2019 Spiritual Theme

2019 Spiritual Theme

Each year, the Discipleship staff selects a spiritual theme for the Heritage student body in order to unite the community around a common purpose and spiritual truth. The spiritual theme for the 2019-2020 school year, “He must increase, I must decrease,” comes from John 3:30, when John the Baptist recognizes that his work of proclaiming the Messiah is coming to an end now that Jesus has finally arrived and his ministry is beginning. John sees that his own ministry must decrease in order for Jesus’ good news to shine forth. In the same way, believers must put aside their own desires in order for Christ to be known and glorified.

The Discipleship team hopes that this theme will remind the Heritage community of our need to live for Christ. The team hopes students will consider their actions and attitudes from day to day and look for ways to increase Jesus’ presence in their lives.

“We intentionally think about how it will challenge our students to live for Christ,” said Discipleship Director Becky Stowers on the theme selection process. “It's not usually natural for students to think outside of themselves. What a great way to challenge them with a theme that encourages them to be selfless and to increase Christ in their lives!”

The theme is displayed on banners, posters, and t-shirts around campus, and each school comes up with ways to share the theme in class, chapels, and service days.

Teacher Taylor Hayes and her 5th grade class

In the elementary school, the teachers, administration, and chapel speakers will encourage children to show Jesus through their actions and lives.

Through chapels and small groups, the intermediate school will be stressing four specific ways students can apply John 3:30 which include loving, forgiving, living in a way that others will see Jesus, and being a student of the Word. The intermediate school students will also have monthly M.A.D.E to Lead service days.

The middle school and high school will also hear about the spiritual theme and its applications throughout the school year during chapel and in class. The Fall Spiritual Emphasis Week brought in speakers to challenge students to look outside of themselves and find ways to let Christ shine through them. Students also have service days that give them a chance to look outwardly and be Christ’s hands and feet.

“I hope it challenges them to be more mindful of their words and actions and realize what it truly means for Him to increase each day of their lives,” said Becky.