SPIRITUAL LIFE

At Wilberforce we are invested not only in what students learn, but in who they become.

The spiritual formation of students has both explicit as well as implicit expressions at Wilberforce. There is explicit instruction through morning assembly, prayer, learning the hymns of the month, Bible recitations, Bible lessons, and a weekly time of chapel. These are important habits which shape our Lower School culture as distinctively Christian.

In addition to explicit spiritual formation, there is so much that is implicit; "caught and not taught." All of our teachers have a relationship with Jesus and have signed our statement of faith. Our faculty consider teaching at Wilberforce a calling and are committed discipling and nurturing a genuine faith in their students. Students internalize faith through witnessing the lives of their teachers. Discipline, peer relationships, competition, and even classroom excellence are all addressed through a biblical worldview.

 

Lower School Spiritual Life

Morning Assembly

Each morning our students gather for morning assembly. Together with teachers, students recite a habit they are learning to grow in, supported by a Bible verse, sing the hymn of the month, pledge allegiance to the flag, and pray before going to class.

Chapel

Every Wednesday our Lower School gathers together to worship and learn more about God and His word. Each year the Lower School chapel addresses a new theme. Chapel speakers include outside speakers, faculty or staff, parents, and local pastors. Parents are invited to join chapel and worship with their child(ren).

Hymn of the Month

Each year our students memorize nine hymns. Through a student's entire Lower School experience, they will learn 63 hymns by memory. These hymns provide a rich store of theology and comfort for a child's entire life.

Middle and Upper School Spiritual Life

At Wilberforce we are deliberate about equipping students in heart and mind so that they can contribute as servant leaders to God's kingdom. We work towards this goal in a variety of explicit and implicit ways.

Morning Prayer

Each day starts with a brief gathering of worship as an intentional way to start the day. A faculty member will lead in corporate reading of scripture, call and response singing, and prayer.

Chapel

Each Tuesday from 8:10-8:40am students and faculty come together to worship and learn more about God and His Word. Each year MS/US chapel addresses a different theme. Chapel speakers are special speakers as well as faculty, parents, and local pastors. Parents are always invited to join chapel.

Mentor Groups

Students meet monthly with faculty mentors to discuss chapel messages, current concerns, and relevant issues. Groups are formed by grade and gender.