SPIRITUAL
LIFE
A Christ-centered Atmosphere Through
Authenticity, Love and Guidance
La Sierra Academy takes pride in the Holistic (mind, body, spirit) development of our students through the intentional combination of “faith and learning.” As a K-12 educational institution, we are aware that we play an important role in the faith development of our students. We meet together regularly as a school community to fine-tune our curriculum, programming and activities to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to grow into healthy, passionate contributors to their school, church, and community.
By maintaining a warm, accepting and safe environment, our aim is to keep Christ at the center of our campus as well as at the center of our hearts.
Student Involvement in Spiritual Activities
La Sierra Academy provides its students with various opportunities to be involved in its vibrant spiritual life program.
CAMPUS SPIRITUAL Ministry TEAMS
Revive Team (High School)
Our spiritual life leadership team. Each member of this team helps plan and organize chapels, vespers, and other spiritual events, both on and off campus. Opportunities are available for this team to travel and provide spiritual programming to local constituent churches and other events.
Actions/Expressions Drama Team (High School and Jr. High)
Our Drama Teams are intentional about communicating spiritual ideas and concepts in profound and applicable ways, they seek to reflect Christ and His values through the portrayal of abstract or realistic skits and plays.
Manos Team (High School)
Our community service team. Manos meets regularly to plan and organize events that allow students to get involved in giving back to their community. Events might include a blood drive, a homeless feeding activity, spending time with students at a local shelter, or even something as simple and important as helping a neighbor with their yard work. Students on the Manos team are given the opportunity to develop empathy and character as they serve their community.
Audio/Visual Team (High School and Jr. High)
Students who are passionate about technology and creating a positive, seamless worship experience can be involved in running sound, videos and slideshows during chapel or other local events as needed. In most cases, this team is the backbone of La Sierra Academy’s spiritual events.
Impact Team (High School)
Impact is our worship and prayer team. The members of this team are responsible for creating opportunities for students to be involved in various worship and prayer activities.
Praise Teams (High School, Jr. High, and Elementary)
All are welcome to be involved in our many campus praise teams. We have 6 teams total: 4 in high school, 1 in junior high, and 1 in elementary. Each is eager to glorify God through song and praise, and by leading others in worship. The praise teams lead our weekly chapels, vespers, and other worship events. Each team has a student leader who helps facilitate practices and coordinate schedules.
TOWK (High School)
TOWK (Treat Ourselves With Kindness) Team is our mental wellness team. Committed to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, TOWK team members provide support for our high school students. They create activities that help students with academic stress and personal challenges. They strive to empower students to prioritize self-care, cultivate resilience, and thrive academically and personally.
Projections (High School)
Our projections team consists of student who are passionate about utilizing their skills in imaging and videography. They help to maintain our spiritual life social media presence as well as provide videos and images for our regular Friday chapels and events.
OFF CAMPUS SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTS
In addition to the many opportunities available to be involved in spiritual activities on campus, there are several special events off campus that help to strengthen student’s spiritual development.
It’s important that as a school we realize that we are part of a whole, and that together our community churches and academies can create powerful opportunities to fellowship, worship God, and share His Gospel.
- Bible Camps
- Bible Retreats
- Social Justice Awareness events
- Vespers program
- Leadership convention
- Church programs
VITAL CONNECTION
At the beginning of every school year, our students (7-12) and staff (CC-12) are presented with the opportunity to participate in our “Vital Connections” program. Vital connections is an opportunity for students and staff to pray for one another throughout the year. Students and staff are randomly assigned another student or staff member. Each person that chooses to be participate in the program commits to the following:
1. Pray for their person at minimum 3 times a week.
2. Will not reveal themselves to their partner or to any other person until “reveal week” at the end of the year.
BAPTISMAL STUDIES
Bible studies in preparation for baptism, are offered through the Chaplains office. Studies are given upon request and are administered in conjunction with local constituent pastors and are scheduled based on the current school calendar.
About LSA’s Chaplain
As the campus chaplain, it is my intention to be available to all students for conversation, prayer, ministry, or just to hang out and laugh. It is a joy to help students realize their potential and help them experience the genuine love and transforming grace of God.
Born in Texas, I was raised a sports-loving Catholic who converted to Seventh-day Adventism at the age of 15. I earned a Bachelor’s degree from Southern College and a Master’s from Andrews University. Recently I was ordained by the South Eastern California Conference for whom I enjoy working. For a good portion of my life, I resided in the beautiful state of Tennessee before coming out west to the sunny state of California.
I have absolutely enjoyed my time at La Sierra Academy. I was led here unexpectedly, but there is no question that it was by Divine guidance. After arriving in California, I met my beautiful wife and incredible children. I thank God every day for bringing my beautiful family together. We absolutely love being a part of this community.
My favorite Bible story is of Peter walking on water, as it a clear reflection of our human fear, frailty and dependence. It conveys the need to be vulnerable while it also demonstrates to us how Christ’s love, patience and power is what saves us. This particular biblical account is exciting, intimidating, and sad all at the same time—similar to many of our own personal narratives as we adventure through life.
My favorite Bible verse is still Jeremiah 33:3, “Call unto me and I will answer you, and I will show you great and mighty things you know not.”
How can you help?
Through the generosity, prayers, and willingness of parents, we have been able to provide exceptional spiritual development opportunities at LSA. Parent contributions have allowed us to create “The Ministry Center,” a space on campus where students can relax, eat, play games, and study. Donations have also provided two vans that allow easy transportation to various sporting events, worship events, and extracurricular activities.
These same parents have opened their homes for quarterly home vespers, sponsored students to attend Bible camps and mission trips, or donated food for various events. Parents, you have been instrumental in the spiritual lives of our students. Thank you for all you sacrifice and support throughout the years!
If you would like to keep LSA’s spiritual activities running at full capacity, consider a donation to our campus ministries or contact the chaplain.
May God Bless!