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Impact of Christian Education: How Alumni Live Out Their Calling

It is evident by data collected and records received that MPCS alumni are continuing to be servant-leaders beyond graduation. Alumni are adhering to the mission of MPCS, one that seeks to “prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.” In a recent alumni survey, 72% indicated that MPCS played a significant role in preparing them to be servant-leaders while all agreed MPCS was an important part of their foundation. 

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It is reassuring confirmation that Christian schools like MPCS are achieving their mission to prepare students to stay true to their Christian walk throughout their adult lives. Many MPCS alumni recorded additional feedback in the area of Christian service such as: 

   • 30% teach in some capacity.
   • 20% serve the youth at their local church.
   • 20% serve in leadership roles (pastor, elder, director, etc.).
   • 15% use their musical talents in leading worship, etc.

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Prepared for Good Works

One alumna in particular who has dedicated the early part of her adult life to serving overseas is Katie (Sheffield) Ki, class of 2007. She currently serves in Cambodia with her husband and three children. “Looking back, I can really see the impact of the Christ-centered environment I experienced at Mount Paran on my life,” Katie remembers. “For me, it was a really supportive environment; things like chapels, retreat, and Bible class. Having teachers here that were open to talking about Christian faith, encouraging us to get into God’s Word and grow in our faith really shaped my faith and made me stronger, so that as I left Mount Paran, I had a solid foundation.”

 Katie

More than just preparing her spiritually for the work ahead, MPCS was also the vessel through which God set Katie on His intended path. “I remember sitting in chapel one day and hearing Dr. Tilley make an announcement that the school was going to start taking mission trips overseas. They were recruiting for a team to go to Cambodia,” she recalls. “He had no idea how shocked I was, sitting there in the bleachers. My youngest sister had been adopted from Cambodia many years before that, so I immediately sensed that God put it on my heart to go on that mission trip.”

 

Spiritual Gifts

The Scriptures (I Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4) describe spiritual gifts, and it’s only when alumni begin to understand and discover their unique gifts — coupled with a passion to serve others — that they truly begin to function as servant-leaders.

For alumnus Jared Knox, MPCS class of 2017, this discovery process was pivotal. During a “From The Mount” podcast interview, Jared shared how he was led to lean wholeheartedly on the Lord. “I had to get back to the basics of: Why did God create me? Why am I here on this earth? What am I supposed to do, and what does it look like for me to walk with the Lord?”

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Throughout his time at MPCS, Jared’s talent for art was evident to many. Initially considered a hobby, his artistic gifts were nurtured by a few key teachers he fondly remembers. “They were incredible, so encouraging. Both of them pushed me out of my comfort zone and kept me humble.”

It wasn’t until he was asked to lead a small group at Auburn Community Church that Jared felt God’s leading him more clearly. His prayers came full circle when Marietta’s DK Gallery encouraged him to exhibit his artwork year-round at her gallery. “When I got that text it was like a light bulb moment,” Jared shared. “This thing that God has been preparing me for throughout my entire life, He has put right in front of me to be able to share the Gospel and fulfill the Great Commission.”

 

Passion for Serving Others

As the Family Discipleship Director at Four Points Church in Acworth and the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award, Scotty Valiani, MPCS class of 2013, finds his greatest joy and earthly reward in helping others gain their heavenly reward. "Seeing dead hearts brought to life. Getting to share what Jesus has done in my life with others. The fact that Jesus would use me — it is so incredibly humbling. God is so good to us."

Scotty

During his time at MPCS, Scotty was involved in many activities, including varsity football, wrestling, the Peer Mentoring Initiative (PMI), chorus, band, and musical theatre. He was also honored with the MPCS School Spirit Award as a senior in 2013. When reflecting on his experience at MPCS, he shared: "MPCS gave me a community, and most importantly, it exposed me to the gospel of Jesus. God used MPCS to draw me to Him and I will forever be grateful for that. It was a life-changing experience."

With a firm foundation in Christ, Scotty now leads others. He pointed out that Scripture clearly encourages us to consider how we might spur one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). "We are called throughout the New Testament to participate and do life with one another," he said. "The local church is where much of that is done."

 


Mission Driven  

Achieving school mission with today’s generation of students is a clear call. The Lord always equips His people to expand their service to others in an increasingly diverse world, community, and local church. Feedback shows that alumni are using their gifts to serve diverse people groups through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This is further validation of the value of students growing up within a Christian-school environment among a strong community of believers. The ultimate goal is that every alumnus become a servant-leader who loves others like Jesus.

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The takeaway? Unanimously the word “joy” was consistently expressed by MPCS alumni in their responses to why they serve and are involved in their local church. This reminds us that those who serve others passionately always experience the greatest joy.  continue to love and serve others faithfully, particularly your brothers and sisters in Christ in your local church and community!


This article was written by Margaret German, Assistant Director of Communications at Mount Paran Christian School, in conjunction with John Braswell, former Alumni Relations Manager. 
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Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.