Our Mission and Philosophy
MISSION STATEMENT: EDUCATING UNDER GOD'S WORD FOR SERVING GOD IN HIS WORLD.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Sanborn Christian School comes to expression in teaching pupils three personal relationships: to God, to fellow human beings, and to creation.
In our personal relationship to God we teach that all life begins and ends with God, therefore, God has a claim on our life. We are created in God's image and must reflect that image in every aspect of life. This image is best reflected as we show love for God above all and submit ourselves to obedient service in the coming of God's Kingdom.
In our relationship to fellow human beings we teach that love for God above all comes to expression as we fulfill Christ's mandate to love our neighbor as ourselves. We put the welfare of others ahead of self. We actively seek out and help, by word and deed, those in need. What we do for others is the same as doing it for Christ Himself.
In our relationship to creation we teach that in Christ the cultural mandate to subdue the earth and have dominion over it is renewed and must be fulfilled. As stewards of God's creation we must work to maintain the quality of our environment and use both synthetic and natural resources wisely and constructively, for both work and leisure, for the welfare of present and future generations.
PHILOSOPHY FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:
The purpose of Sanborn Christian School (The Society For Christian Instruction of Sanborn, Iowa) is to educate children according to the standards set forth in the scriptures, the infallible Word of God, as summarized in the Reformed Creedal Standards. The goal of this education is to equip children to know God's Word and His creation, to consecrate the whole human life to God, to love their fellow man, and to be stewards in their God given tasks. In order to accomplish this, we affirm the following principles of Christian education.
The Bible - We believe that God by His Holy Word reveals Himself and renews man's understanding of God, man, and creation. This infallible Word directs man in all his relationships and activities, and therefore guides His people in the education of their children.
Creation - We believe that in their education children must come to learn that the world, and man's calling in it, can rightly be understood only in relation to the Triune God who created, redeemed, and rules all things.
Sin - We believe that man's sin brought upon all mankind the curse of God. Sin thus alienates him from his creator, his neighbor, and the world, distorting his view of the true meaning and purpose of life.
Jesus Christ - We believe that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, by His atoning death and resurrection, took God's curse from us upon Himself. Thus, in Christ, believers and creation are reconciled to God, and the meaning and purpose of life are made clear.
Parents - We believe that the primary responsibility for education rests upon parents to whom children are entrusted by God. Christian parents should accept this obligation in view of the covenantal relationship which God established with believers and their children.
Teachers - We believe that Christian teachers, in obedience to God, under the authority of the Board, and in cooperation with parents, educate children by word and example. They must take into consideration the different needs and abilities of each child in order to prepare him\her to serve God in all aspects of life.
Students - We believe that the children of believers are members of Christ, and as such must be trained and prepared to assume their covenant responsibilities in their relationships with God, their fellow man, and creation.
Christian Community - We believe that since parents and their children are part of a broader Christian community, and because the entire community is part of the covenant relationship, it is the obligation of the entire Christian community to help parents establish and maintain Christian schools through their prayers and their generous gifts of time and money.
Educational Freedom - We believe that the Christian school should be organized and administered according to the legal standards and provisions of the state, as long as these do not conflict with the Word of God. When this is done, the Christian school should be fully recognized in society as free to function according to its own principles