At OE we desire to establish an environment in which students grow in character and learn to protect and maintain that growth. Our Personal Development Program is what holds everything else together, and is based on our staff being available and engaged in the lives of our students. The Bible states, “If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal.”  (1 Corinthians 13.1, NLT) At OE you’ll experience an environment where you are valued and invested in as an individual in a family atmosphere. You’ll be challenged to grow as a Christian by our staff and make friends with other believers in our small discussion groups. You’ll experience a vibrant online community as well, where ideas are shared and discussed with your fellow students.

In our Core Objective of Personal Development, we have a program which emphasizes individual growth, and growth through fellowship with other believers. We accomplish this practically through a four-point mentorship model; Servanthood, Discussion Groups, Spiritual Logs, and Church Attendance.

Servanthood

“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave. For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."       
Matthew 20.26-28 NLT

Jesus came as a servant. To be a Christian leader is to be a servant. Therefore, to help our students develop habits of service, they will be asked to serve in various ministries and perform community service projects. Areas of service will vary by individual, but can include leading worship or serving in various church ministries to learn practical ministry skills through participation and observation. OE staff will work with the students to match their areas of interests with the appropriate ministry opportunity.

Discussion Group Studies

“Without wise leadership, a nation falls; with many counselors, there is safety.”           
Proverbs 11.14 NLT

“Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.”           
Proverbs 12.15 NLT

Discussion group is a great time for students to share who they are and what they are learning. Groups will have the opportunity to interact on a variety of subjects, ranging from the content of their classes to ministry and worldview issues. These weekly guided discussions will be moderated by OE staff and will give students a chance to get to know their peers, to learn from each other and to pray together.

Spiritual Logs

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”        
James 1.5, NKJV

“When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow.”  
Romans 12.15 NLT

“As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.”  
Proverbs 27.17

A balanced Christian walk includes self-examination and accountability. The spiritual log is our way for students to confidentially share with OE staff what’s happening in their lives, to share the highlights and request counsel and prayer. These logs will serve as a weekly ‘journal’ and also track their church attendance and practical ministry training times for accountability.

Church Attendance

“Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.”         
Hebrews 10.23-25 NLT

Regular church attendance is a critical part of our walk with the Lord. Bible study, corporate worship and fellowship in a church community are fundamental principles of the Christian faith. Therefore church attendance at one of our weekend services will be mandatory. We strongly encourage attendance at our Wednesday night bible study as well.

Personal Development Activities:
Servanthood
Small Groups
Spiritual Logs
Worship Services