Houseparent Manual
13470 Fort Rd. NW, Edmonton, AB T5A 1C5
(780) 475-1647
Welcome to Houseparenting!
The houseparents of a student of The Master’s Commission do not just house a student, but
they become father and mother to a young person. The home will be a shelter for refuge in the
midst of the busy schedule and the constant interactions with the other students. The parents
will be a source of the student’s growth for the next year. The term is inclusive of parents of
students who are living at home and those who have opened up their homes to others.
Being a houseparent for The Master’s Commission is a great challenge, as well as a great
blessing. Whether they are living at home with their own parents or in the home of another
family, there is growth and stretching that takes place for all members of the family.
In order to keep things fresh every year, there are some key things we need to remind
ourselves at the beginning of every year. Our hope is that these reminders are helpful for you
as well.
We know that no two families are alike, but we want to share some thoughts that have worked
for others. We would always welcome your ideas and suggestions as well.
Things to remember:
•
Change takes time - As we in The Master's Commission grow, our reputation grows
with us. Most of these young people understand that they are here to change. The only
problem with that is that change takes time. They will not be the shiny faces you are
used seeing at the graduation service when they arrive here in September. We plan that
the revelation of what they are hearing will take until January to truly hit their heart,
and maybe not really affect their behavior until April or May. Of course some are
quicker and some are slower. Each of us grows at our own pace. Our job as
houseparents is to grow with them and work to manage our expectations.
•
They are new at this “being an adult” thing - Most of the students are around 18-20.
They think they are adults, but they are just starting to see what that actually means.
They have a very limited grasp on the long term impact of their decisions. Our job is to
point that out to them, and be patient. (for example: they don’t call and let you know
that they are not coming home for dinner, and you have cooked a 10 pound roast. They
don’t understand that this was an expensive dinner and they should have planned
ahead of time). It is important to relay, but in a way that factors in that we understand
they probably wouldn’t have thought of that.
•
Sometimes we need to re-adjust our expectations - as soon as possible, try to assess
your student’s ability to comprehend instructions. Find what they are good at and let
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them do it. If they feel like they are succeeding in some areas, they will be open to
stretch in areas they may not be as familiar with. (for example: they may take a lot
longer to clean the bathroom that it would take you. If it is getting done, and it is clean,
go with it.)
•
Pick your battles - remember that they are being challenged often here at MC. Don’t
shy away from conversations about what they need to do more of in the home, but try
to pick a time when they will not be overloaded with multiple issues.
Some suggestions:
•
Post a calendar in a public place - if the student knows what the family is doing, it will
tend to make them feel more at home and that they are included in household activities.
•
Meet with your student within the first week of being in your home - this doesn’t
need to be a heavy meeting, but it is good to lay out the expectations and maybe even
quirks of your family before the schedule really takes off. (for example: bathroom
usage, suggested shower times, the wife runs around in her bathrobe and curlers on
occasion). Sometimes this is challenging, because you want them to feel welcome and
treat them like a guest right away, but they need to fit into your family as soon as
possible. You can be loving and welcoming, but you don’t need to apologize for your
family rules or expectations from MC.
•
Establish a plan for communication - if they need to talk to you about something,
when should they do that?
•
Buy “filler food” - Kraft dinner, meals prepared ahead of time (soup, chili, etc..) are
really helpful in case you won’t be home for dinner. Let them know what they can take
and what you would like them to avoid. Establish a plan for leftovers.
•
Have a system for containers/cutlery - buy the cheap stuff and hope it gets returned.
Make it a policy that no dishes or real cutlery leaves the house.
•
Share the load of the Houseparent contact form - each parent will have a different
opinion about how the student is doing. If both take turns, it helps to open
communication and maybe bring solutions to problems.
•
Surprises happen - these can be positive or negative. We have had brief interaction
with most of these young people. It is hard to predict what they will be like. We pray all
the time for strategic wisdom and insight so we will know what to say and do to help
them. If you happen to get into a challenging situation, please talk to us, and we can
work together to come to a solution.
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•
Ask questions, share concerns - we are always working to be more accessible to you.
Your feedback is crucial to us. If you need help or if you need to decide how serious a
situation is, please contact us.
Miscellaneous information/dates you will need:
September 06, 2014
September 09-13, 2014
September 14-15, 2014
September 16, 2014
Welcome and Introduction
Orientation Week
Beginning of the Year Retreat
First Day of Class
What is Expected of Houseparents?
Being a houseparent is a great responsibility. You are taking in, as a member of your family, a
young man or woman embarking on a great mission. Your student will spend the next year
learning who he or she is in the light of a Holy God. The houseparent will be a part of the
excitement, pain, fun, and tears every student experiences. What expectations are there for
such a position?
1. Your family must be in order
Some people confuse the term “in order” with “perfect.” The family is one of three institutions
ordained by God. It is a perfect setting to show His love in action. The imperfections in all of
us offer great opportunities for God’s work in our lives. Your family is in order when these
imperfections can be brought to the surface for God to deal with. The imperfections of the
family will not be hidden from the student; they may, in fact, be glaringly obvious. How you
as parents work with family problems, the small logistic ones and the large ones that cause
pain and anguish, will be seen by the family’s newest member. If your family is in order, it
will be a great source of Godly training.
2. You must be willing to raise a child, not just house a student
The student living in your home, whether your own child or someone else’s, is a child in need
of a parent. You must accept this child as a gift from God for you to nurture and cherish. It is
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a Godly relationship between parent and child. The parent is given discernment by the Holy
Spirit for guidance and direction. You must have faith that God placed this particular student
in your home. The dynamics that make up the fabric of your family, the interaction, traditions,
fun outings, and discipline are the exact ones that are needed for this child’s life. There will be
offenses, tears, laughter, worry, late nights, and inconveniences. These are the necessary
components to raising a child.
3. Avoid extremes
Houseparents are asked to avoid two extremes in working with their students. The first is that
they want to be “nicer than Jesus.” They see that their student is going through a hard time
and they want to protect and defend them. The houseparent may be shielding them from
what God is doing in their life by doing this. God may be requiring repentance, change,
obedience, or something else from the student. Misplaced mercy can often diminish the work
of the Holy Spirit. This does not discourage comforting or encouraging the student. Rather, all
comfort and encouragement should lead the student towards God and His dealings and not
away from Him.
The other extreme is expecting too much from the student too soon. The Master’s Commission
is a program that takes a year. Much of the work in the student’s life is deep and long lasting
and cannot be gained overnight. Most of the dramatic changes take place in the latter part of
the program. Looking at the graduates on stage on graduation Sunday, houseparents may get
the impression that the new student they just received into their home is going to be a mature,
disciplined Godly young person. While that desire may be in the student’s heart, often it is not
consistently lived out in their daily interactions.
See your student as a young adult. He or she will need guidance, parenting, love,
encouragement, discipline, and correction. They will show remarkable maturity at times, as
well as remarkable immaturity. They can easily become discouraged and disheartened. They
can also bounce back with amazing quickness.
4. You must be willing to learn
The student living in your home will watch as you mature your family with love and
discipline. The choices you make as an experienced parent are made with the wisdom that
comes from time and knowledge. Many of these decisions are made quickly and seem almost
automatic. The student will watch these decisions on two fronts: as an observer as you interact
with your children and as a recipient of your guidance. The same decisions that we parents
can make so quickly may seem unnatural to the student. The question will arise, “Why did
you deal with the situation that way?” Taking apart a complex concept and breaking it into
subparts show the mastery of that concept. There is no more complex concept than parenting.
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Having a student ask you the how's and why's of your parental decisions ensures that you will
come to know them yourself.
You will ask yourself:
Why do I deal with problems this way?
Have I always made decisions like this?
Is this really effective with my children?
Willingness to learn will also be needed in another way. The pastoral staff will be seeking
guidance and discernment for each student throughout the year. As houseparents, you are a
part of this process. You will discover that waiting on the Lord for answers may stretch your
faith and patience. This stretching will cause a greater growth in you, resulting in an increase
in understanding of your students’ needs. It will be right for you to expect that your role in
this young person's life may need to be adjusted and fine-tuned. Admonition should be a
normal part of your experience, just as it is for all the members of The Master's Commission.
5. Work with The Master's Commission Staff
Training young men and women for a year and guiding them into the fullness of God's plan
for their lives is an undertaking of the whole church. The staff, the pastors, the houseparents,
and the congregation as a whole will touch and be touched in return by these students. Work
with the staff closely. Relate the happenings of the home to someone in authority whenever
you feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
The relationship between the parent and the student is a Godly relationship. God provides
you with the tool of discernment to aid in your task. Seek God's direction for the guidance of
this student, and as He reveals divine information to you, be quick to share this with the staff.
What may appear a small matter to you may be a key that will unlock an important door in
someone's life.
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Suggestions from Previous Houseparents
-
-
Don't assume they already have Christ-like standards in their life
Don't assume they always arrive wanting to change and respond to God working in
their lives
Be a parent to them first, a friend second. Start out with discipline, and the friendship
will grow. If you start out with friendship and no discipline, it's hard to work discipline
in later.
It takes time to become comfortable with each other.
Communication with your MC student takes practice. It takes time to build trust.
Be direct but loving when speaking to your student. They need frequent
communication.
Ask your MC student how they best receive instruction/correction from you. Don't
catch them "off guard" with criticism.
Let your student be honest, but don't allow complaining or whining. The program is
challenging, but the leadership is very careful with their schedules.
Let your student be honest about the past, feelings, trials, etc. without judging them or
always having "answers".
Pray with your student.
Let your student get to know you.
Have fun with your student. Plan traditions that are simple, like blizzards after
midweek meetings, family games night etc.
Speak positively about your student and support leadership in front of your student.
What has been the greatest blessing of being a houseparent?
-
Seeing God change and mature a young Christian
Seeing them become a servant
Seeing our student change and walk in an anointing
Being exposed to the blessing and challenges of someone being changed by their
experience with God –
Being able to encourage and support our student
Having someone clean the bathroom on Saturday
Being able to share our home and have our kids learn to love a big sister
Having them speak into my life
To know that we are helping someone fulfill their destiny in the Lord
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What has been the greatest trial or challenge?
-
Patience and accountability
Trying not to interfere with what is going on, yet be a support and encouragement
Confrontation with the students
To openly communicate and get our student to open up to us
Keeping track of where they are
Staying out of God's way and not protecting our student from God working in their life
Trying to find three hours of chores
Finding time for relating and fellowship
As a parent I had to change
Communication
Learning to share my possessions, food, and my "space"
Time
Treating them like a part of the family and not a house-guest
Never knowing when they will be home
Meeting the emotional needs of our student and our family
What has changed in your family life because of your student?
-
More food to buy and the grocery bill
We've all grown because of what we've seen and experienced with our student
Much more communication going on
Learning to let our own child go and become a mature young adult
A neater house with less work for me
The noise level tends to go up
Having to divide my time even more among our kids, to give the student the time they
need
I pray more
Laying down our lives
Very little change, The Master's Commission has a busy schedule and so do we
Our children are learning, giving, and sharing
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Concerns
1. How do I decide if the student is truly ill?
Often times when the Lord is dealing with a student, they are tempted to stay home. If
the student has a fever or is vomiting they should stay home. Please call if you have
any questions.
2. What are the student's financial responsibilities?
They are responsible to provide for their own insurance, medical care, transportation
costs, toiletries, and personal items. Houseparent Expense taxable donations will be
discussed upon meeting with the directors of the program.
3. Do you see that Homework Club is a choice for the student?
Our schedule is structured for ample study time to avoid Homework Club. Calendars
are provided to write down each event and deadline for papers due. Help is always
available to draft outlines and formulate ideas. Procrastination, motivated by fear,
anger, or lack of ability is the most common reason for falling behind. Watch your
student’s papers and projects early in The Master's Commission year. If you see the
student falling behind, pacing the floor with anxiety or having that “checked-out” look,
notify us immediately. We will work with the student. If we can identify the problem
early, we can save your student many hours of consternation.
4. Is it okay to leave my student alone if we leave town?
We ask houseparents to let us know if their family is leaving town to avoid leaving the
student alone. We prefer to have the student stay in another student's home where
parental covering is provided or for an intern to go stay with the student. If the mother
leaves overnight, and the student is a girl, we ask that the girl stay with another family
to avoid the appearance of evil (I Thes. 5:22). The reverse would be true of a young man
staying in the home with the father absent.
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Houseparent Contact Form
The MC staff tries to keep in close communication with houseparents. We have a weekly
houseparent form which you will fill out and evaluate the students in various areas. When
filling out the houseparent form, please consider the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Avoid asking for this form. Let the responsibility rest on the student to provide you with
one. Houseparent forms are due Tuesday morning. If you allow your student to give you
the form before you go to work Tuesday, you will feel rushed and may not include all
your insights and observations of the week.
Be careful not to shield or protect your student by being "nicer than Jesus". Strive for
honest, consistent evaluations that present an accurate picture of the student for the week.
Letting students off the hook to avoid consequences for poor performance in the home
may contribute to future problems.
It is not unusual to mark excellent one week and less than excellent the following week.
Your comments are windows of understanding into what occurs in the home. Please feel
free to write whatever you wish to help us see what you observe. You always have the
right to put houseparent forms in an envelope if the material is confidential.
We value these houseparent forms and read each one. From the information you provide
we can know what to watch for during that week.
Students staying 3-4 days in homes other than their houseparent's home need to be
evaluated by the host parents and advised of the rules of The Master's Commission in
order to set a standard for the evaluation.
Evaluation Standards for Houseparent Form:
1. Saturday Chores - Are they prompt and ready to work at nine in the morning? Are they
faithful and thorough? Do they put away cleaning tools, etc.? Do they inform you of
change of schedule and initiate another time to do chores? Do they ask you for more if
there is time left?
2. Bedroom - Is the room clean, neat, no dirty clothes on the floor, garbage picked up? Is the
bed made before leaving each morning? Do they vacuum/dust as needed?
3. Laundry - Is their own laundry done weekly? Do they do their sheets? Do they work out
specifics with houseparents? Do they leave the laundry all ready for the next user? Wipe
off washer and dryer, dryer empty, do they do laundry during normal hours?
4. Help Around the House - Do they notice things that need to be done and take initiative
(emptying the dishwasher, folding laundry, taking out the garbage, doing dishes etc)? Do
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they wait to be asked to do something before doing it? Do they help out of a feeling of
obligation, or because they want to?
5. Communication Skills - Does your student keep you current on what the Lord is doing in
MC and their personal life? Do you get a defensive response when you ask them to do
something? Does the student communicate schedules including last minute changes? Do
you see and hear an increase in honest emotions? Is accountability increasing? Are
conflicts being resolved in a timely fashion or left hanging? Do they ask to be able to use
what is yours? Do they take no for an answer? Do they manipulate you to get their needs
met or to get out of things?
6. Attitude - Do you see an emotional commitment to your family? Do you hear and see
gratitude? Do you feel respected? Are the needs of the family respected? Does the student
clean up after them self? Do they take responsibility for their actions? Do they take
advantage of your goodness and mercy?
7. Curfew - Monday - Thursday: 11 PM. Friday - Sunday: 12 AM. Are they quiet in the early
morning? If last to bed, do they turn out lights, fans, TV, and lock doors?
8. Family Time - Is their time set aside? Is it a priority to the student? Do they participate
willingly and relationally in the decided activity? Are they attempting to know each family
member and show interest? Is the connection this week motivated by a desire from the
heart or is it done simply because it is a requirement?
9. Phone Use - Do they contact others before 9:30 PM and after 8 AM? Do they keep their
phone calls to an acceptable length of time? Do they communicate adequately about
making long distance phone calls? Are they constantly texting?
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STUDENT EVALUATION FORM
To be filled out by Houseparent
(Please circle appropriate number and write legibly)
Student Name: _________________ Houseparent Name: ____________________ Date :_______________
Week: ______
A. HEART OF A SERVANT:
Saturday Chores: 9:00am – 12:00 pm
1. Not done
2. Partially done
3. Completed requirement with a poor attitude
4. Done well
5. Done outstandingly with a good attitude
Comments:___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Keeping room clean:
1. Was a mess all week
2. Not to our given standards (bed left unmade, clothes scattered, etc.)
3. Did pretty well except one or two days
4. Met our given standard of cleanliness every day
5. Went beyond expectations and did a super job
Comments:___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Laundry:
1. Not done at all
2. Laundry partially done
3. Laundry done but left in the dryer, or laundry room, or unfolded in a pile, etc.
4. Laundry completed to our standard: on time, folded, hung-up, put away
5. Laundry completed with great timeliness, and attitude
Comments:___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Everyday help around the house:
1. Never helps out
2. Helps when asked, has a poor attitude
3. Helps occasionally, but only to fill requirements
4. Sees the need on their own and helps because they want to serve
5. Looks for ways to serve, help and bless
Comments:___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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B. COMMUNICATION:
Schedule:
1. Hasn’t told us of their schedule or activities at all
2. Told us most of the time but after the fact
3. Told us their activities and schedule but missed a few
4. Asked ahead of time for extra activities and let us know MC schedule, meal plans, etc.
5. Exceptional job of desiring to include us in the plans of the week and submitting them to us for
approval ahead of time for anything extra
Comments:___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Heart to heart communication:
1. Never tells us anything about his day, his thoughts, etc.
2. Needs to open up a lot more, very basic surface stuff only
3. Told us of daily interaction and basics but mostly surface chatting
4. Openly shared their heart and thoughts and struggles of the day freely
5. Very open to share heart with us, desiring our counsel, prayer, etc.
Comments:___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
C. CURFEW
1.
2.
3.
Monday to Thursday 11:00p – Friday - Sunday 12:00am – Day off rising time 9:00am
Has abused the heart of curfew entirely
Missed curfew 1 or more times
Made the curfew each night, but got up very early in order to complete assignments, (missing the
heart of it)
4. Met the curfew every night
5. Met the heart of the curfew in that they kept it understanding the need for rest and wanted to be
in bed on time
Comments:___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
D. INTERACTION WITH FAMILY: GIVING OF THE HEART
1. Has kept to him/herself all week, distant, selfish, and or moody
2. Is cordial but distant, detached, or selfish
3. Friendly, kind, but more a “boarder” than family
4. Reaching out and making the effort to be a part of the family (playing with children, taking part
in discussions, activities, etc.)
5. Feels like family. Genuinely interested in what is going on in the lives of the rest of us, and wants
to share in it.
Comments:___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
E. PHONE USE
1. Excessive, unhealthy use, mostly involving members of the opposite sex or old relationships.
2. Long phone calls, problems with sharing the phone, lack of respect for the needs of the family.
3. No major problems but room for improvement in communication with house family about phone
use.
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4.
5.
Good job communicating about phone use as well as being responsible with using the phone.
Excellent job, no problems, great use of phone privileges.
Comments or concerns with Cell Phone or House Phone use:______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
F.
We find our student spends most of their free time: (Check those that apply)
WHERE?
DOING WHAT?
o Out, not sure where or with who
o Who knows?
o Out with friends
o Reading, Studying, Homework
o In their bedroom
o Watching TV / Internet
o At home
o Talking on the phone
o
o Engaged with our family
o
o Working to earn money
Comments:___________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Is there any specific victory, joy, blessing, observance of growth you would like to share with us?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Would you like an immediate phone call from your student’s intern?
If so, state best day and time to call - ____________________ Phone #___________________ Cell # _______________
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Chain Of Communication
There is a pattern in scripture of God's strategy for his people to face their enemies one at a
time. This pattern first appears when Joshua received instructions from the Lord about how to
approach and invade the promised land. The Lord declared he would not drive all the
enemies out all at once, rather He would make a way to defeat them one by one. So also in
The Master's Commission we see the same pattern. In light of this, our goal as staff and
houseparents is to help each student identify and confront the enemy in their lives that the
Holy Spirit is leading them to face. It is most effective when The Master's Commission staff
and the houseparents have the same focus and strategy for their student. Communication is
necessary so that the houseparents do not try to implement their own strategy or shift the
focus of God's strategy of the moment. This would result in confusion and frustration for the
student.
If you have a concern to address, please write it on the houseparent form or call The Master's
Commission office and speak to your student’s intern
•
The intern in charge your student will call you periodically and ask how you are doing
with your student, and how they are progressing at home.
•
You will receive a weekly email to let you know what the students are studying, and
what their schedule is for upcoming events.
•
All houseparents have access to the director if an issue comes up that would require a
decision. Please do not divulge information that would be above the skill level of the
intern staff.
•
As with all chain of communication networks, houseparents have access to the rest of
the pastoral staff. Please follow the chain of communication. Starting with the senior
pastor will hinder the effectiveness of problem solving since most difficulties can be
resolved below the senior pastor.
•
The directors are willing to participate in any capacity to bring resolution to conflict
between you and your student.
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Confrontation
The home should be a haven of relationships and growth. After a day of stretching by the
Holy Spirit, confronting conduct and attitudes and the demands of the curriculum, the student
will need the opportunity to comprehend the demands of the day at home. We ask
houseparents to help the student articulate where growth is occurring and offer
encouragement.
There may be a temptation to continue confrontation with them until change is seen. Please
contact the director first when the need to confront arises. We understand the stress of
allowing your student to embrace and walk out the confrontation they receive. Confrontation
is most effective when timing aligns with grace for change. We ask you not to "exasperate
your children" (Col. 3:21). Our goal for a home is to be a haven first. Confrontation will occur
at home. We ask that such confrontation be relational and timely. We included "Steps to
Confrontation" to set a standard in the home and establish a predictable pattern of
confrontation to the student.
“Confrontation” by John Maxwell
Most of the time when confrontation arises we either avoid it or talk to someone else. Our goal is to
learn how to talk to people effectively and honestly one-on-one with the Spirit of Christ in true integrity,
helping them work through a problem they or we have.
Confrontation is not easy (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). Leaders are required to confront issues in love. Before
confronting, ask, "Is this problem a speck in another's eye and a log in mine?". Wrong perceptions can
occur if we have the same problem.
Why is it difficult to confront? The fear of being disliked or making the situation worse. What really
makes matters worse is confronting in the wrong way. Fear of rejection or being a Pharisee stops people
from confronting. If a person does not know how to share his feelings he will not be able to confront in a
proper way.
There are some bad attitudes to have when confronting, such as a ''winner takes all" attitude.
Assuming that you are always right is also bad. Confrontation done in the wrong spirit will destroy
trust, love, and support.
There are several ways to handle confrontation and conflict. You can walk away from it with peace at
any price. The whiners make it really interesting by saying, "Nobody knows the trouble I have been
through." Some people will only wink at conflict, they would rather put their head in the sand. Some
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would rather wade around the issue only bringing it up and not taking it to a resolution. Or there is the
2x4 approach - just whack at the problem.
As a Christian leader you have a two-fold responsibility. First, be true to the leadership responsibility
given to you and secondly, be true to scripture. Philippians 2:4, "Look out for the interests of others."
Matthew 5:23,24, "Be reconciled to your brother." Matthew 18:15-17, "Reprove him." Hebrews 10:24,
"Encourage another to love and good deeds." Galatians 6:1, "Restore with an attitude of love. "
Ephesians 4:13-16, "Speak the truth in love."
When you are confronting keep the goal in mind. Try to understand the other person's perspective. Be
looking for a positive change, even if it has to come from you. We confront to help others grow.
Here are ten steps to confronting:
1. Clear the air personally. Attempt this one-on-one if possible unless the situation is extreme. Do
not store up complaints against a person and then dump them all at once.
2. Confront in the right spirit. Romans 12:10; 2 Timothy 2:24; 2 Corinthians 10:1; Galatians 6:1.
Leaders must be neither eager nor hesitant to confront.
3. Start on a positive note, with affirmation.
4. Outline the problem:
A. What? - describe what the other is doing
B. How? - how does it make me feel
C. Why?- why this is important to me
5. Encourage a response. People confronted will have feelings.
6. Show you understand the other person's position.
7. Explain why the action was wrong.
8. Indicate the desired action to be taken.
9. Reiterate the positive strength of the person.
10. Put the issue in the past unless the problem occurs again or you are affirming the person. If the
issue comes back again, go back to step #5.
Here is how to survive a confrontational ambush. Realize that nothing surprises God. Ask for wisdom
from God and others. Separate the message from the messenger. Do not be defensive. Work in the areas
of truth. Seek for reconciliation and most of all become accountable.
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Student Guidelines
The guidelines are purposefully designed to draw the students into the centre of God’s
presence and to enhance their relationships with others by teaching them to show
preference to one another.
1) The Master’s Commission year is full of activities and events. Each student, as
well as their family, needs to plan to dedicate themselves to the schedule. In
order to give the students the maximum chance to grow, we ask that students do
not take extra days off or plan events in addition to their given vacation days. We
understand that events come up that cannot be planned (funerals, family
weddings etc), and ask that students communicate with the directors as soon as
possible so allowances can be made for their absence.
2) Students planning on leaving town on allotted days off must notify The Master’s
Commission directors ahead of time.
3) Curfew
a. Monday – Thursday night – 11:00 PM
b. Friday - Sunday night – 12:00 AM
c. Rising time for days off – 9:00 AM
4) Only “G” or “PG” movies may be viewed with discretion. We recommend
looking at websites like “Kids in Mind” to review the content of movies.
5) Students are allowed to have eight hours of media time a week. This includes
television, internet and movies that are within the MC guidelines.
6) We reserve the right to limit the time spent playing video games if we see it
becoming harmful to any student or group of students.
7) Internet may not be used without permission and accountability.
8) Students are required to attend Sunday services, evening classes, and young
adults meetings.
9) Students may stay home due to sickness only with a doctor’s note or in the case
of a high temperature. They are responsible to contact a staff member by 9:30 PM
the night before.
10) To help maintain good health, students must complete thirty minutes of aerobic
exercise five days a week.
11) Students’ vehicles must be properly maintained and cleaned. Car repairs are the
responsibility of the individual student, not The Master’s Commission.
12) No alcohol, drugs or tobacco.
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