Hello ,

 

 

As associate Dean of Students at Trinity International University, it is Matthew Perrault's job to help his students grow closer to Jesus. It's also his job to discipline those students who fall short of the University's moral guidelines. Amazingly, Perrault has come up with a system that allows him to accomplish both at the same time.

 

"No one is expected to come to Trinity perfect," he says, "but in the past, there has been a misconception that you cannot be open about your struggles, or you'll get into trouble. For example, a student who entered Trinity and tried to quit smoking at the same time might try really hard, then fail and be in violation of our community expectations. This left many students feeling scared, guilty, and alienated from the very community they needed to help them."

 

In the fall of 2003, Perrault and the Student Development staff officially included the "Restoration Program" in the Student Handbook. If a student has broken community expectations or has a behavioral pattern that is in violation of Scripture, the student can approach any staff or faculty member and ask to enter into the program. The new policy states that, rather than facing normal disciplinary procedures, the student will work with Student Development to determine the relationships and accountability measures that they need to face the problem. As part of the program, the student will enter into an intentional mentoring relationship for a set period of time.

 

Perrault has noticed a shift in students' attitudes about discipline in response to the program. Increasingly over recent years, instead of trying to hide their struggles, students trust the dean's office as a safe place. "What a humbling privilege it is to be entrusted with these fragile lives and their desire to grow in Christ," he says. "Through this process, they're committing to us, but we're also committing to them.

 

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

 

God doesn't throw us away when we blow it, fail, or fall into old sinful habits.  He doesn't sit on His throne with His divine finger on the "ZAP" button just waiting for us to step out of line.  He wants us to know that He has invested all of heaven's resources into forgiving us, and cleansing us from all unrighteousness...even when we struggle!

 

Have a great day and God bless!

 

 

 

Pastor Mike / The Open Word