The Great Commission demonstrates our purpose Matthew 28:19-20
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The Religion department provides a program of instruction based on the scriptural truths of the Freshman Religion Bible applied to our lives in a practical and meaningful way. This process occurs in a dynamic environment of students from all denominations of Christianity, representing over 100 area churches. We seek to integrate this faith-based instruction into all subjects in the curriculum, thus integrating our faith into all aspects of our lives. Through a combination of instructional activities, personal growth opportunities, worship events, and service activities, all students are encouraged to grow in their faith and put it into action, providing the basis of a life-long faith journey, after which we all seek to enjoy the blessings of life eternal with our Savior Jesus Christ.
Graduation Requirements: 8 credits in religion (1 for each semester in attendance)
Freshman and Sophomore Religion - Foundational course in the sequence of high-school religion classes, covering the history of the Bible from Adam and Eve through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This course is unique in that 9th and 10th graders are combined, alternating between the Old Testament and New Testament curriculum each year.
Discipleship 101 and 102 - Christian Discipleship and Apologetics are the focus of these courses, catering to Junior and Senior students. 101 introduces Juniors to foundational Christian beliefs, a basic understanding of the Bible, as well as the doctrine and traditions of Christianity at large. 102 pushes Seniors further into their understanding as they explore the concept of discipleship in Christianity, focusing on its biblical foundations, historical development, and practical application in contemporary life. Students will engage with scripture, theological writings, and real-world examples to understand what it means to be a disciple of Christ.
World Religions - This semester-long course is designed to provide Upper Classmen with a thorough overview of the major world religions, all through the lense of Christianity. Each unit focuses on a different belief system, as students explore the connection between different faiths and how we, as Christians, can relate to those who may seem so very different. Through those connections, students are encouraged to accept the Great Commission.
Chapel Team and Chapel Band - These unique courses instruct 9th-12th grade students about the spiritual, musical, and technical preparations necessary to provide a chapel service nearly every week. Chapel Team is designed for students to gain technical skills while providing the services of setting up sound, light, and visuals for Chapel while also preparing the spiritual atmosphere. In this course, students work in tandem with faculty and community worship leaders to provide a meaningful spiritual experience that continues to hold God and His Word in reverence. Chapel Band is a high school student-led and faculty-supervised initiative to lead worship during chapel music. In the course, they explore how to select worship music based on both the spiritual needs of the student body and the spiritual theme of the week. Students are responsible for weekly rehearsals to ensure that each of them is prepared to help lead worship during weekly chapel services. Chapel Team and Chapel Band work in tandem for a harmonious blend of the human and technological sides of creating a worship service.
Junior High Religion - Our Junior High students explore their budding faiths through project-based learning and guided readings of scripture. While the Bible --it's themes, stories, and God's promises, are the focus of every year's studies, Concordia Publishing's One in Christ is also utilized to help students gain Biblical Literacy. From Genesis to Revelation, students should end their middle school years with a solid foundational knowledge of scripture and an ever-growing faith in Christ.
RLS Religion Department
Mr. Roy Hamrick: Freshman Religion, Sophomore Religion, Discipleship 101, Discipleship 102
Favorite Verse:
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17
Mr. Darren Hansen: 8th grade Religion, Junior Religion, Senior Religion
Favorite Verse:
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Mr. Mike Fanuke: 6th and 7th Grade Religion
Favorite Verse:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Mr. Chris Wilson: Chapel Team and Chapel Music
Favorite Verse:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
Complete Religion course descriptions can be found in the Course Catalog.