by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
Growing up in the home of two public school educators, I vowed I would never grow up to be a teacher. While it was mostly all I knew when it came to vocational opportunity, it seemed too mundane and familiar for my taste. I even recollect my father telling me at a young age that I would make a great administrator. Despite my early misgivings, eventually I surrendered to this clear calling in my life in my early 20’s and have only experienced blessing after blessing. A well-known Proverb exhorts us to “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (22:6).It seems my parents had a hand in determining my career destination. While I am sure my parents were pleased I chose a similar career path to their own, nothing elicits more celebration from a parent than a child who continues to pursue Jesus into adulthood. Author Jan Magruder surveyed 2,000 Protestant families about their parenting journey and the effectiveness in training up a child in the ways of Jesus Christ. She uncovered consistent factors during a child’s upbringing that were the most predictive of spiritual health in young adulthood. The significant and consistent predictors while growing up included parents who...
As we enter the summer months, many of our children will have more disposable and unsupervised time than during the school year. Reflect on this list and consider how to maximize these experiences in your child’s life. How can our family and my child get plugged in to our church more? How can Bible reading and prayer be modeled and practiced daily by the entire family? What strategic friends, young and old, are having an influence in my child’s life? What kind of music is regularly influencing their worldview? Some parents may desire their children to grow up and take over the family business. Other parents may dream of their child becoming an athletic star or influential politician. Yet the most important goal and responsibility is the one that holds eternal consequence: long-lasting transformational faith. And the formula is simple. Read, pray, and connect. – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
At a recent track meet, a Crosshill high school athlete had an idea minutes before the start of their race. Rather than simply offer up a single silent prayer for a good performance, the runner invited all of their fellow competitors to join in on a corporate prayer asking God to help all of them to run their best. Both in the race of life and a race on the track, we are called to run the race to win (I Corinthians 9:24). In order to win the race on the track, it seems others must lose. So why pray for others to run their best? Because that is how you run the race to win in both life and on the track. When those around us are giving their best, it calls us to even greater things. The CCS runner not only ran a significant personal record, but also qualified for the State Championships. Perhaps more impressive is what happened next... After the race, a rugged older man approached the Crosshill racer. Through misty eyes, the stranger stated, “I’m a veteran who has fought for this country. Son, what you did before the race is exactly why I made that sacrifice. We have the freedom to exercise our religion and its exciting to see young people courageous enough to use it!” The process of discipleship training in the lives of our children is a team effort. Daily prayer, weekly chapels, and annual mission trips are just a few habits students develop. When the runner was asked why they considered praying with others before the race, they responded with a simple shrug, “that’s just how we do things.” Constant prayer, daily devotions, weekly church, and annual service can develop automatic habits that can be relied on when the situation requires it. A racer has no chance to win if they have not been training. Walking according to the Spirit is a challenge if the source of that power is a distant memory. As we remember those who have served and died for the freedoms we proudly possess, may we honor them through exercising them regularly. That’s a race everyone can win. – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
In the early 2000’s my wife and I enjoyed a whitewater rafting adventure on the renowned Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. My brother was a rafting guide and the trip was a wedding present.At one of the overnight campsites, there was a technical rolling rapid nearby that crashed into a sheer rock wall as the river made a sharp turn around the bend. After eating dinner, a few of the daredevils strapped on a helmet and attempted to successfully ride the violent stretch of rapids in a hardshell kayak. As most attempts were unsuccessful, a man downriver would throw a rope to the gasping floater trying to hold on to their paddle and overturned kayak. Once a firm grip was placed on the carefully tossed rope, simple tension and the force of the river would veer the exhausted kayaker to safety on shore downriver. I made several unsuccessful attempts myself, enjoying the adrenaline rush that comes from a challenge against nature. We got into a routine in which the last person down the rapids would be responsible to throw the rope for the next hopeful hero. The guide on the shore with the rope would also shout words of instructions as the kayaker attempted the rapids. As expected, after a failed attempt each submerged swimmer gladfully accepted the help and guidance from the previous kayaker and the well-placed rope. Yet too often in life we can arrogantly refuse the aid of those who have gone before us, neglecting the very lifeline that is intended to bring us back to safety. Many of the writers of the Bible have experienced the rapids of life and learned the value of a lifeline, and provide Spirit-led wisdom verse after verse. God also puts others around us who may be in a position to provide guidance in areas we unknowingly have inadequacies. Just as I accepted the words of instruction and the rope lifeline from the rafter who witnessed my rapids attempt, Christians are surrounded by “witnesses” who testify of God’s faithfulness and wisdom. (Hebrews 12:1) As the end of the school year draws near, consider how your family can be mentored throughout the summer by God’s Word and by the wise counselors available in your life. You can also join those in the CCS community who have recently signed up for 10,000+ Bible Study videos on RightNow Media (you can also text RightNow Crosshill to 41411 to join on your smartphone). It can make a nice addition this summer to “Family Night” in between running the rapids. – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
“WHERE’S THE DISCIPLESHIP!” – It wasn’t a question. It was an accusation hurled at me like a dagger from the desperate mother standing before me. I’m not sure how long I stared at her in disbelief, unable to answer. All I could think about were the events of the school year that raced through my mind: the extreme challenges, the intense intercession, the tears, the strategies, the joyous victories, the spiritual growth. In that moment those three words broke my heart, and forever changed me. The Bible says “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Claiming that promise, we have the opportunity to create a Romans 8:28 testimony out of our painful experiences. Mine took a lot of prayer, but truly blesses me each day. For in nearly every situation, challenge, and interaction with students, I now ask myself (and the Lord) “where’s the discipleship?” I’ve learned that discipleship thrives in the everyday moments. It patiently waits for the chance to change hearts and guide through encouragement. It can be messy, and easy to mess up. It’s often overlooked and overshadowed, yet it stands ready to restore and build character. Oftentimes it simply meets a need, shows love, or quietly listens. It never manipulates, condemns, never strives for conformity or a performance. It’s not a quick fix, but a grace-based process to lead the disciple back to God’s word, and presses into Jesus for authentic transformation. Those three words drive me, challenge me, and keep me focused on the school’s mission and vision for our students. They whisper into my own life, whereas the ability to effectively disciple is directly correlated to, and is an outpouring of our own discipleship. God is faithful to reveal discipleship opportunities in every situation, may He give us eyes to see them and equip us as we raise up this generation of world changers. – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
Here’s a fun exercise: See how many times you can fold a single piece of paper in half. Go ahead, try it! This week in chapel several students accepted that exact challenge. Three students made 6 folds and one student made 7 folds. Both Mythbusters and mathematical formulas appear to uphold 12 as the maximum number of folds possible. Yet there is a supernatural Biblical formula that blows that number out of the water... the Gospel of Jesus Christ! We read in Mark 4:8 that when the message of the Kingdom of God falls on good ground it can yield thirtyfold and sixtyfold and even a hundredfold!While the traditional application of this parable is that it represents a return equal to 30 or 60 or 100 times, the impact of the Gospel is rarely linear, but rather exponential. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Good and evil both increase at compound interest.” Each positive impact of the Gospel in individual lives and in community builds upon itself producing fruit that can be challenging to measure. For example, a piece of paper folded 7 times is as thick as a notebook. 10 folds equals the width of your hand. 17 folds would be taller than an average house. 30 folds is as thick as the outer limits of the atmosphere. 50 folds is as tall as the sun. 70 folds is equivalent to the distance of 11 light-years. 85 folds would be 4 times the diameter of our galaxy. 100 folds would be equivalent to the distance of 12 billion light-years or the radius of the known universe. As you can see, the thirty/sixty/hundred-fold ROI (return on investment) in the Kingdom of God is out of this world! How can each of us and each of our children be good ground so we can experience and participate in such amazing growth? Consider another popular parable in Matthew 7 about building the foundation of a house. A solid foundation built on rock is contrasted with the shaky foundation built on the sand. How is one’s life built upon the Rock of Jesus Christ? Both vs. 24 and 26 explain that we must not only “hear the words of God”, but we must “put them into practice.” Godly knowledge must be partnered with application. The process of discipleship in our homes and our school hallways could not be phrased in simpler terms. So each time you fold a newspaper, fold a blanket, or fold an omelet, remember the phenomenal folding promise in God’s Word for those who put it into practice. – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
As parents, we have all been there. Our child wrongfully offended another sibling or neighborhood friend and has failed to make amends. Fortunately, our profound parental wisdom does not overlook the wrongdoing, but forces our child to look the offended in the eye and declare, “Sooorrry.” Or perhaps, if it is a good parenting day, we might even require the more verbose, “I was wrong, will you forgive me?” While controlling outward behavior may comfort a parent’s conscience, it generally does not initiate the needed ongoing transformation in a child’s heart. It is certainly wise and loving to teach our children how to confess when they are wrong. But when the child simply learns how to go through the motions, our efforts can be counterproductive if the child learns to disconnect their behavior from their heart. Our children must fully understand that sin lives inside of them, and because of that, they are in desperate need of God’s rescuing, forgiving, transforming, and delivering mercy. Children will fail to surrender to God’s governance in their lives until they truly understand the failures of their own self-governance. “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read” is a well-known quote by Charlie ‘Tremendous’ Jones. The wisdom of Proverbs similarly declared thousands of years ago, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another,” (27:17), and “whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment” (18:1). Throughout scripture we find God’s design for His people to live and grow in community. For example, my understanding of Godly parenting has greatly increased through the routine process of learning from others through dialogue, video, and text. I am so grateful for the deep well of wisdom found in the CCS community. Many in our community recently signed up for 10,000+ Bible Study videos available through instant streaming, covering a wide variety of topics, including parenting. If you haven't signed up yet, simply click on rightnow MEDIA (you can also text RightNow Crosshill to 41411 to join on your smartphone). Join the dozens of parents who have already accessed this free resource available through CCS. You won’t be “Sooorrry!”. – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
I had just transferred from the large metropolis of Mitchell (population 200) to Crook County Middle School (population 200+) in Prineville, Oregon. As a new 8th grade student, I was trying to find my place in my new overwhelming community. With my scrawny build, I decided to join the Cross Country team as my football days were certainly numbered. I made a few friends and our team won the District Championship. Yet as the slowest member of our competitive team, I had to learn how to contribute even when I was clearly not the best. Over the following summer, my parents insisted that I participate on the local swim team. I didn’t even know how to swim! They put me with all of the beginners (little kids). While I did learn how to swim through daily 2-hour practices, I also set the record for disqualifications in both the Breast Stroke and Butterfly Stroke for improper form. My parents agreed with me that I was not cut out to be a competitive swimmer after that summer, and I was allowed to simply focus on running. That fall I went out for the High School Cross Country team and was worried there would be no place for me on the team. Now I had to compete against four grades of students, most of whom were older than me. Fortunately, I made the team and prepared for my first varsity race. Whether my swim team experience had expanded my lung capacity, or my extra summer miles had strengthened my legs, something was different. I finished in the top 10 at my first race and was the 2nd fastest runner out of our entire high school! God had been teaching me perseverance and humility as He slowly directed me on His path. Whether it be board games, math Olympics, or other comparisons, competition gives the opportunity to reflect on our best as well as our own unique makeup given by God. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it” (1 Corinthians 9:24) Paul knew that competition is often the key to unlocking growth in our lives. Competition requires us to give our best and enhances the performance of both the winners and losers. By measuring our success against other standards, we can develop the motivation to improve. When we become aware of our strengths and weaknesses, we choose a direction in the areas of gifting that God has given us. In a race, there may be only one winner. But in life, God designs everyone to win by choosing to give their best for His glory. As your child experiences losses and wins in their life, allow the principles in God’s Word to come to life. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal
I gave up counting the viruses, “bugs” and all things communicable that have impacted the health of our families the past few months. Yet, despite the illnesses and absences, not everything transmitted through our community has been dreadful. The most contagious element to hit this school year spread faster than the flu, crossed state lines, and infected hundreds. Weeks have passed and people are still talking about it; the contagious joy of experiencing God. It began months before, with Mrs. Bittner’s class praying for a family whose daughter is battling cancer. Although they’ve not met this family, the class has diligently prayed, and have sent encouraging cards.One morning after their time of intercession, a student asked about the cost of having a child with cancer. Mrs. Bittner described the expenses families incur while going through cancer treatment. In response, a student remarked that the class should raise money for the family, and a plan to host a bake sale emerged. Students set a goal to raise $500, however, they soon felt led to pray for God to double it. Believing the promise in scripture that, “Anything is possible for one who believes!” (Mark 9:23), they elevated their goal from the realm of the impossible into the realm of God’s possible. Full of enthusiastic faith, these young disciples began baking and preparing. As word of their unselfish mission spread, grandparents, friends, and families in other classes joined in. With the overwhelming support of our community, on the morning of the bake sale tables overflowed. After a steady stream of eager customers, a quick count revealed that over $1,000 had been raised, by 9:45 a.m.! Contagious joy erupted and spread through the school, but instead of proclaiming “look what we have done”, students praised God for what He had done (donations exceeded $1,700). In a watching world where self-centered, entitled attitudes prevail, our students reflected the character of Christ. With hearts to serve others and their extraordinary faith that God would show up in a huge way, they became powerful witnesses to our community, extending to hundreds more on social media. A pure motive, nurtured in a culture of discipleship, empowered these students to live out the gospel. They experienced God in a profound way, whereby His mighty power at work within them, was “able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20). “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (Psalm 126:3) – Molly Dillon / Keizer Campus Principal by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
I was basking in the warm sun at Pioneer Square (Portland’s living room) sitting on a brick bench. Next to me was a stranger equally enjoying the rare sunny day. Two freshmen Crosshill students joined me and approached the stranger, asking him about his thoughts about Easter. We learned that “Joseph” was an Egyptian immigrant raised in a Christian home and had recently married an unbelieving wife. As he and I engaged in deeper conversation, another curious man approached our group asking what we were talking about. His name was “Joe” and without any direction from me, the freshmen pair focused their conversation with our new friend. Eventually, a third man “Charles” joined our spontaneous group as well. The gospel was shared generously with each person and everyone received prayer right there in the middle of the city. Our continued prayer for “Joseph”, “Joe”, and “Charles” is that they will fully commit their lives to Jesus Christ. In Luke 10 we read about how Jesus sent out 72 disciples in pairs. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” The discipleship training mission of Crosshill Christian School is annually adding numbers to the “few”. The week before spring break, CCS sent out 90 disciples to Salem, Turner, Albany, Woodburn, Portland, and Mexico as His “workers”. In Luke 10 we read how the 72 disciples returned with joy for being a part of God’s plan of salvation and for the powerful God they serve. In the same way, these 90 students have returned with unspeakable joy. As these students experience the goodness and power of God in their community, their faith that formed in their homes, churches, and classrooms becomes a more permanent resident in their hearts. Throughout this recent missions week, salvation came to over a dozen new disciples that God had sovereignly placed in the path of our teams. Three houses were built for three families in Mexico who received both a physical and spiritual blessing. Spiritual transformation continues in the lives of students as they better understand their value and role in His Kingdom. Come join our “Worship & Missions Night" on Wednesday, April 10th at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary as our high school students and leaders report with joy the good work God is doing. – Adam Kronberger / Head of School by Adam Kronberger / Head of School
As I was walking by the construction site of the new Eagle Building on the South Campus, I noticed several workers completing many similar tasks. Curious, I walked up to them and asked them what they were doing: “Can’t you see, I’m cutting this piece of wood,” was the first response I received. Another replied, “I’m earning $400 a week.” But a third put down his saw and thrust out his chest proudly. “I’m building a legacy for discipleship training,” he said. This fictional story illustrates how people have different views of work and the tasks required of us. Work can be viewed as a necessary evil to keep bread on the table; as a means to a substantial nest egg; as a means to fulfillment and identity; as an obligation to community; or as a means to a life of leisure. We are more than material beings tasked with completing mundane functions. Above all, we are spiritual beings tasked to discover the moral and spiritual significance in every aspect of our lives. Our students are increasingly transitioning from learning to application. As future spouses, parents, and employees, there is purpose and meaning beyond the definitions the world provides. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24). Whether you are cutting a piece of wood, spreading butter on a piece of toast, or sharing a moment with your family, consider the work of “building a legacy of discipleship training.” – Adam Kronberger / Head of School |
Adam Kronberger
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