‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see’
(Hebrews 11:1 NIV)
As a faith community, we bear witness to a Biblical truth that reveals that God is committed to humanity with a strong and patient love. By faith, we are also witnesses to the life and death of Jesus, confident that His resurrection changes everything. Faith is a foundational attitude for life. It expresses itself as the pursuit of truth, trusting obedience, perseverance in doubt, constant prayer and a total confidence in Christ. The application of faith will impact the thinking and relationships of the College Community.
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these’
(Mark 12:30-31 NIV)
Our primary purpose is to honour God in everything we think, say and do. Living simply and sustainably is how we honour God’s creation. Respecting and valuing one another is core to all our relationships. Honour generally recognises the good in others. It is also found in those enduring qualities of character we call integrity, wisdom, valuing the truth and ever seeking to close the gap between our words and actions.
‘Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ’
(Ephesians 4:13 NIV)
Excellence is focused determination to participate in the fullness of life as God intends. It makes the most of academic, sporting and service opportunities, striving to develop potential and our capacity for learning. The pursuit of excellence is not about perfection. Instead excellence overcomes adversity and learns from failure in its desire for growth and maturity. Excellence offers the best of ourselves – our time and our talents, ‘as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing’ (Romans 12:1 NIV) for God’s glory.
‘For in Him we live and move and have our being’
(Acts 17:28a NIV)
Creativity begins with curiosity and wonder in the amazing diversity of God’s creation. It delights in learning through play, exploration and discovery. God has given us all gifts of creativity. It is upon us to discover these gifts and to utilise them for God’s glory. At its heart creativity inspires vision. Fostering creativity builds capacity to see and experience the world in fresh and new ways. It is the catalyst for ingenuity, problem solving and innovation.
‘He has shown you… what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’
(Micah 6:8 NIV)
Service recognises that loving God is a life poured out humbly serving others. God invites us to participate with Him in healing, renewing and restoring our world. Therefore in serving others, we seek to be generous, inclusive and compassionate; desiring justice and a fair go for everyone. Service requires standing up for and alongside those in need. While it seeks to relieve immediate suffering, at its heart service also works to empower, building the capacity and choices of others.