|
Why Service-Learning?
So, why do we have
service-learning at Lee University? That's a great question. The
service-learning program is directed by the Leonard Center. The
purpose of the center is to prepare students for citizenship as
Christians in the world through reflective community
interactions and teach commitment to ideals of service,
benevolence, civic virtue, and social justice. The goals of the
program are to ensure that students engaged in Christian service
at Lee University should:
· Understand the biblical mandate for service.
· Recognize that service to others is part of God's purpose for
them and that it flows from His design of their uniqueness.
· Have insight into appropriate service - its source, its
meaning, and its impact on both the performer and the recipient.
· Understand how they can use their vocation to serve God and
others.
Through the program, students serve in a variety of settings and
organizations, meeting needs of the community. See the appendix
to this chapter for more information on available projects and
program requirements.
Though the purpose and goals spell out the expected outcomes of
the program, we need to articulate why service-learning is
mandated on campus. In other words, why is the program in place,
and why is it required? To help us understand the philosophy of
the program, we need to address certain issues. There are
several ideas at the core of our commitment to service-learning.
Most of the ideas can be summed up in four core values. We do
service because:
- We're supposed to as
Christ-followers.
- We can use it as a spiritual
discipline to deepen our walks with Christ.
- It helps us learn beyond what
we normally learn in the classroom.
- It provides us with
opportunities to express our uniqueness and gifts to help
others.
Now, let's take on each of these
points.
NEXT:
Because We're Supposed To --> |
