Dear Fellowship Family,

 

I hope you are finishing the school year strong, and are excited to embrace a much needed summer break.  We have faced many challenges this year, as a nation and as a school, yet I am very encouraged about what God is doing here at Fellowship.  In reflection on the  events of this last year, I thought it appropriate to send out a broad communication to ALL FCS families and address several topics in an effort to communicate clearly, re-establish some existing baselines as I desire to continually strengthen our partnership. It is kind to be clear, so that you know where we stand in our commitment to our faith, our covenant community, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

In 2018-19, after a comprehensive process of self-study which included collaboration among over 200 members of the Fellowship community including Board members, administration, faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and alumni parents, the FCS Board of Directors unanimously approved and vigorously supported the unveiling of the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan. The self-study, based on the mission, vision, and core values of the school, identified several areas in which Fellowship had the opportunity to better fulfill that very mission.  One area of opportunity was to more accurately reflect the body of Christ in our community through diversity.  This diversity initiative was not started as a reaction to the current political climate or the social unrest that we have encountered in our country over the last year.  It was undertaken as a means of having a school that reflects the diverse body of Christ and, thereby, bringing glory to Him as clearly portrayed in Revelation 7:9-10.  

 

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

 

The Board of Directors unanimously approved the strategic plan, including intentionally seeking greater diversity in our faculty, staff and student body as one component.  My aim is to faithfully move that forward under the guidance and support of the Board.

 

Biblical Position Statements

Fellowship Christian School desires to partner with Christian parents in helping their children to embrace biblical truth and mature into godly men/women, who exhibit a Christ-like lifestyle. We believe that there are certain truths that are basic to Christian faith in keeping with the Word of God:

The Bible, as originally given by God, is divinely inspired, infallible, entirely trustworthy, and the supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21)
 

The Holy Spirit indwells the believer and enables us to live a holy life and to be a witness and work for the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 14:15-18; John 16:7,12-14; Acts 1:8)
 

Biblical Statements on Relationships

Biblical Statement on Marriage

The Bible defines marriage as a sacramental covenant between one man and one woman; God-designed human sexuality is expressed and affirmed within a monogamous, heterosexual marriage. (Genesis 2: 23-24; Romans 1:26-27; I Corinthians 6: 9-10; Colossians 3: 5-7)

Biblical Statement on Identity

Christians are compelled by Scripture to believe that God creates life in the womb of a mother at conception and that life, being divinely ordained, is sacred and should be protected and preserved. The Bible also affirms that the sexual nature and identity of a person is determined by God at conception and not to be confused or changed by man’s will. (Genesis 1:27; Psalms 22: 9-10; Psalms 139:13-16; Galatians 1:15)

Biblical Statement on Behavior

God’s Word clearly identifies sinful behaviors and practices. Students, faculty, and staff are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects God’s character, attributes, and commands. Any habitual or pattern of behavior or activity that is contrary to God’s directives and/or principles may result in student dismissal or severing of employment. These behaviors include, but are not limited to theft, lying, cheating, plagiarism, slander, profanity, vulgarity, sexual activities outside the biblical definition of marriage (including but not limited to homosexuality, extra-marital sexuality, and cohabitation), pornography, drunkenness, immodesty, occult practices, and heresies. (Galatians 5:19-21; I Corinthians 6:9-11)

Biblical Statement on a definition of Diversity

God created men and women in His image. Scripture clearly shows that every race, nation, and ethnicity will be included in His Kingdom forever for those who have responded to God’s invitation to receive Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior. As a covenant Christian school, Fellowship recognizes diversity according to one’s God-given race, ethnicity, nationality, or socio-economic status.  (Genesis 1:27; Acts 17:26; Revelation 7:9-10)
 

Response to Critical Race Theory (CRT)

Fellowship does not and will not support teaching from the perspective of any academic or philosophical Critical Theory including Critical Race Theory (CRT). Our mission is focused on “Partnering to inspire academic curiosity, impeccable character, and Christian leadership grounded in biblical truth.”  Furthermore, we aim to produce “Students who live with purpose and lead with intent for God’s glory alone.”  Because CRT, like many contemporary social and cultural perspectives of the world and history, assumes and requires beliefs that run contrary to the Word of God, Fellowship will not teach from that or any perspective that does so. Therefore, in practice, FCS does not and will not implement anything into the curriculum that is not biblically integrated or aligned with scripture. This is first and foremost our esteemed value, the fountainhead of truth, and the foundation of our faith.  These guiding principles provide the filter by which we evaluate each aspect of education and programming at FCS. 

 

I hope this helps to provide assurance that Fellowship Christian School has always and will always stay true to God’s Word and our mission as a covenant Christian school.  Please reach out to me directly with any questions or need for greater clarity.

 

As we close out this year I pray you enjoy a wonderful summer break filled with rest and lasting memories, as we eagerly look forward to welcoming you back next fall. 

 

In humbled service,

 

Dr. Kathryn M. Teston