STUDENT HANDBOOK
Career Preparation Spiritual Growth Emotional Healing Encounter School of Discipleship 275 E. Foothill Blvd., Pomona, CA 91767 | 909.206.2196
Table of Contents Letter from Director………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 Who We Are……………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Our Mission…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4 Our Strategy……………………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Our Church……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6 What Sets Us Apart………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 Encounter Statement of Faith..…………………………………………………………………………………7 Statement of Nondiscrimination………………………………………………………………………………10 Our Curriculum……………………………………………………………………………………………………….10 Preparing for College……………………………………………………………………………………………....11 Encounter Weekly Schedule…………………………………………………………………………………….11 Encounter Guidelines and Policies…………………………………………………………………………...12 Guidelines for Dress………………………………………………………………...……………………………...16 Corrective Action…………………………………………………………………………………………………….18 Dismissal Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………………19 Encounter Medical Policy………………………………………………………………………………………...19 Encounter Finances…………………………………………………………………………………………………20-21 Encounter Staff………………………………………………………………………………………………………..22 Contact Information……………………………………………………………………………...…………………22 Edited 11/15/17
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Thank you for your interest in the Encounter School of Discipleship! Because the Lord shows up in such powerful ways, we are fully convinced that this program is one of the best for you to invest a year of your life in before venturing into all God has in store for you. Encounter School of Discipleship is part of the Foursquare Emerging Leader Network (ELN), an exciting movement that is serving this generation of young ministry leaders. As part of this network, our program has been certified as a Foursquare school of ministry. Encounter reflects the passion of this generation—the kind of passion that caused the Apostle Paul to write: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT). Our mission is to raise up a generation of spiritual leaders who know how to work enthusiastically and effectively for the Lord. We accomplish this by creating a healthy environment for students to: • Grow in the knowledge of God’s Word • Gain real-world leadership, career, financial skills, ministry experience. • Develop spiritual disciplines that will fuel a lifetime of growth in the Lord • Experience being a vital part of a healthy, growing church • Build lifelong relationships with friends and mentors • Be transformed more and more into the likeness of Christ! I know that our program has an amazing impact on the lives and ministries of young leaders—and we’re excited to walk with you through the process of investigation and application. As you read the following pages I trust you’ll be able to imagine being here with us, and if you have any questions we’d love the opportunity to talk with you personally. You’ll find all our contact info on the back page. Blessings, Founder/Pastor Craig Lawrence and Director Heather Hetzendorfer Encounter School of Discipleship
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Who We Are
Encounter School of Discipleship is a leadership development program designed to empower and instruct young adults who are passionate about following Jesus. Encounter is a full-time program where students are immersed into three pools of learning: Hands-on training, curricular studies, and personal discipleship.
Our Mission
Encounter exists to raise up generations of young spiritual leaders by Setting a Foundation for Life by:
1.
Finding Intimacy with Christ through the word of God and prayer;
2.
Training in leadership, financial skills, and communication to benefit your life career.
3.
Receiving Emotional Healing for yourself.
Our Strategy The following diagram represents the unique blend of the three main components of our ELN program. A more detailed description follows on the next page.
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Encounter employs the strategy of “immersion discipleship,” where students are plunged into three pools of learning that deal with the head, hands and heart.
1.
“Head”—where spiritual understanding is formed. Classroom studies help students make the Word of God their foundation for life and ministry. Through instruction, dialog, debate, reading, personal study, memorization and meditation, students hone their understanding of what it means to be a rock-solid follower of Jesus and an effective minister of His grace.
2.
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“Hands”—where ministry skills are formed. One of the major elements of Encounter is its in-the-trenches approach to developing ministry skills. Students spend a great deal of time each week serving in various ministry capacities within the church and out in the community. They are involved in up-front, public ministry and behind-the-scenes work as well. “Heart”—where the ministering person is formed. The most important component of Encounter is the focus upon each student’s character and personal discipleship. Many colleges and internships focus heavily on “thinking” and “doing” but don’t concentrate on who the student is “becoming.” This is not the case with Encounter. On a neardaily basis, students are encouraged and challenged to move to new levels of faith and excellence in their private and public lives. This personal discipleship is facilitated by interaction with pastors, Encounter staff, Dorm Leaders, and other leaders at our church. Discipleship also occurs as students learn to support one another and hold each other accountable.
Discipleship and Service
Each student will: •
Grow in practical leadership, communication, and financial skills.
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Develop a solid devotional life
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Deepen one’s understanding of the Word of God
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Memorize key passages of Scripture related to the life of a growing believer
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Address personal life-issues that could inhibit his or her life or ministry
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Develop disciplines in both personal and public areas of life
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Participate in hands-on ministry in the community
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Grow in one’s understanding of sacrificial leadership
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Demonstrate an ability to discern the leading of the Holy Spirit
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Gain confidence in God’s unique call on one’s life
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Our Church
Encounter is hosted by New Life Community Church in Pomona, California. Our vision is growing healthy lives. We are committed not only to disciple those who already know Jesus, but to effectively serve those who have not yet experienced God’s saving grace. Our Senior Pastor is passionate about Encounter! He states, “I believe Encounter is one of the most important ministries in the Body of Christ at large. Our church values Encounter because we so value the next generation. These young leaders are our future.” Our church is a Foursquare church—one of nearly two thousand in the U.S. and over fifty thousand around the world. Foursquare is an interdenominational, Pentecostal church movement, embracing others from diverse denominational backgrounds. To find out more about our church and the Foursquare movement, please visit these websites: www.newlifepomona.com and www.foursquare.org.
What Sets Encounter Apart
Encounter School of Discipleship consists of one to three years of training for the ages between 18 and 30. This is a crucial time period in an individual’s life. Therefore, it is our desire and goal to set a foundation for life that is built upon intimacy with Jesus. Students will pursue God by cultivating Intimacy through His Word and prayer; grow in life skills that will carry into any career, such as finance and leadership skills; receive Emotional Healing by learning how the Lord longs to step in and heal us from the hurts of our past. Our focus will be on keeping the first commandment first. By loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we are able to truly love people and impact their lives. Encounter School of Discipleship is only one of many strong discipleship and training programs within Foursquare. But, each program is somewhat different, reflecting the passion of its leaders and the ministry focus of its host church or organization. One thing that sets Encounter apart from other programs is its focus on the local church. We have been called to develop young ministry leaders who will be able to serve the Lord faithfully and fruitfully in local church settings around the country and around the world. Some of our graduates will go on to a university or Bible College; others will go directly into church planting or various ministry positions; still others may enter the business world or start a family. No matter where our graduates go, however, the local church will be there, impacting communities with the power of the Gospel. We believe that our focus on the local church prepares students to be effective, life-long ministers wherever God calls them.
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ENCOUNTER STATEMENT OF FAITH We believe: The Bible We believe that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God. This means that the Bible is completely reliable and trustworthy. As a result, we can anchor ourselves and steer the direction of our life upon its truth. This is because the Bible not only contains the truth, but it is Truth. We teach from the Bible and believe it is the measuring stick of accuracy for all of our other beliefs. • John 1:1, Heb. 4:12, 2Tim. 3:16; Prov. 30:5; Ps. 119:11,16; Matt. 24:35; James 1:22; Is. 55:11 The Trinity/ One Trinitarian God •
We believe in one God displayed in 3 Persons. This includes God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father plans our salvation (Eph. 1:3-6). God the Son, in his humanity, purchases our salvation (Eph. 1:7). God the Holy Spirit seals our salvation (Eph. 1:14). • Deut. 6:4; Mal. 2:10; Rom. 3:30; 1Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6; 1Tim.2:5; Gen. 1:26; Gen. 11:7; Matt. 3:16; Matt. 12:31-32; Matt. 28:19; John 10:30; John 14:26; John 17:20-22; 2Cor. 13:14; Gal. 4:6; 1Pt. 1:2 The Fall of Man •
We believe that all of humanity has fallen to sin. Rom. 3:23; Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:1; 1Cor. 15:22 The Reality of Hell • •
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We believe that hell is a place of eternal torment that has been prepared for the devil and his angels. However, it also extends to those who have purposed in their heart to reject the invitation to know God through Jesus Christ. They have rejected him as their personal Lord and Savior who came to be the substitute for their sin in order for them to enter into right relationship with God the Father. God does not desire any to perish, but desires all men to be saved (2Pt. 3:9, 1Tim. 2:4). Eternal destruction is for those who do not know God. Matt. 7:23; Rev. 20:10,15; Rev. 21:8; Matt. 8:12; Mk. 9:43-49; Luke 16:19-31; Jude 7;
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Salvation by grace alone through Jesus Christ • •
We believe that salvation comes by grace alone by believing in Jesus Christ. It does not come through any type of works or by good behavior. Eph. 2:5-8; Rom. 6:23; Rom. 11:6; Titus 3:7; Gal. 5:1-4; Gal. 2:18-2; John 3:16
Eternal Life is knowing God We believe that Jesus came to reconcile us back into right relationship with God the Father by cleansing us of all our sin. Jesus is the bridge that connects us to knowing a loving God. This is the whole purpose of why he sent his Son. God wants intimacy with his creation and wants us to experience the benefits of eternal life now by knowing him. • John 17:3, 24; John 14:1-3, 17; 2 Cor. 5:18-19; Luke 23:43; Eph. 1:17; John 1:23; Gal. 4:8-9; Ph. 3:10 Water Baptism •
We believe that water baptism is an outward expression of an inward commitment to Jesus Christ. We do not believe that water baptism saves. Rather, it confirms to others, out of obedience, our faith in Jesus Christ. • Matt. 28:18-20; Rom 6:1-11 The Greatest Commandment •
We believe that loving God and loving others is at the center of Gods heart for his Church. In order to love others well, we must experience and know God’s love for us. • Matt. 22:37-39; Luke10:27; John 13:34, John 15:9,12-13; Rom. 5:8, Matt. 5:4446, Rom. 13:10; 1Cor. 13:4-8, 1Cor. 16:14; Eph. 2:4; Eph. 3:8; 1John 3:1,11,16,18; 1John 4:7-8,19 The Spirit Filled Life •
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We believe that after receiving Jesus, believers have a desire to change their behavior in alignment with God’s Word and have the capacity to bear the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. James 1:22, Gal. 5:16-25; Eph. 4:30-32, Eph. 5:18; Heb. 3:7
The Great Commission •
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We believe every believer is called to be a minister of reconciliation in an effort to make disciples. We believe that this should be done in love with our words and our actions. Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15; Matt. 5:44-46, 1 Cor. 5:14, 18-20 Encounter Student Handbook 8
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit •
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We believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit empowers believers in their witness to share and do the works of Jesus, including having an empowered prayer life. Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; Ph. 1:19; Eph. 6:1; 1 Thess. 1:5
The Lord’s Supper/ Communion We believe that Christians should humbly and thankfully partake of the elements of communion as a symbolic remembrance of Jesus’ redemptive sacrifice. • Luke 22:19-20; 1Cor. 10:16-17; 1Cor. 11:24-28; Mk. 14:22-24; John 6:53-54 The Gifts of the Spirit •
We believe that the Holy Spirit supernaturally distributes gifts to his church for the purpose of edifying others. • 1Pt. 4:10-11; Rom. 12:6-8; Eph. 4:7; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; Heb.2:4 The Principle of Tithing •
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We believe that one of the methods designed by God for the support and spread of his cause is the giving of tithes (10% of income) and offerings. Tithing was demonstrated before God made it an Old Testament Law (Gen 14:17-20). We do not believe, in any way, that tithing saves your soul.1 Rather, tithing is an expressive act of worship in honoring God and is a discipline of stewardship that enables your local church to labor the way it does. Prov. 3:9; Mal. 3:10; 1 Cor. 16:2; 1Cor. 9:14; 2Cor. 9:7; 1Tim. 5:17; Luke 10:7 Num. 18:21,24; Luke 11:42; Acts 4:32-37; Heb. 7:5-10
The 2nd Coming of Jesus • •
We believe that Jesus will come back in great authority and will judge the living and the dead 2. Cor. 5:10, Rev. 19; 1Thess. 4:16-, 17; Acts. 1:10-11; Matt. 16:27; Rev. 1:7; Rev. 22:12; Luke 21:27; Matt. 24:23-27; 2Pt. 3:8-9.
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Jesus paid the tithe, in full, as far as our obligation to the Law of Moses required. This means that because of Jesus’ sacrifice we will not be condemned to hell in a failure to tithe. However, that does not permit us a valid reason to not tithe. Since justice and love does not get nullified in Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law, so the principle of honoring God with our tithe does not get nullified (Luke 11:42).
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Statement of Nondiscrimination In compliance with federal and state regulations, the Encounter school of Discipleship admits students of any race, gender, color, national and ethnic origin, disability, status as a veteran or any other characteristic protected by law to all rights, privileges, programs and activities to students at Encounter.
Encounter Curriculum
Each Encounter course is designed to help students grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God. Formatted around the 3 foundations that set Encounter apart, each year has one-third of classes focused on Intimacy with the Lord; one-third classes on Emotional Healing; onethird classes on Career/ Life Skills. Great care is taken to ensure that students receive a balanced curriculum that will challenge them and equip them for the future. We also take great care to bring instructors into the classroom who will help to mentor our students, not just lecture. Or current curriculum includes some of the following list of courses: Practical Ministry Skills Level 1 Discipleship: Strengthening Level 2 Discipleship: Healing Emotional Intelligence Emotional Healthy Spirituality Team Building and Communication Financial Management Supernatural Ways of Royalty Life Skills Spiritual Warfare Honor’s Reward Servant Leadership Understanding the Times (Debate Class) Intro to Biblical Literature Note: Encounter does not use a grading system. Assessments are marked with only feedback to measure growth and effort, however, success of the program is based upon the students efforts made and the feedback we receive from your teacher, your mentor, and other leaders of the program. Two accredited courses are available online each semester from LIFE Pacific for an additional $200 per class. Visit www.encounterhimfirst.com for class descriptions.
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ACADEMICS - Preparing for College and Ministerial Licensing While Encounter is not an accredited academic program, we do have a partnership with Life Pacific College (LPC) in Southern California, which is a regionally accredited college that has served the Foursquare family and the Body of Christ for over eighty years. The agreement between Life Pacific College and Encounter (an ELN program) entitles students of our program to earn as many as 31 units while at Encounter. This is optional and is not required, and is available for anyone accepted at LPC for an additional $200 per class. This special scholarship provides for up to 24 units of online cohort classes through the LPC Online learning and is intended to help students successfully work toward starting a Bachelor of Arts degree with LPC, while also earning up to 7 units from ministry experience. Questions regarding Life Pacific College and the Articulation Agreement should be directed to the LPC Office of Academic Affairs: (909) 599-5433. Information regarding LPC may also be gained from their website: www.lifepacific.edu. Note: To complete these accredited LPC online classes, students will need a personal laptop. Students should also expect to be diligent making additional study time in order to complete homework outside of their daily schedule. While Encounter prepares students for ministerial licensing within the Foursquare denomination, graduating from a school of Discipleship does not necessarily qualify a student for licensing. Licensing within the Foursquare denomination is facilitated by district offices. Each accredited class is optional for the Encounter student. Once the Life Pacific College application has been filled out, and the tuition paid, students can take one or two classes. Visit www.encounterhimfirst.com for a list of accredited classes that we offer through LPC.
Weekly Schedule
Encounter students have a rigorous schedule, filled with programmed events as well as many other unscheduled opportunities to learn and serve. Students are expected to use their time wisely, ensuring that each commitment is fulfilled with excellence, while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This is a fast-paced training resulting in tremendous growth in students’ lives! Notes regarding the schedule: • Participation in each of our church’s weekend services is an important part of the Encounter experience. • Evenings and weekends are typically filled with things to do—some mandatory. Due to scheduled Encounter events, students are expected to communicate the weekends needed off to their employer. When no Encounter events are planned for the weekend, students are required to take care of all mandatory responsibilities during the weekend (including homework) before time is taken with friends or for other personal activities. For a sample schedule, please visit www.encounterhimfirst.com and select the Calendar/Schedule tab.
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Encounter Guidelines and Policies Encounter is an intense leadership development program. We have intentionally designed guidelines for Encounter to help keep students focused on their growth as maturing ministry leaders, and to develop patterns that may serve them well in the years to come. All Encounter guidelines and policies are in effect during the entirety of program, including weekends, scheduled breaks, and times of travel. 1. Romantic Relationships Encounter students must abstain from all romantic relationships for the extent of the full program, whether that is a year program or two year program. Romantic relationships, while not necessarily negative, often demand much personal and group attention. By “fasting” from these relationships, it allows students to focus their attention more fully on the Lord. It also allows for close, unhindered friendships to be established by all members of the Encounter community. To protect your environment so natural feelings for others of the opposite sex don’t quickly begin, one guy and one girl alone together is prohibited. This means you cannot be left alone in a room together, you cannot specifically walk off together to a private area, and you cannot drive to or be at public places one-on-one together. If Encounter leaders sense a relationship beginning or feelings developing for another person, we will address the situation individually applying rules to protect all Encounter students from losing their Encounter community experience. If an Encounter student senses another student is beginning romantic interest in someone, and beginning to act out this interest, they are required to approach this student and share their concerns. After this first conversation, if the interest is still evident, the individual has permission to approach a leader with the information. Conversations about kissing, stories of past romantic relationships, sharing personal feelings, or emotions will not be shared with the opposite sex. There is no ministry/praying alone with the opposite sex. This opens up doors of vulnerability and leads to an unsafe emotional connectedness with the opposite sex. 2. Punctuality and Attendance Part of our credibility as leaders has to do with being where we’re supposed to be, when we’re supposed to be there! When we are late, we not only miss opportunities to serve, but we show a disregard for those who are waiting for us. Because of this reality, we emphasize punctuality in Encounter. Students must ensure that they are on time or early to each Encounter assignment or other scheduled appointments. Encounter Student Handbook 12
Notes regarding punctuality and attendance: • Being late for classes, lunch, outreaches, and prayer room will not be tolerated. Tardiness will be managed through our Ding system (see page 19). • When emergencies arise, students must contact the Encounter staff along with others who may be affected by their tardiness or absence—Leaders, teachers, departmental directors, etc. Make sure to contact these people as soon as the emergency arises. • Schedule non-emergency appointments (doctor’s visits, haircuts, etc.) on Mondays or other “off times.” • Any planned absences must be cleared in advance with Encounter staff. Please plan family trips or vacation times (other than brief weekend times together) during scheduled breaks only. Also, check with Encounter staff regarding the break schedule prior to booking any travel tickets. • Excessive tardiness and attendance issues that do not change with the Ding system will result in suspension of the program.
3. Physical Fitness Exercise is very important for health and well being. Students are responsible for finding time set aside for exercise each week. Encounter plans at least one organized group work out a week. All other days must be planned individually by the student. 4. Use of Time on Church Campus Encounter students do not have much “down time” while on the church campus. While this is true, there certainly will be times when students will find themselves in-between assignments, wondering what to do. These “in-between times” need to be filled with productive activity (remember that you are a leader, serving the Lord and other people with your time). You are responsible to always have a plan of what to do when in-between assignments. You may choose to read the Bible, journal, memorize Scripture, pray, complete homework assignments, read books or articles related to your courses, or work on organizing or cleaning an office. Students may not access social networking websites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) during Encounter hours. Students are to limit their use of cell phones during Encounter hours and are to turn them in to their respective house leaders daily. Students may not play video or computer games while on the church campus. 5. Movies/Entertainment and Visiting Home Movies/ Entertainment - During the first year of Encounter, students are required to fast all forms of media for purposes of entertainment (i.e. secular music, TV, movies, video games, etc.); with the exception of Encounter planned events and breaks. Second year students are expected to use sound judgment and spiritual maturity when choosing movies and TV programming they watch and the music to which they listen. Students may not watch or listen to morally objectionable programming at any time. Visiting Home – To encourage and enhance friendships with other students we ask that you limit your time at home. Special events such as weddings, funerals, or emergencies Encounter Student Handbook 13
need to be communicated well in advance. Students are allowed to visit their family on their days off with the following guidelines: 1) The visit is only for a lunch or a dinner or an activity; 2) Students going home are not playing video games or watching TV/ movies. This will help each student not get tempted in the area’s they are seeking healing in or in the areas they are setting apart in order to grow closer to Christ.
6. Curfew Monday-Saturday nights, curfew is 10:00 PM for students. Sunday nights and Friday nights, curfew is midnight. The reason for a curfew is to remind students that they need to prioritize their relationships, homework, and rest. On most evenings, students should be at home at the conclusion of Encounter scheduled activities. Any adjustments to the curfew must be cleared in advance by House Leaders—do not call at curfew for an extension except in an emergency. Adjusted curfew times should not be needed on a regular basis. Curfew is edited for Encounter program directed activities. On scheduled days off, Encounter is not responsible for monitoring where each student goes off campus. Students are required to follow guidelines regarding prohibited activities (#9) and remember they represent Christ, Encounter, and Newlife Community Church wherever they go. 7. Outside Employment Due to the nature of the program, outside employment is discouraged for the first semester of program. Students will be immersed in a new environment as well as have a heavy work load (between classes, services, and outreaches), therefore, any outside employment could potentially hinder their experience. We want all students to get the most out of this program in order to set a foundation for the rest of their lives. Any outside activities could overwhelm and distract the student. However, if you already have a part-time job, prior to joining the program, or due to finances you need a job in order to make your Encounter monthly payments, we will allow this if it does not interfere with the main functions of the Discipleship program. This will be approved on a case by case basis and must be approved prior to the start of Encounter. 8. Cars and Transportation All transportation to and from the daily Encounter program is provided for. Each student should plan to provide for their own transportation and auto insurance for any activities outside of Encounter. Students must follow all laws when driving. Seatbelts must be worn by all occupants of moving vehicles. Students must maintain a valid driver’s license and auto insurance policy for the entirety of the Encounter program. Proof of Insurance is required. Students’ vehicles will be properly maintained and cleaned. Car repairs are the responsibility of each individual student. Encounter Student Handbook 14
9. Prohibited Activities Encounter students will abstain from all immoral, illegal and unethical activities. This includes lying, hazing, and the use of inappropriate, foul, racist, or objectionable language or communication in any form. The consumption of alcoholic beverages during the entire Encounter program and the use of tobacco products is prohibited. All vapes are prohibited.
10. Prayer Room Conduct Encounter students must abide by all prayer room guidelines as set forth in the prayer room pamphlet: • Please sit in the front section of the prayer room, one person per row. Sitting on the stage is prohibited. • No sleeping in prayer room (resting head on knees/ chair/ or wall). You are allowed to “Face plant” (taught in Level 1 Discipleship), however, this is limited to less than 5 min. • No eating or drinking (except for drinks contained within a bottle) • One 5 min break to leave the Prayer Room per hour is allowed. • No working on homework is allowed during morning prayer sets. On Friday nights, homework is allowed during 10-11pm Devotional set. Homework is not allowed during Friday night Intercession or Worship with the Word sets. As a student of Encounter, there is a natural heightened leadership, honor, and respect that is expected from each student. Because of this, all corporate intercession, rapid fire prayer, and anything that is requested for the congregation to participate in, Encounter students are expected to lead and initiate. 11. Sunday Morning Services Sunday morning is a workday; therefore, students will attend one Sunday morning service and serve or attend Discipleship classes during the other service. 12. Cell Phone Policy First year students, all cell phones must be turned in daily to house leaders. Students may use their phones for 30 minutes each night when house leaders designate, with exception to Saturdays and Mondays (phones must be turned in by 10 pm Monday night). There are also no headphones with music allowed during program hours. This includes at south campus. The purpose of living together is to engage together, not to isolate and tune out with music in your ears. Headphones are only allowed on your 2 days off, Saturday and Monday. Second year students are allowed to bring their cell phones with them throughout their day, however, it will be taken away if the following is abused: • Using your phone during Prayer Room hours. Encounter Student Handbook 15
• Excessively checking your phone throughout the day, disengaging in conversation with other students (South Campus and North Campus). • Referencing your phone regularly during class time or church service time.
Guidelines for Dress Students are ministry leaders representing the Lord, Encounter, and our church. For this reason, basic guidelines have been established for Encounter attire. We ask that students dress in a way that brings honor to the Lord. Students are also to refrain from getting any new piercings or tattoos during Encounter. Women • Women’s skirt lengths (including slits) should not be shorter than your hands down, finger tip length. • • • •
No spaghetti straps, halter tops, racer-back, tight t-shirts or short-cropped tops (tank tops may be worn as long as straps are at least 1 ½ inches. Bra straps may NOT be exposed.) T-shirts or tank-tops must be worn beneath other shirts that are low cut and/or that expose one’s back when bending over. For classes and weekday ministry: jeans, shorts, t-shirts and sweatshirts may be worn, as long as they are not overly tight or overly frayed (no holes in jeans). Shorts must be no higher than the length of your hand. For weekend ministry and other services: please see your ministry leader or Encounter Director for specifics. Various assignments may require a higher level of dress. Pajama pants or sweatpants are not permitted. This includes workout/yoga pants. Swimming attire must be covered with shorts and a shirt.
• • Men • T-shirts or tank-tops must be worn beneath other shirts that expose one’s back when bending over. • For classes and weekday ministry: jeans, shorts, t-shirts and sweatshirts may be worn, as long as they are not overly tight or overly frayed. • For weekend ministry and other services: please see your ministry leader or Encounter Director for specifics. Various assignments may require a higher level of dress. • Pajama pants or sweatpants are not permitted. ***When in doubt, ask a leader.
Cleaning and Chore Guidelines:
Monday – is your personal cleaning space day. At any point, after noon on Monday, your room will be checked by our campus overseer. All trash must be emptied from your room, your bed made, no large dirty laundry piles, and no clutter out of place Encounter Student Handbook 16
(including dirty dishes). You do not need to be present for the room check, simply ensure it is clean before noon. Tuesday – is when the cleaning of the South Campus community area takes place. This includes sweeping, vacuuming, and “deep” cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen. This is typically a simple 30 minute project. House Leaders will also assign a few students an area of ownership such as washing bathroom hand towels and ensuring clean fresh ones are re-placed, and assigning someone who keeps an inventory of cleaning supplies. The more you keep your personal space, and other community areas of the dorm you use, clean at all times, the less deep cleaning you will need to do on Monday/Tuesday. Your bed must be made before you depart, each day. Bathrooms/kitchenette are to be maintained clean and wiped down at all times. South Campus kitchen guidelines – • Dishes will be washed and then put away back in the cupboards. No dishes will be left in the sink. • OR Dishes are washed and then air-dry BUT they are put away in the cupboards within 24 hours. • There should be NO dishes left on the tall baker’s rack (near the sink) or left on the counter tops. If Helping Hands is doing this, please keep leadership updated so I can speak with them. Laundry room – In order to pay for repairs or replacements of our washer and dryer, we are charging $1 per load. Please always have spare $1 bills in your room so you can pay the day you use it. “I owe you’s” or simply planning on paying later will not be allowed. Please sign up the time slot that you would like to do your laundry by writing your name and blocking out a time on the communication board in the laundry room. Do not leave clothing in the washing machine, dryer, or laying around the laundry area or house. Put clean clothes away immediately.
Environment expectations:
All students will be expected to respect our environment and learn ways to conserve waste, water and electricity. If warnings are issued with no changes, dings will be issued for the following: • Showers – students have 5 minutes to take a shower. For those who need longer than 5 minutes, it will be expected that you turn the shower off in order to lather up your body with soap, soap up or condition your hair, shave your face/legs, etc, then to turn the shower back on to rinse off. • Paper towels in the bathroom – In order to reduce waste, all bathrooms should have hand towels placed on hooks near the sink to dry your hands. Paper towel units Encounter Student Handbook 17
mounted on the bathroom walls are not for drying your hands. They should only be used to clean up spills, or dry counter tops, etc.
Meals
Program tuition includes 2 meals a day (lunch and dinner) prepared by a cook (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday); Sunday, lunch is provided as an option. Remaining meals on days off, Saturday and Monday, must be provided by the student. NOTE: Due to Newlife Community Church’s weekly Food Ministry program to Pomona, students have permission to select food brought in for this ministry which will lower personal food costs for each student, however food chosen must be approved first by the head cook as released to be taken home to South Campus.
Corrective Action
The Ding System: Dings are a form of correctional input, given for not following Encounter guidelines. When you achieve 3 dings, it represents 3-6 hours (based upon leaders discretion) that the student will serve at the church or at South Campus. Ding recipients will report to a designated staff member who will direct the student to assignments needing completion around the church or at South Campus. Students will need to bring a sack lunch to be eaten when they are serving past noon. Dings may be awarded for any infraction including, but not limited to, the following: • Tardiness • Homework not turned in on time • Consistent attitude issue • Inappropriate language and/or talk • Any Handbook Policy infraction Housing Probation: Housing probation results when a student is dinged repeatedly for the same infraction and does not change his or her actions. During housing probation, students must forgo all personal or optional activities, and stay at the South Campus. This corrective action should serve to help provide a student with extra time to re-prioritize his or her schedule and activities. Housing probation may only be given two times for the same kind of violation. If the same kind of violation happens a third time, a student will be suspended from Encounter, usually for three to five days. During a suspension, students will have various appointments scheduled for them with church leaders. Any suspension from Encounter automatically triggers communication both to the student’s parents and to the student’s home-church pastor. Following a suspension, should a student again engage in the same kind of violation, the student will be dismissed from Encounter.
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Dismissal Policy It is always the goal of Encounter staff to seek restoration with students whenever Encounter policies or guidelines have been violated. Corrective actions, short of dismissals are always considered in order to bring about restoration. If, however, corrective actions have not helped a student to keep from repeating violations, or if the violation was significant, dismissal from Encounter could become necessary. Dismissal could result in the loss of a significant portion of a student’s tuition (see “Encounter Finances” for further information).
Attitude
If a student has any questions or concerns with Encounter regarding a class, concerns about tuition, questions on how the program runs, Encounter guidelines thus state that the student is to immediately go to Encounter staff or a house leader with all questions or concerns. There will be no complaining or creating discussion about your concern to any student. Stirring up questions/concerns to students, therefore creating disunity and confusion amongst the student community, will not be tolerated. Encounter has an open door policy. All staff, all dorm leaders, all teachers, all pastors are always available for any questions or concerns a student may have.
Encounter Medical Policy 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Students are responsible for their own health insurance while they are in Encounter. Proof of Insurance is required with emergency contact information. Encounter is not responsible for providing cold/flu medicine and basic pain killers to assist in headaches and the common cold. Should an injury occur on church grounds or while traveling in a church owned vehicle, students are covered by general church liability and vehicle insurance. If a student has any medical problem or chronic condition, it is strongly suggested that they be under the care of a local doctor. Please indicate any chronic conditions when applying for Encounter. All major dental work must be completed before entrance into Encounter. While in Encounter, all non-emergency medical or dental appointments should be scheduled during the student’s free time. Before coming to Encounter, students should discuss with their parents/guardians the way they should be prepared to handle emergencies or sickness requiring a doctor’s care. Here is a brief list of local walk-in emergency clinics:
Central Urgent Medical Care 8891 Central Avenue, Montclair, CA 91763, (909) 297-3361 Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center 1798 North Garey Avenue, Pomona, CA 91767, (909) 865-9500
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Encounter Finances
Fee Tuition
Description Amount Included in this fee is Pay by Semester: everything related to $3700/ or $7400 a student’s a year participation in Encounter: all room OR and board, classes, course materials, Pay entire Year books, retreats, and upfront: $6900 administrative (save $500 instead of support. paying only by semester).
The heart of Encounter is that young adults invest in one year of their life seeking the Lord for personal healing, direction, and life purpose, so they can be effective at whatever it is the Lord has called them to do. Because of this, we have tried to make the program as affordable as possible. We want to work with each student wherever their personal financial situation is. The following payment plan is the standard, however, with a simple email or phone call, we will adjust to a payment plan that is right for you. Payment Plan - Our standard payment plan is as follows: • $1500 minimum deposit is due in the Encounter office on Orientation day. • The remaining balance will be divided into 4, 8, 12, or 18 monthly payments. Please email your requested number of monthly payments that would work best with you financially. These payments are due in the Encounter office on the first business week of the month, beginning in September for Fall (Or February, if you start in the Spring). If a payment is missed, without any communication or partnership with the administrative office in advance, the student will be suspended from the program until the payment is made. Students are responsible for all work missed due to suspension. Checks should be made payable to “Encounter School of Discipleship.” Payment is also possible via credit card but requires a 2% processing fee. Suspension - The $1500 down payment (or a personally approved edited down payment) is due to the Encounter office on Orientation day. If payment is not received within the first 2 weeks of the program commencing, students will be suspended from attending the program. Encounter Student Handbook 20
After the 2 weeks, if the agreed upon down payment has still not been paid in full, the student will be asked to move out of the dorm facilities. Encounter will always apply wisdom and grace to circumstances and situations that arise with individuals. Thank you for understanding that as a ministry training school, we need to pay our trainers and administrators, and we need to purchase educational materials, supplies, and food for the training program to run successfully. Refunds - A partial refund may be granted should a student not complete the full semester. During the initial four weeks, a refund of 80% of paid tuition will be given. Up until the seventh week, the refund will be 50% of paid tuition. After the seventh week, there will be no refunds granted. A written request for the refund is also required. Please be financially prepared for the following extra finances: • Laundry money $1 per load. • Food on Encounter days off (Saturday, Sunday, Monday).
Financial comparison
In southern California, for those who have rented or purchased property, we know that we live in one of the most expensive locations in the United States. According to scholarships.com, the average cost nationally, for room and board only, averages $7500 - $9000 a year. As a comparison to Encounter, with the total annual tuition of $6900, one can see that our goal is to make Encounter as affordable as possible. Our $6900 annual rate not only includes room and board, but also includes all classes, books needed, camp and conference cost, retreats, transportation, teacher salary’s, etc. For an example, other discipleship programs we have connected with, for full tuition and room/board, charge $5000 for only a 6 month program.
Fundraising for Encounter
One of the ways we keep our annual cost down, for the Encounter student, is by having them participate in two fundraisers a year. We work with a Christian company called Event Force which opens up fundraising opportunities to Christian schools. Students come from all around the United States to serve for 3-4 days in a conference environment where they can connect with other like-minded students from different states, work hard together, have fun, and collectively earn money towards their school. Typically, these fundraisers take place in beautiful San Diego. We provide all housing and food costs during this fundraiser. Note to Parents: The income earned from this event is already figured into the cost of tuition. If you desire for your son/daughter not to participate in this fundraiser, please add an additional $500 (1 event missed) or $1,000 (2 events missed) to the total cost of his/her tuition, and adjust the pay schedule accordingly.
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Encounter Staff
Craig Lawrence | Founder
[email protected] Craig is the Senior Pastor of Newlife Community Church. His heart burns for the emerging leaders of this generation. Craig is the main visionary behind the Encounter School of Discipleship and has been developing young leaders over the past 20 years.
Heather Hetzendorfer | Director
[email protected] Heather serves as the Director of Encounter School of Discipleship and serves as Pastor Craig’s assistant, including staff leadership/development. Her heart is to see all people rise to their fullest potential, leadership giftings, and spiritual giftings. She enjoys seeing each student leave Encounter strengthened, healed, filled with purpose and direction in Christ!
Billy Doray, PHD | Professor
[email protected] Billy received a Masters of Divinity from Azusa Pacific University and is currently pursuing his doctorate from Regent University. He is the Executive Pastor at Newlife and is the developer and teacher of Newlife’s discipleship program. Billy teaches the Newlife Discipleship Classes for Encounter.
Contact Information Feel free to contact our Encounter staff at any time. We’re here to serve you! Web-site Addresses: Encounter: www.encounterhimfirst.com Newlife: www.newlifepomona.com Mailing Address: Encounter School of Discipleship 275 E. Foothill Blvd Pomona, CA 91767 Phone Numbers: (909) 206-2196 Encounter Office Number Email Address:
[email protected] Encounter Student Handbook 22
