The purpose of Maranatha
College is to know the Son, to honor the Father, and to move by the Holy
Spirit. Our specific mission to accomplish this purpose is to train men to
follow Christ, teach men to lead, and help men to serve. We are committed to
the development of men and women who will give up everything in life to be true
followers of Jesus Christ in every facet of their lifestyle and ministry. We
believe it is in learning to follow Christ that a life is equipped and anointed
to serve others in ministry and to be chosen by God to provide leadership in
the church.
The Discipleship and
Ministries Program is designed to accompany classroom learning by providing
personal training in dedicated discipleship, and to open opportunities for
organized and supervised ministry. Day by day, Maranatha students learn how to
be more fully dedicated vessels for God’s use by developing and maintaining a
Christ-like lifestyle, and by serving the church and all humanity through
practical ministry experience.
It is hoped that the biblical
disciplines learned and experienced at Maranatha College will be utilized
faithfully throughout each student’s life, and that these disciplines will
bring many rich and rewarding blessings to each participant.
Scripture Memorization & Meditation
Maranatha encourages its
students to participate in a scripture memorization program that will equip
them with powerful verses on a wide variety of subjects relating to everyday
living. This program will also help the students to personalize God’s Word to
their own lives, and help them develop the discipline of scriptural meditation.
We know that the Word of God is living and powerful, and when taken into the
human heart will be a constant source of strength, guidance, correction, and
inspiration.
All scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly
furnished unto all good works. (2 Tim. 3:16,17)
Prayer & Fasting
A serious study of God’s Word
allows for an opportunity to develop the essential disciplines of prayer and
fasting. Students are encouraged to join or make small prayer groups for men
and women through the week to provide training in effective praying. Different
aspects of prayer can be experienced, including the daily prayers of a
disciple, intercessory prayers, prayers of worship and thanksgiving, prayers of
cleansing and confession, upholding one another in prayer, how to be watchful
in prayer, and more.
Christian Service
Maranatha students have the
opportunity to volunteer a minimum of one hour per week in Christian service to
those in need, for which credit toward their diploma will be received. Special
emphasis will be placed upon ministering to the needs of the elderly, to those
with physical challenges, to children and teens, and to those who are
faithfully serving in the ministry.
Christian service may include
helping with physical chores, such as house-cleaning, lawn care and yard work,
laundry, car washing, reading to and visiting with the sick and lonely,
teaching or assisting children’s classes, being a “big brother” or “big sister”
to a certain child, or helping to organize and minister to youth. Special
services may also be provided to ministers by doing typing, helping to file or
clean his office, mowing his lawn, or helping in the physical care of the
church building.
This discipline is expected
to provide a dynamic blessing not only to those receiving special ministry, but
also to the students doing the ministries. God always blesses us richly when we
bless others, and we believe that every student will continue doing practical
ministry throughout their lives.
Mentoring Program
Maranatha College understands
that there is much more to Bible college life than working toward a diploma and
attending classes. For advising and encouragement on a personal level,
Maranatha College provides each student with a caring faculty “mentor” who will
help assist the student through sharing and counseling. This mentor will also
support the student by prayer, and will work in coordination with the academic
advisor to help provide the student with the optimal environment for learning
and spiritual growth.
Mentors are chosen from among
those established Christians who have demonstrated the character and
faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Each
student will be coupled with a mentor to discuss life situations, the Bible,
and prayer. Mentors are made aware that they are a valuable resource to the
students they work with, and that the student may call upon them even between
scheduled meetings. It is hoped that a mentor-student friendship of mutual
concern will develop where both individuals will draw strength and insight from
each other.
As the mentor works with the
student, he/she will also be instructing the student on how to become a mentor
to others. Even prior to graduation, students may apply to begin mentoring
someone younger in age and/or newer in the faith. Upon acceptance into the
mentor program, the students would be equipped with the same training as their
mentors were. It is hoped that graduating students will continue looking for
opportunities to help younger ones with mentoring guidance and encouragement.
