt.  

One main objective of the summer project was to build about 180 feet of retaining walls a total of ten feet high. I learned an important lesson that summer-gravity. Every hole or trench I dug for a special purpose would fall back on itself if I didn’t act fast enough. My intention was to remove loose soil and replace it with hard rock. Sometimes the latter state of my efforts would be worse than before I began.  

When Jesus arrived on the scene in Galilee he found a similar situation with the Pharisees. Many of them had worked hard to remove the loose soil of ungodliness from their lives that the neighboring nations demonstrated. But instead of replacing idolatry with faith and love, the Pharisees allowed pride and selfishness to rule. In his parable directed to the Pharisees, Jesus told of an unsaved soul who harbored an unclean spirit. When the unclean spirit left him, the man did not replace the void with the solid foundation which faith provides. The unclean Spirit returned with seven other unclean spirits and found that his old “home” was still available. The latter state of the man was worse than the first.

During the month of February, the school will be focusing on the character trait of orderliness. The ultimate purpose of having an orderly life is to plan a life that seeks to follow God’s plan. While we often find the need to have control over our lives, orderliness is less about control, and more about a plan. God is in control. He doesn’t need another “backseat driver.” He also doesn’t need pretend disciples, but the real thing. As students (and parents) consider how God wants us to reorder our lives this month, make sure part of your plan of subtraction includes the addition of the solid Rock of Jesus Christ.  

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– Adam Kronberger / Superintendent