Spiritual Emphasis and Christian Character
Development at Hillcrest
|
“The Spiritual Life at Hillcrest”
My Name is Pastor Joshua Camper, and I am the Campus Pastor for Hillcrest Christian School. I truly count it an honor and a blessing to Partner with Heaven to serve the Students, Families, Staff, and surrounding community here at Hillcrest Christian School. Spiritual Life is the foundation of Hillcrest Christian school. We understand that life is about relationships. Here at Hillcrest, our student’s relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is of utmost importance (John 17:3). Our heart and mission for our students is not only for them to grow in a loving relationship with Jesus, but also for that relationship to impact every environment our students enter (Matt. 5:16). We don’t simply aim to fill our school’s seats with students but to fill our students with JESUS that they may be “complete and equipped for every good work”. We aim to know Jesus and make Him known in fulfillment of the “Great Commission”. |
Several of the ways we fulfill this mission is by ingraining a biblical worldview in all our academics, weekly chapels that are centered around worship, God’s word, fellowship, and prayer (Acts 2:42). We are intentional with small discipleship groups which provide intimate opportunities for our students to develop their gifts, talents and further equip them for their mission field. Furthermore, our school retreats, outreach programs, mission trips, and leadership training provide a variety of opportunities to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus.
My heart’s desire and passion as the Campus Pastor are to co-Labor alongside our Hillcrest Staff, Students, Families, and surrounding community to help disciple, equip, and send our students out into the world to win souls for the Kingdom of God. We know and trust that God can do exceedingly and abundantly beyond all we could ask or think according to the power that works in us.
My heart’s desire and passion as the Campus Pastor are to co-Labor alongside our Hillcrest Staff, Students, Families, and surrounding community to help disciple, equip, and send our students out into the world to win souls for the Kingdom of God. We know and trust that God can do exceedingly and abundantly beyond all we could ask or think according to the power that works in us.
- Joshua Camper, Campus Pastor
Spiritual Emphasis
At Hillcrest Christian School the spiritual growth of your child is paramount. The Spiritual Life at Hillcrest Christian School is designed to teach your child the ways of Jesus Christ, grow in their knowledge of the Word of God, and learn to implement Christs’ teachings in today’s world. We desire for your child to live out a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ, but especially, to live out the Greatest and second commandment given by Jesus himself,
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
- Matthew 22:37
- Matthew 22:37
We accomplish this by creating a Bible program that is experiential and relevant, chapels that are vibrant and encouraging, small groups that are intentional and caring, and mission trips and outreach experiences that will transform your child and bring out their desire to serve others. In the classroom, the Christian worldview dominates each subject, from history to biology. Small class size and a staff of dedicated Christian teachers allow one-on-one attention which builds the Christian character for every student at Hillcrest Christian School. We are excited to see what the Lord will do with your child as they experience Spiritual Life at Hillcrest and graduate into the world prepared to make a difference for Jesus Christ.
Hillcrest is dedicated to providing a place where those who are dedicated to Christ may thrive academically, physically, socially and spiritually. Therefore, each enrolled student is required to have at least one parent sign our Statement of Christian Commitment. Exceptions to this standard are rare and must be approved by our principal.
Christian Character Development
Hillcrest strives to teach students what it means to be Christ followers, building character that is based on the truth of God’s Word rather than social norms. Teaching the moral values clearly defined in Scripture and focusing on the example Jesus set of loving and serving others will equip our students to grow and mature in their faith.
|
|
Based on our Biblical foundation, we have adopted an Honor Code that will provide an environment that is conducive to Christian growth and academic achievement.
- To seek a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and accept the Bible as God’s Word and the final authority on all life matters.
- To respect, honor, and obey the authorities of this school in attitude and actions.
- To respect the rights, privileges, property, and person of others.
- To be a person of integrity.
- To live a morally pure life.
- To submit to the general disciplines of scripture.
- To take the basic steps necessary to succeed as a student.
- To fulfill my responsibilities and obligations as a student.
Weekly Chapels at Hillcrest
Each week students in preschool through high school attend chapel. Whether on our preschool campus, in an elementary chapel, or in a secondary chapel, students are taught God’s Word and have a time of worship and prayer. In elementary chapels, older students have the opportunity to mentor younger students through our Bible Buddy program. In the secondary chapel, students meet regularly in small groups to discuss and respond to what they are learning. Worship in elementary and secondary chapels is led by our elementary and high school worship bands.
Bible Buddies at Hillcrest
|
In the elementary chapel, older students have the opportunity to mentor younger students through our Bible Buddy program. Our younger students always look forward to sitting with their Bible buddies during this time. The older students show the younger how to find passages in the Bible during their time at chapel. They get to discuss the sermon with their Bible buddy and create a friendship. It’s a wonderful time for the younger students to learn from the older students and build mentorships that will last throughout the student’s time at Hillcrest. The older students also have the opportunity to learn what it’s like to be a leader and guide the younger students.
|
Hillcrest Family Groups
|
The Spirit of Community
As part of the HCS chapel program, “Family Groups” gives students a unique opportunity to meet several times each year in groups that include students from various grade levels in kindergarten through grade twelve accompanied by two staff members. The groups, each named after a different animal, meet periodically for a special chapel where they sit together with their group as Bears, Dogs, or Butterflies, etc., dress alike, and bond as a school family. After a brief chapel presentation, the groups disperse each to a specific location where they meet and discuss the chapel topic and get to know each other better. Throughout the school year, the groups also plan a year-end service project that reaches out to assist those in our local community at rest homes and food banks as well as to send care packages to troops and orphans around the world. |
|
Benefits of the program include serving others and building relationships between younger and older students. Students remain in the same group from year to year, with new students added to the existing groups each year.
HCS received the distinguished Exemplary Program Award from ACSI for its Family Groups chapel program. Family Groups allow students to experience and practice community and help them reach beyond their peer group to connect with others within the Hillcrest family.
HCS received the distinguished Exemplary Program Award from ACSI for its Family Groups chapel program. Family Groups allow students to experience and practice community and help them reach beyond their peer group to connect with others within the Hillcrest family.
Worship Band
Worship band is made up of students of all grade levels who possess a gifting in the areas of worship. Our worship band regularly meets to pray, plan, and lead the worship experience for our weekly chapels. We believe students should be using their God-given gifts as early as possible. Our student-led worship band works closely with our Spiritual Life Director to ensure our worship experience is done with excellence.
School Retreats at Hillcrest
6th Grade Retreat
Our students will attend a one-week science and spiritual-focused camp at Hume Lake Christian Camps in the Sequoia National Forest. For many of our students this trip is the highlight of elementary school. Its during this experience that students grow in fellowship with their peers, and grow closer to Jesus Christ through Bible studies, chapels, and worship experiences.
Middle School Retreat
The Middle School Retreat is held every fall, setting the foundation for the year. Chapel, featuring guest speakers, small group interactions, and worship is conducted every other week. On the alternate weeks, students participate in small group discussion and prayer moderated by the faculty.
Junior High & High School Discipleship
|
Our middle school and high school small groups are designed for our students to be loved and cared for by a Holy Spirit-filled adult mentor in a small group setting. Every student is poured into by our caring Christian staff. It is during small groups that our students are discipled, listened to, and cared for. Students have the opportunity to share what is going on in their lives and be given sound Biblical advice from their mentors. Our students also relate to one another during these times, ensuring strong relationships and friendships are built amongst our students.
|
Middle School Bible Courses
Old Testament Survey (Genesis to Nehemiah)
An overview of the OT, specifically Genesis through Nehemiah. Students will learn the importance of God's created order & His purpose for mankind. We will then discuss the Fall of Man and how the Law proved the need for Jesus' atoning death on the cross. Students will get a firm understanding of the Israelites and their relationship with God as they were led to the Promised Land. We then discuss the conquest of Canaan and Nehemiah's leadership with the building of the wall around Jerusalem.
Old Testament Survey (Esther to Malachi)
An overview of the OT, from specifically Esther to Malachi. Students will study the faithfulness of God with His people, through historical events. We will look at the topics of Poetry/Wisdom (Job to Song of Solomon), & Prophecy (Major & Minor Prophets). By navigating through these books, students will be able to see the fulfillment of Jesus Christ more clearly.
New Testament Survey: Books of the New Testament (Matthew to Revelation)
Overview of the New Testament. Students will be taken through the gospel accounts of Jesus Christ. We spend time looking at his lifestyle, his character, his nature, and how his example shapes us as Christians. We then navigate how his life, death, and resurrection led to the birth of the Church and its impact. We take a look at the church letters of Paul, Peter, and John and discuss the issues the early church faced. We then end with a basic understanding of the book of Revelation, giving students an understanding of its purpose as they learn to long for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Paul’s Missionary Journeys
Students will get an indepth look at the three missionary journeys of Paul. We will take a look at his conversion and how his lifestyle reflected that of a man transformed by Jesus Christ. We will take a look at the locations he spent time in spreading the gospel, the people he encountered, specifically who received the gospel and who opposed him. We take a look at the issues the early church faced and relate it to our world today. We take a look at the life of Paul, what he endured in following Jesus Christ, and the sacrifices he made to propel the gospel forward.
An overview of the OT, specifically Genesis through Nehemiah. Students will learn the importance of God's created order & His purpose for mankind. We will then discuss the Fall of Man and how the Law proved the need for Jesus' atoning death on the cross. Students will get a firm understanding of the Israelites and their relationship with God as they were led to the Promised Land. We then discuss the conquest of Canaan and Nehemiah's leadership with the building of the wall around Jerusalem.
Old Testament Survey (Esther to Malachi)
An overview of the OT, from specifically Esther to Malachi. Students will study the faithfulness of God with His people, through historical events. We will look at the topics of Poetry/Wisdom (Job to Song of Solomon), & Prophecy (Major & Minor Prophets). By navigating through these books, students will be able to see the fulfillment of Jesus Christ more clearly.
New Testament Survey: Books of the New Testament (Matthew to Revelation)
Overview of the New Testament. Students will be taken through the gospel accounts of Jesus Christ. We spend time looking at his lifestyle, his character, his nature, and how his example shapes us as Christians. We then navigate how his life, death, and resurrection led to the birth of the Church and its impact. We take a look at the church letters of Paul, Peter, and John and discuss the issues the early church faced. We then end with a basic understanding of the book of Revelation, giving students an understanding of its purpose as they learn to long for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Paul’s Missionary Journeys
Students will get an indepth look at the three missionary journeys of Paul. We will take a look at his conversion and how his lifestyle reflected that of a man transformed by Jesus Christ. We will take a look at the locations he spent time in spreading the gospel, the people he encountered, specifically who received the gospel and who opposed him. We take a look at the issues the early church faced and relate it to our world today. We take a look at the life of Paul, what he endured in following Jesus Christ, and the sacrifices he made to propel the gospel forward.
High School Bible Courses
Christian Apologetics
This class will help students understand the evidence behind their Christian faith. Students will learn the order and design of God through creation, take a look at the arguments that support creation vs. evolutionism, learn the historical & cultural evidence of the Bible, and look at archaeological findings that prove the existence of God. Students will also learn the importance of defending their faith in a loving, truthful, and gracious manner.
Life of Christ: Gospel of John
Students will study the gospel of John and the main themes of God’s love, his sacrifice, his deity and his desire for relationship with those he created. Students will be taken through the life of Jesus Christ from the perspective of one of Jesus’ “inner three” disciples who was an eyewitness to the majesty of Jesus Christ. Students will be able to experience the “incarnation” of Jesus, bringing them deeper into a relationship with him.
Spiritual Disciplines
This class will cover the spiritual disciplines of the Christian life according to the New Testament, specifically, the teachings of Jesus Christ. We take a look at his life and ministry and the spiritual disciplines he implemented. Our students will take part in learning these disciplines and implementing them in their day to daily lives. These disciplines will include Prayer, Solitude, Bible Reading, Journaling, and Fellowship.
Book of Acts
Students will spend the semester learning the events that took place within the early church in the Book of Acts. Students will study how the power of the Holy Spirit birthed the Church and how this impacted the culture which we experience today. Students will navigate the Day of Pentecost and its importance, the birth of the Church, learn about Evangelism, what it means to suffer as a Christian, and what the Holy Spirit still calls us to take part in today.
Foundations of the Christian Life I
This course takes an in depth study of the foundational topics of the Christian faith. The student will spend time understanding how these foundational topics are necessary to understand in order to strengthen our understanding of the Bible. This class will take an in depth Biblical study on the topics of Sin, Faith, Salvation, & Discipleship. These are significant topics and we will navigate each one based on what the Bible teaches.
Foundations of the Christian Life Part II
This course takes an in depth study of the foundational topics of the Christian faith. The student will spend time understanding how these foundational topics are necessary to understand in order to strengthen our understanding of the Bible. This class will take an in depth Biblical study on the topics of the Holy Spirit, Prayer, Evangelism, and Discipleship. These are significant topics and we will navigate each one based on what the Bible teaches.
Christian Leadership
This is a course designed for senior students. This course will train, equip, and teach students what it means to be a Christian leader. Students will then implement what they learn by partnering with the Spiritual Life Director to plan and take part in elementary and secondary chapels, fall retreats, service opportunities, and other Spiritual Life events that take place at Hillcrest Christian School. Students will build their confidence, learn to work on a team, and learn how to implement their Christian leadership skills their entire lives.
This class will help students understand the evidence behind their Christian faith. Students will learn the order and design of God through creation, take a look at the arguments that support creation vs. evolutionism, learn the historical & cultural evidence of the Bible, and look at archaeological findings that prove the existence of God. Students will also learn the importance of defending their faith in a loving, truthful, and gracious manner.
Life of Christ: Gospel of John
Students will study the gospel of John and the main themes of God’s love, his sacrifice, his deity and his desire for relationship with those he created. Students will be taken through the life of Jesus Christ from the perspective of one of Jesus’ “inner three” disciples who was an eyewitness to the majesty of Jesus Christ. Students will be able to experience the “incarnation” of Jesus, bringing them deeper into a relationship with him.
Spiritual Disciplines
This class will cover the spiritual disciplines of the Christian life according to the New Testament, specifically, the teachings of Jesus Christ. We take a look at his life and ministry and the spiritual disciplines he implemented. Our students will take part in learning these disciplines and implementing them in their day to daily lives. These disciplines will include Prayer, Solitude, Bible Reading, Journaling, and Fellowship.
Book of Acts
Students will spend the semester learning the events that took place within the early church in the Book of Acts. Students will study how the power of the Holy Spirit birthed the Church and how this impacted the culture which we experience today. Students will navigate the Day of Pentecost and its importance, the birth of the Church, learn about Evangelism, what it means to suffer as a Christian, and what the Holy Spirit still calls us to take part in today.
Foundations of the Christian Life I
This course takes an in depth study of the foundational topics of the Christian faith. The student will spend time understanding how these foundational topics are necessary to understand in order to strengthen our understanding of the Bible. This class will take an in depth Biblical study on the topics of Sin, Faith, Salvation, & Discipleship. These are significant topics and we will navigate each one based on what the Bible teaches.
Foundations of the Christian Life Part II
This course takes an in depth study of the foundational topics of the Christian faith. The student will spend time understanding how these foundational topics are necessary to understand in order to strengthen our understanding of the Bible. This class will take an in depth Biblical study on the topics of the Holy Spirit, Prayer, Evangelism, and Discipleship. These are significant topics and we will navigate each one based on what the Bible teaches.
Christian Leadership
This is a course designed for senior students. This course will train, equip, and teach students what it means to be a Christian leader. Students will then implement what they learn by partnering with the Spiritual Life Director to plan and take part in elementary and secondary chapels, fall retreats, service opportunities, and other Spiritual Life events that take place at Hillcrest Christian School. Students will build their confidence, learn to work on a team, and learn how to implement their Christian leadership skills their entire lives.
Outreach Programs and Mission Trips
Hillcrest Christian School has a rich history of local mission trips and outreach experiences. Our new Spiritual Life Director, Anthony Salcido, has a heart and a passion for missions. His intentions are to create mission trip experiences where every student can take part and develop their heart to serve others. He has experience leading student mission trips to the Navajo Reservation as well as to Mexico. However, given what we are experiencing with Covid-19, we are not planning on any international travel. We do have a an “adopt a city leader” and an “adopt a church” program that our students take part in throughout the school year. This is our way of encouraging our local church and city leaders. We also are currently partnered with local ministries to offer your child outreach and local mission trip experiences. Whether it is packing food boxes at Children’s Hunger Fund, or taking part in a Christmas Shoppe with Action of Ventura County, blessing children through Operation Christmas Child, we create opportunities for your children to experience what it means to serve Christ by serving others. The local mission trip organizations we partner with are,
