Service
Why Do We Serve Others?
The idea and practice of service is grounded in Scripture, in the Judeo-Christian faith tradition, and in the very essence of what it means to be a human created in God’s image and likeness.All the way back to Genesis (12:2-3 NIV), we see God’s desire to “bless the world” through His people:
“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you;
I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3, NIV)
Jesus himself challenged his disciples:
“Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28, NIV)
And so we see that "service" is not just a good thing. It is at the very heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. For TKA, the goal of service is not to go somewhere and simply perform a service, but rather to engage in the full experience of service and to return having been transformed into a servant leader for life.
It is our prayer that as students serve, as they engage with local populations, as they get to know their stories and see how their gifts and talents and blessings can make a radical difference in the world, their hearts and minds will be forever changed.
It is through the lens of service that all our education, our learning, and our schooling makes the most sense, and provides the greatest purpose and meaning for life.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)
Servant Leadership
One of the core values and part of the mission of The King's Academy is servant leadership. We engage students to look beyond themselves and reach out to others in love and compassion. We equip students to share the Gospel and provide opportunities for students to contribute their God-given gifts and talents. Additionally, all students are encouraged to serve the school community and lead by Godly example.
How Service Impacts Students
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Research has shown that teens who engage in community service are more responsible and have higher self-esteem and resilience.
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Volunteering helps teens gain new skills necessary for the job market and life such as leadership, communication skills, dependability, time management, and decision-making.
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Helping others may just be the secret to living a life that is not only happier but also healthier, more productive, and meaningful.
Service Week
An integral component of TKA's educational experience and high school curriculum is required annual participation in TKA's Service Week. The week prior to Easter, TKA devotes one full school week to serving others. During TKA's Service Week, high school students participate in a variety of school-led service opportunities and service trips. Students continue to testify how service rises to the top as one of the most impactful elements of their TKA education.
TKA Service Week is an academic week on our school calendar, and as such, we expect all high school students to attend. While we value all of the sacrificial service TKA students participate in, the intent of TKA Service Week is to serve together, as a TKA community, which supports our mission of creating enduring relationships.
View details for Service Week 2023.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Micaela McLaughlin, Service Coordinator.