VA L L E Y C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L S
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
2026-2027
SPIRITUAL FORMATION Mission: To guide and encourage the VCS community in growing deeper in their relationship with God. Key Verse: “...to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 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 4:11-12). Facilities: Main Gym | Prayer Chapel | Student Life Center | Wellness Center
vcs.net/spiritualformation SPIRITUAL FORMATION CONTACT INFORMATION 100 Skyway Drive, San Jose, CA 95111 | Telephone: 408.513.2517 vcs.net/spiritualformation | sdang@vcs.net | vcs_faith
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Table of Contents Spiritual Formation
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Biblical Unity
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Wellness
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Elementary
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Junior High
10
High School
12
Community Faith
14
Alumni Ministries
14
Church Partnerships
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SPIRITUAL FO OVERVIEW At Valley Christian Schools (VCS), the Spiritual Formation Office (SFO) is passionate about helping our community grow in its relationship with God utilizing an intentional pathway. Through interactions with Christian teachers, mentors, campus pastors, as well as biblical teachings, students gain meaningful life experiences. These experiences help them thoughtfully begin to answer questions like, “Who is God?” and “How am I developing a relationship with Him?” Even our youngest students can define and live out their own faith on campus and in the community.
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RMATION WAY OF THE WARRIOR For more than 65 years, VCS has served thousands of students and their families. The goal of Spiritual Formation is to point people to Jesus, fulfill God’s call through education, and positively impact Silicon Valley and beyond. Our well-rounded education extends beyond classrooms and test scores, integrating character and identity formation into all academic pursuits. In 2022, we launched an initiative focused on developing faith, character, and virtue. We call it the Way of the Warrior. The Way of the Warrior ethos has the following qualities: • Wisdom: Pursue wisdom in education (Proverbs 1:7). • Honor: Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10). • Sacrifice: Seek the heart of Christ (Philippians 2:2-8). • Courage: Embrace resilience (Philippians 1:20). These virtues provide a foundation for students and help shape the VCS community. Imagine the impact of Warriors around the world who demonstrate the virtues of wisdom, honor, courage, and sacrifice in all thoughts, words, actions, relationships, communities, and workplaces. We believe the Way of the Warrior can shape how we lead, serve, and positively impact our world.
OUR DISCIPLESHIP PATHWAY As a missional school, we aim to reach the Bay Area and beyond with the good news of Jesus. We believe every person is on a spiritual journey. Whether students are uncertain about faith or deeply committed to serving God, we want to help them take the next step in their relationship with Jesus and get them connected with a local church. Our ministries are tailored to the developmental needs of students on each campus. We have celebrated hundreds of students coming to faith in Jesus for the first time, and have hosted baptisms with dozens of students. We launched Christian clubs and Bible studies on all three campuses. We’ve built strong partnerships with local churches, Christian colleges, and universities. We invite you to experience what God is doing at VCS by joining one of our two all-community worship services: Convocation (August) and Encounter (February/March). For the latest faith stories and events at VCS, follow us on Instagram @vcs_faith.
MEET OUR CAMPUS PASTORS Rev. Steve Dang (’02), DMin Chief Ministry Officer and Senior Vice President
Uncertain
Open to Faith
Committed to Jesus
Practicing Mission
Rev. Marcus Martinez (’02) High School Campus Pastor Rev. Anna Messersmith Elementary and Junior High Campus Pastor Rev. Ivan Utomo, EdD Warrior Worship Pastor
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“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5
BIBLICAL UNITY We believe that true belonging is rooted in the heart of God’s design. Guided by biblical principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, we are committed to honoring every individual as a unique image-bearer of Jesus Christ. Embracing the beautiful tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and stories, we strive to reflect the unity and diversity of God’s kingdom (Revelation 7:9). Ethnic diversity is a beautiful part of God’s original and eternal design for humanity, reflecting His glory and deepening our understanding of who He is. Biblical unity is rooted in Jesus’ greatest commandment: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:28–33). True diversity, equity, and inclusion are made possible only through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the truth of Scripture.
FOUR CORE BIBLICAL UNITY PRINCIPLES 1.
LOVE: Remember that true unity flows from Christ’s redemptive work. When we see every person as God’s image-bearer, it transforms how we handle conflict, discipline, and differences (Genesis 1:27).
2. CELEBRATE: Move beyond tolerance to actively honoring the rich tapestry of cultures, abilities, and backgrounds God has woven into our community (Galatians 3:28). 3. CULTIVATE: Intentionally build bridges of understanding, partnering with families to create environments where everyone belongs (Philippians 2:3-4). 4. RECONCILE: Pursue peace and forgiveness because Christ first forgave us. By God’s mercy, we can equip our students to pursue justice and healing in a fractured world, addressing real issues like racism and injustice with grace (Matthew 5:9). We cultivate biblical unity through joyful cultural celebrations, family support, spiritual formation, community dialogue, and Christ-centered education. Our goal is to reflect the eternal reality of God’s kingdom, where every nation worships together in perfect unity, by pursuing transformative oneness through Jesus Christ and a steadfast commitment to biblical truth. vcs.net/biblicalunity 6
WELLNESS
vcs.net/wellness
Psalm 139 states that God created our innermost being, and we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by Him. God designed us with thoughts, emotions, and gifts, and physical bodies that work together as part of the whole person. Each part of us needs care and attention so we can thrive and live with the purpose He has given us. The Wellness team promotes understanding of each area of well-being and how to care for and honor it by providing the following:
Holistic care for the whole person
Healthy coping strategies embedded in curriculum at all campuses
Opportunities for our community to care for each part of their being
Social-emotional learning strategies included in the school day
Resources for social, emotional, and spiritual support, including counseling services with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Support for parents and investment in family relationships
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ELEMENTARY As students grow physically, socially, and emotionally during their elementary years, it is critical to establish a strong foundation of faith principles and practices that will carry them to their teen years and beyond.
CURRICULUM •
Bible classes explore biblical stories and themes and emphasize Scripture memorization
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Biblical perspective integrated into every subject
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES •
Multiple annual service projects (Past events include writing letters to military members, participating in the fire department’s toy drive, donating bug nets, donating turkeys to CityTeam, and coordinating a food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank)
CHAPEL •
Engaging weekly chapels with student-led prayer, praise, worship, and messages to help students grow in their relationship with God
DISCIPLESHIP •
Fifth-Grade Girls’ Bible Study
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Opportunity to connect with a campus pastor or chaplain for prayer and encouragement
WELLNESS
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Kindness Crew fosters community togetherness and compassion through acts of kindness big and small
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LightWalkers promotes social and emotional awareness by identifying essential strengths and encouraging values-based decision making
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
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JUNIOR HIGH God works powerfully in junior high students, shaping their identity, sense of belonging, and purpose. We focus on community building, service-learning fellowship, and practical ways to connect faith to everyday life. Alongside our students’ academic aspirations, we seek to foster the ethos of the Way of the Warrior. We desire that every student becomes Christ-like so we can reflect His love and share the good news with others as we lead, serve, and impact our world. We recognize that each student is on a faith journey, and we support students as they explore questions of faith. As a Christian school, our mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus. We encourage students to grow in their relationship with God and thoughtfully consider the life and teachings of Jesus.
CURRICULUM Students are required to take yearly Bible classes. Our Bible curriculum is shaped around the Trinity, with sixth grade focusing on God the Father, seventh grade focusing on God the Son, and eighth grade focusing on God the Holy Spirit.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Student opportunities include the following: •
Operation Christmas Child
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Community Outreach Fellowship
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Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) Program
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Campus Leadership
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CityTeam
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Socktober
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Student-led initiatives involving worship, prayer, and service on campus
CHAPEL Chapel is an intentional time to encourage students’ faith outside of the classroom. Believing that joy and faith go hand-in-hand, we build an interactive experience in
“Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favo with God and man.
chapel, combining music, games, conversations, service, and guest speakers to connect biblical principles to everyday life.
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Weekly chapel service
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Focus on faith during bi-annual Spiritual Emphasis Weeks
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Embrace student unity by joining one of our Bible studies or Christian clubs on campus
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Students connect with our campus pastors or chaplains for prayer and encouragement
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Explore emotional well-being in weekly Warrior Time, dedicated to cultivating students’ spiritual and social lives
Luke 2:52
or .”
DISCIPLESHIP TRACK The Discipleship Track is an optional, eight-week course designed to equip students with the essentials to grow in their relationship with Jesus, led by teachers, chaplains, pastors, and students. This course helps students connect with a community and explore the following topics: •
How to read the Bible
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How to find a church
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Why it is essential to serve
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How to share your testimony
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Why worship matters
WARRIOR TIME – BIBLE STUDIES During Spiritual Formation Warrior Time, students can join one of two Bible studies and connect with faculty, staff, and peers. Our assistant chaplains have developed relevant lessons to foster relationships and encourage students’ spiritual growth. These groups are part of our Discipleship Track. The meetings take place on Thursdays during Warrior Time. Girls: Radiant Souls Co-Ed: Oasis Prayer
WELLNESS Warriors Chill is a quiet, device-free wellness space designed to facilitate reflection, contemplation, and intentional relaxation.
Multiple Nonprofits Supported Including CityTeam
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Students Volunteering in Public Schools
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Week Discipleship Track
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HIGH SCHOOL We help students experience multifaceted Christian faith through weekly worship experiences, theological education, biblical unity, leadership development, character formation, emotional and physical wellness, and service learning. SFO weaves faith with students’ social and emotional well-being, equipping them with tools to thrive beyond graduation. We believe Jesus exemplified servant leadership, so we offer students opportunities to practice their faith in relationships. They can deepen their relationship with God through discipleship tracks, spiritual retreats, Bible studies, clubs, and service trips (IMPACT). As a Christian school, we encourage students to grow in their faith and embrace the teachings of Jesus.
CURRICULUM As part of the four-year Spiritual Plan, students in every grade take Bible classes, including introductory courses for those new to Christianity. Classes focus on the following areas: •
Studies in the Bible’s Old Testament
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Studies in the Bible’s New Testament
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Philosophy of Religion & World Religions
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Service Learning: on campus, locally, or globally
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES – IMPACT MISSION TRIPS & OUTREACH IMPACT Students can participate in cross-cultural mission experiences where they grow in their relationship with Jesus and are transformed by His love. Through humble service, meaningful relationships, and hands-on learning, students grow in Christ and discover their God-given gifts, equipping them to live lives shaped by love and a commitment to serving His Kingdom. Each year, we partner with missionaries in the Philippines, Nepal, El Salvador, Chile, Guatemala, Rwanda, Mexico, Thailand, and more. OUTREACH In addition to service trips, we host several impromptu campus-wide service projects throughout the year, including food drives, clothing drives, and fundraising for various nonprofits, including Martha’s Kitchen and CityTeam. COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS Students must complete 25 service hours each year, though many serve above and beyond our requirements.
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CHAPEL Chapel fosters students’ spiritual growth through diverse formats, including engaging music, relevant teaching, scripture analysis, thoughtful conversations, and art. The SFO team curates an annual chapel calendar to strengthen students’ faith in Jesus, the truth of the Bible, and the value of community service. •
Weekly chapels help students grow in their relationship with God through musical worship, teaching, the Bible reading, prayer, and conversations with Christian leaders in various industries.
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Two Annual Spiritual Emphasis Weeks allow students to focus on their faith.
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We invite students to experience various chapel formats to help them connect their faith to everyday life and experiences.
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Grace Line Chapel, an optional Monday gathering during Warrior Time, invites students to dive deeper into worship and the Bible.
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Students connect with our campus pastors or chaplains who pray and encourage them.
DISCIPLESHIP TRACK The Discipleship Track and other student-led Spiritual Formation clubs are designed to equip students with the essentials to grow in their relationship with Jesus, led by teachers, chaplains, pastors, and students. This course helps students connect with a community and explore topics such as the following: •
How to read the Bible
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How to find a church
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Why it is essential to serve
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How to share your testimony
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Why worship matters
425K
$
Raised for Missions
STUDENT SPIRITUAL RETREATS We schedule off-campus student spiritual retreats in both the fall and spring. These retreats offer a respite from the busyness of high school life and set aside intentional time for reflection, inspired by Jesus’ practice of withdrawing to pray during demanding seasons of ministry.
PARTNERSHIPS WITH CHRISTIAN COLLEGES
57K
Individual Service Hours
Our passion for Christian education extends beyond high school. We continuously build partnerships with top-level Christian universities and colleges with admittance and guaranteed scholarships for qualified graduates. Our current partnerships include Biola University, Azusa Pacific University, Calvin University, Wheaton College, Westmont College, and Grand Canyon University.
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Countries Visited
250+
Students and Staff Serve on Mission Trips
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COMMUNITY FAITH We are passionate about serving our whole community. Whether a student, parent, alumnus, faculty, staff, or one of our partners worldwide, we want to help you grow in your relationship with God. We host several events to grow together throughout the year. Opportunities include the following: •
Elementary, junior high, and high school Parent Teacher Prayer Fellowship (PTPF)
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Worship events (i.e. Convocation, Encounter)
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Prayer Intercessors
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Events (i.e. Homecoming, Christmas at the California, Festival of the Arts)
vcs.net/sfcommunity
ALUMNI MINISTRIES ONCE A WARRIOR, ALWAYS A WARRIOR After graduation, Warriors join a network of more than 10,000 alumni worldwide. Our alumni ministries team has traveled thousands of miles to visit and encourage our alumni students across the country. Through our Alumni Association, we are committed to encouraging and praying for our alumni. We have a network of alumni ambassadors across the country and around the world. Our hope is for our graduates to find connections wherever God leads, whether in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Portland, Phoenix, Denver, Chicago, Waco, Dallas, Nashville, New Haven, New York, Boston, or even Paris, France. Visit the website to find out about our many alumni road trips, events, and reunions near you.
alumni.vcs.net
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“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
CHURCH PARTNERSHIPS We are passionate about the local church and believe it is essential for lifelong faith. Every student eventually graduates from VCS, but never graduates from the Kingdom of God. Therefore, we partner with local churches to help families connect and grow in their faith. Our Spiritual Formation ministry serves as an extension of the local church through service-learning locations, youth pastors who lead campus clubs, and quarterly gatherings for local church leaders.
vcs.net/churchpartnerships
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MISSION STATEMENT Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment offering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.
vcs.net
VISION STATEMENT A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™. FOUNDING STATEMENT Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth-grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence. valleychristian Valley Christian Schools (San Jose)
vcs_warriors
apply.vcs.net
To support VCS, please call the Community Development and Advancement Office at (408) 362-7644 or visit give.vcs.net.
Elementary (408) 559-4400 | 1450 Leigh Ave, San Jose, CA 95125 Junior High (408) 513-2460 | High School (408) 513-2400 vcs.net | (408) 513-2500 | 100 Skyway Drive, San Jose, CA 95111