Elementary chapel

Elementary Spiritual Life

“Your school has created an environment where the children are being educated to learn and put into practice welcoming, sharing the word of God, and public praying.”

— A pastor from a local church

At Portland Christian Elementary School, one of the most vital aspects of the education we provide is the intentional development of our students’ spiritual lives. This growth is fostered through a range of activities and programs designed to nurture students in their faith journey. Through daily Bible class and prayer, memorization of Scripture, and weekly chapel services, our students deepen their relationship with Christ and their trust in the authority and truth of God’s Word.

We believe that spiritual growth begins at a young age, and that’s why we emphasize service before self, starting in kindergarten. From an early age, our students learn the importance of helping others and the joy of serving, all while shaping their understanding of a Biblical worldview. Character development is woven into every aspect of our curriculum, our community, and our culture. As we educate tomorrow’s leaders, we do so with the confidence that they will not only pursue the character of Christ but will also be empowered to impact the world with the love of Christ.

At our weekly chapel, students and staff gather together to praise and worship God. There is also a Bible-centered lesson through an individual class or grade level presentation, or a guest speaker. Each grade recites their weekly memory verse. Each month, students learn about a specific character trait and are able to receive character trait stickers throughout the month. During chapel, there is recognition of student successes – of character trait winners, of success in academics and athletics, and of students who have submitted an example of their God’s Work, Our Hands actions. The global and local missions areas of focus are also discussed and prayed for in chapel.

As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Each year, our elementary school steps up to meet the needs of our local community through Serve Days. Each student from preschool through 5th grade has an opportunity to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet. Some will serve on campus, while others will head offsite to lend a hand. The entire school will often spend a month collecting donations for a particular focus. Together, our students make a real impact! In the past, they’ve supported organizations such as the local fire station, David Douglas Kid’s Closet, Children’s Book Bank, NW Children’s Outreach, Cascade Terrace nursing home, SnowCap, and the Oregon Food Bank. Serve Days offer an opportunity for our students to experience firsthand how we, as Christians, can make a difference.

Each month, a different country is prayed for and learned about both in class and chapel. 

Students gather to pray around the flag with staff and family members for our school, neighborhood, city, state and country. Student prayer warriors from each grade take turns leading the school in prayer.

The elementary school hosts an annual Pastor Appreciation breakfast to honor local pastors and youth directors for their spiritual influence in the lives of our students. The morning includes breakfast and a chapel service. Our hope is to send these ministers out from our campus feeling loved, encouraged, and refreshed. It’s always a highlight for students to have their pastors visit and be part of their day!

Scripture encourages us to recognize and honor the godly ministers who serve the flock of God: “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work…” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

Our Peer Ministry program is open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students by application. Students meet weekly under the direction of two faculty advisors and learn how to lead their peers (fellow students) by example. Peer Ministers serve their peers, families, and community throughout the school year by participating in activities such as Pastor Appreciation Day and Wheat Cafe (run by the Peer Ministers), and crafting gifts for a local retirement community. Peer Ministry is about students being Christian leaders by caring and welcoming others every day, everywhere, and in every relationship. Responding to God’s love and grace, every person is called to leadership that invites other to, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)