As part of its mission as a Christian school to encourage Christlikeness in the lives of its students, the Academy provides ministry opportunities to encourage students to be involved in the Greenville community and serve others as a means of sharing the Gospel.
Christmas Giving Chapel (ES)
Each Christmas, elementary students are encouraged to forego the traditional classroom gift exchanges and instead focus on how they can be a blessing to children in need. Students put gifts of school supplies, toys and books under a Christmas tree at a special “Giving Chapel,” and their gifts are distributed to a ministry or group of students in need.
Festival of Trees (ES)
Students put their artistic abilities to work in preparing decorations for trees at the annual Festival of Trees events in downtown Greenville and at Baptist Easley Hospital. The design theme attempts to direct viewers to the true meaning of Christmas.
Grade-Level Community Service Projects (ES)
Students unite across grade levels in learning to be a blessing to others through local community service projects. Throughout the year teachers and students work together on a variety of projects—from beautifying parks to assembling toys for the humane society. While some students pack encouragement packages for the children on the pediatric oncology floor at a local hospital, other students design “get well” cards for children their age who visit the emergency room. Each November students participate in a letter-writing campaign to let veterans know how much they are appreciated. In addition, a number of chapel times are set aside each semester to honor those serving our community in elected offices and churches and as first responders.
Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive (ES)
Each Thanksgiving, elementary classes join forces to supply food products for local families in need. Nonperishable food items are collected by elementary students and then delivered to these families by ministry class students at Bob Jones University.
Miracle Hill Food Drive (MS)
For over 30 years, middle school students have engaged in an annual food drive to collect grocery items for Miracle Hill Children’s Home. As a result of this homeroom competition, the Academy has donated over 400,000 pounds of items to Miracle Hill Ministries.
Nursing Home Ministry (MS)
On Wednesday afternoons students can minister at an assisted living facility. A brief service includes a devotional by a teacher or student, special music, and visiting with residents.
New York Mission Trip (HS)
Every spring, BJA sends a mission team to New York City to minister in weeklong evangelistic outreaches with local churches. After working to pay and prepare for the trip, the team tours, ministers with special music and children’s church during special meetings, hosts children’s clubs, and reaches out evangelistically on the streets and subways of the city. More.
Camp Spearhead Work Days (HS)
Student Body leaders sponsor a semiannual workday at Camp Spearhead, a special needs camp near Greenville. Students help with various camp projects and provide special activities for the campers.
Greenville Rescue Mission Ministry (HS)
Students have occasional opportunities to be involved in chapel services for residents at the Greenville Rescue Mission.
Shepherd’s Gate Women’s Shelter Paper Drive (HS)
Each year the student body collects paper products for the Shepherd’s Gate women’s shelter. The napkins, tissues, toilet tissue and paper towels meet the shelter’s needs for up to a year.