Servant leadership begins with faith.

Scripture teaches that certain attributes are available to individuals through the Holy Spirit which include “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-24). This “fruit of the Spirit” is to energize and characterize our relationships and interactions.

In contrast to encouraging these positive attributes of the heart, Scripture condemns attitudes such as greed, jealousy, pride, lust, and hatred. Although these attitudes are sometimes difficult to discern, they often lead to unacceptable behavior and always hinder relationships with God and others. “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:1-2).

Certain behaviors are expressly prohibited in Scripture. Members of the body of Christ, not just GCA, should abstain from and flee from these things. They include theft; lying; dishonesty; gossip; slander; backbiting; crude, vulgar, and profane language; sexual activity and/or gratification outside of the bonds of marriage; intoxication; immodesty; and occult practices.

Gambling (exchange of money and/or goods by betting or wagering) is viewed to be an unwise use of God given resources, to promote a greedy spirit, and to put faith in luck or chance, and, therefore, is not acceptable in any form on school grounds or at school activities (Colossians 3:1-2, 5-6; Exodus 20:15; 1 Corinthians. 10:31).

In keeping with Scriptural admonitions to bring ourselves under the authority of government, members of GCA are expected to uphold the laws of the local community, the state of Ohio, and the nation to the extent that obedience to such laws does not require disobedience to God.

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In addition to the above biblical expectations, students and parents/guardians of GCA voluntarily commit themselves to the following standards of behavior. This commitment results from the conviction that these standards serve the good of the individual as well as the school. These standards are not necessarily set forth as absolutes or as an index of spirituality. They do, however, define the parameters that govern life in GCA. Violations of these standards are regarded as a serious breach of integrity within the community. Therefore, the following standards apply to students, staff, and administrators at GCA.

While some in our community worship on Saturday, GCA recognizes Sunday as a day set apart primarily for worship, fellowship, ministry, and rest. While activities such as recreation may be a part of the day, mandatory school programs, games, rehearsals, and services will not be sanctioned except with pre-approval by the Administration. In addition, GCA also recognizes Wednesday evenings as a time to join other Christians for mid-week study and fellowship. Since services on Wednesday are later in the evening, GCA may hold some practices or rehearsals immediately after school, completing activities and events by 5:00 PM (year round) unless approved by the Administration.

Because of our concern for the worth and dignity of persons, each member of the community is expected to be sensitive to special needs existing in our society and on our campus. Any kind of demeaning gesture, threat of violence, physical attack, or overt, unwelcome, or disrespectful attention will not be tolerated.

Consideration for others and the development of a Godly worldview are important; therefore, all members of the community should strive to develop tastes and preferences in art, music, film, and broadcast media that derive great pleasure from the things God calls good while avoiding those things from which he has admonished us to flee (2 Timothy 2:22).

Members of the community are subject to the demands of academic integrity such as honesty and giving credit to sources.

Compliance with GCA’s routine day-to-day policies and procedures is expected from all members of the community. These routine items are listed in the handbook or are made known to students, staff, and administrators through normal channels of communication. Likewise, teachers must establish clear guidelines for procedures and conduct in their classrooms that are consistent with this covenant. Students must abide by those guidelines.