Discipleship in High School
Equipping High School Students for Life Beyond Heritage
In our high school, we teach, mentor and train students to be lifelong followers of Jesus Christ. Our goal is for our students to not only be prepared academically to enter the next stage of life, but that they would also understand what it means to know and follow Jesus and be equipped to articulate that in a world that doesn't understand.
At Heritage, we make disciples by engaging our students with the Word through chapel, Bible curriculum, Bible studies, book studies, prayer meetings, small groups and personal discipleship relationships. Discipleship is the lifeblood of the Christian life, for all of life. Our students spend most of their waking hours here at school, so it's important that they are engaging in spiritual formation here, as well as at home and in their church.
Fostering Discipleship Through Personal Relationships
At the high school level, all of our teachers take the initiative in building personal discipleship relationships with their students. Teachers pray with their classes and some even mix in devotionals during the week. On Mondays, some teachers kick off the week by inviting students to share insights from their church's weekend sermon, sparking thoughtful conversation. And after chapel, teachers will debrief with students, asking what resonated, what challenged them, and how they’re applying those lessons in their daily lives. This intentional rhythm of prayer, reflection, and dialogue helps our students grow in faith together.
Bible Curriculum & Courses
The high school Bible department is a core distinctive of Heritage Christian School. The discipleship of young Christian minds is dependent upon teaching Scripture, exploring truth, understanding other worldviews, and witnessing personal change. No matter what field our students enter after graduation, our desire is for God’s Word to be their foundation.
All Bible courses are one semester in length and students are required to take a minimum of eight courses in their high school career. This allows them to select from a variety of courses based on their interests.
Discipleship Groups
Our high school offers three types of discipleship groups:
- Boys' or girls' book studies
- Bible studies
- Connect Groups, which are weekly opportunities for students to connect with faculty and staff members through clubs
100% of our students are involved in one of these groups and many staff members have volunteered to lead them. Together, they learn, encourage one another in their walks with the Lord, share struggles and prayer requests, and learn what it means to be in community with other believers.
Chapel
Chapel is a weekly opportunity for students to pray, sing, and learn from God’s Word in addition to hearing stories of lives changed by Jesus. Worship is typically led by a student chapel band, creating an engaging and personal atmosphere. Students hear from teachers, local pastors, alumni, and peers.
Additionally, Spiritual Emphasis Week occurs once each semester, providing an opportunity for our faculty and staff to intentionally emphasize spiritual development and community connection. During this time, the Word of God is poured into our students through daily chapel and small group sessions focused on the annual spiritual theme or a specific topic for several consecutive days.
Student-Led Morning Worship
Several times throughout the school year, our high school students gather for a powerful time of student-led worship before the school day begins. It is a blessing to hear voices lifted in praise, and see hearts encouraged and Christ glorified. These early morning gatherings set a tone of joy, unity, and spiritual focus for the day ahead.
Service Opportunities
All high school students participate in our “Day of Service” where they have opportunities to serve all over the Indianapolis community. Because we value service to others, all high school students are also required to complete 20 hours of service annually, which is completed through opportunities like mentoring in the elementary school, being a student ambassador for school events, and serving in their local church or community.
