Discipleship at CCS

At Calumet Christian, we believe that discipleship is the cornerstone of everything we do, shaping not only our educational philosophy but also the overall environment in which our students learn and grow. Our commitment to nurturing spiritual development is evident across all grade levels, beginning as early as Kindergarten and continuing through 12th grade.

Under the guidance of our dedicated full-time Director of Spiritual Services, we provide a comprehensive framework designed to foster each student's unique spiritual journey. This involves creating age-appropriate programs and activities that cater to the diverse needs and developmental stages of our students.

K-2 Discipleship

In the earliest grades, discipleship focuses on introducing students to the foundational truths of God’s Word in a nurturing and joyful environment. Through daily Bible lessons, prayer, and songs, students learn about God’s love, His creation, and their identity as children of God.

Elementary Chapel: Weekly student-led worship led by secondary school mentors inspires even the youngest students to participate and grow in their faith.
Mentorship: K-2 students benefit from observing and interacting with older students who model Christlike behavior and leadership.
Hands-On Learning: Stories from the Bible come alive through crafts, storytelling, and activities that make God’s Word accessible and exciting.

3rd-5th Discipleship

As students begin to grow in their understanding of God’s Word, discipleship at this level focuses on helping them apply biblical principles to their daily lives.

Elementary Chapel Leadership: By 3rd grade, students start participating in leading small parts of chapel, gaining confidence in their faith journey.
Building Relationships: Teachers and the Spiritual Services Director help students understand how to reflect God’s love in their relationships with family, friends, and their community.
Biblical Foundations: Students dive deeper into Scripture, learning how God’s plan for the world relates to their personal lives.

6th-8th Discipleship

In middle school, discipleship emphasizes personal faith exploration and building a deeper relationship with Christ. Students are encouraged to ask questions and explore their faith in meaningful ways.

Biblical Curriculum:
7th Grade: Focus on Biblical Beginnings.
8th Grade: Study of Biblical Relationships.
Chapel and Small Groups: Middle school students lead parts of chapel services and participate in gender- and grade-based small groups, where they pray, reflect, and encourage one another.
Behavioral Discipleship: The Spiritual Services Director works closely with students facing challenges, turning moments of correction into opportunities for spiritual growth.

9th-12th Discipleship

High school discipleship is about preparing students to live out their faith as leaders and ambassadors of Christ in the world beyond Calumet Christian.

Student Leadership:
- High school students lead elementary chapel, worship services, and small groups, serving as mentors to younger students.
- In Secondary Chapel, students take full ownership of planning and leading services, including worship, sound, and some teaching.
Advanced Biblical Curriculum:
- 9th Grade: A year-long study of the entire Bible helps students understand its unity and truth.
- 10th Grade: Biblical Transformation focuses on living out their faith through lessons from Ephesians, Romans, and Acts.
- 11th Grade: Biblical Leadership equips students to lead with Christlike integrity.
- 12th Grade: Biblical Apologetics prepares students to defend their faith and live it boldly in a diverse world.
One-on-One Discipleship: Through personalized guidance and mentorship, the Spiritual Services Director helps students navigate challenges and grow in Christlikeness.

Spiritual Services

Calumet Christian is blessed to have a full-time Director of Spiritual Services who is dedicated to the spiritual growth of all students, from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Our Director of Spiritual Services is a licensed and ordained youth pastor who works tirelessly to nurture the spiritual development of our students through:

Spiritual Emphasis Days: Special events focused on deepening students’ relationships with Christ.
Leadership in the Bible Department: As chair of the Bible Department, the director ensures our biblical curriculum is impactful and aligns with our mission.

Recognizing that behavioral challenges often stem from a lack of discipleship, our Spiritual Services Director oversees detention and in-school suspensions, transforming these moments into opportunities for individualized discipleship rather than mere punishment. This one-to-one approach allows the director to:

Build meaningful connections with students and their families.
Provide personalized guidance to bring students closer to Christ.
Support families in forming a strong spiritual foundation for their children.

This unique approach helps students grow spiritually, emotionally, and behaviorally, aligning their actions with the Christlike character we strive to instill.