Spiritual Formation & Discipleship

Introduction to Spiritual Formation & Discipleship

“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.”
Colossians 2:7

Our heart for our students’ spiritual formation is to see them come to a greater knowledge of their Creator as they discover the majesty and glory of God and identify the ways that He has uniquely gifted each one of them. As our students recognize their gifts and passions, we hope to introduce them to ways they can impact others for Christ.

At NRCA, students will encounter Scriptural truths not only through their weekly Chapel but also in their academics, athletics, fine arts, and events. We foster intentional discussions with our students in kindergarten through 12th grade that help them engage the topics of their culture with the truth of the Scriptures.

Throughout all aspects of spiritual formation, we work to help establish discipleship rhythms in our students’ lives that allow their roots to grow deep so that they will reflect Christ to their community. We want to cultivate hearts dedicated to the love of God and the love of neighbor on campus, in the community, and throughout the world.

NRCA partners with our local churches in our desire to make evident the value of being engaged in a local community of believers while also providing opportunities for our students to serve alongside them. To that end, we actively encourage our students to participate in student ministry, mission trips, community service, and other activities with their local church as their first-choice options for growing and serving.

In addition to our school-based discipleship strategy, NRCA partners with families, particularly parents, as they are the primary disciplers of their children, by creating resources to help them navigate the ups and downs of life in this cultural moment.

Our hope in all that we do is for our students to recognize the identity and calling that God has placed on their lives and to continue to seek to know Him and make Him known well beyond their time at NRCA.

Rooted Resources

Our heart at NRCA is for our students and families to constantly be engaged with the truth of God’s Word. To that end, we provide a library of resources for parents and students on topics dominating discussion in our world. The foundation of these resources pushes against the current cultural moment of the infinite number of voices we are inundated with, not only students, but adults as well.

1996 - The Journey Begins

In May of 1996, Christian families and pastors from the Raleigh community approached Dr. Sherrill about starting a community Christian school that had a vision to minister to the whole body of Christ. Several area businessmen, parents, and local pastors encouraged Dr. Sherrill and his wife, Debbie, to prayerfully consider establishing a non-denominational Christian school. Two key businessmen leading were Danny Cox and Bruce Battle. Pastor Shannon Scott, Danny Cox’s pastor, allowed them to meet with their deacons and have a church vote to host a Christian school within a matter of a week. Dr. Sherrill, who founded NRCA, presented the vision of being a lighthouse of Kingdom Education for North Raleigh. There was immediate and overwhelming support throughout the community. On June 10, 1996, NRCA had its first registration night with almost 900 in attendance and registered 279 students. In three short months, God opened the school’s doors on September 3, 1996, housed at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, with an enrollment of 401 students K4 through 12th grade and a staff of 28. NRCA will forever be indebted to Pastor Shannon Scott and the Mt. Vernon congregation for opening their doors and being the birthplace of NRCA. Area pastors Mike Garrett (Crossroads Fellowship), Ron Rowe (Bay Leaf), David Horner (Providence), and Kevin Sweat (Providence) were instrumental through their prayers and support. There were countless stories of God’s provision and guidance during this first year!
1998 - Second Location

Growing by another 100 students for its second year of operation, the school was out of space. In 1998, Dwayne Milioni, Pastor of Open Door Baptist Church, welcomed NRCA to its second campus, Kindergarten-6th grade. Between the two locations, the enrollment was over 600. In 1999, with enrollment at 777, the school purchased 30 acres of land on Perry Creek Road with its availability and full payment, both miracles of God.
2000 - Capital Campaign

In 2000, we began a capital campaign to raise $5.8 million. This was very exciting because enrollment was full at both campuses with 850 students. On November 16, a Victory Rally with over 1,000 in attendance was held at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with Christian artist Phil Driscoll to celebrate the generosity of many parents, grandparents, and friends who had given and continued to give to this ministry. Over $3 million was pledged at this one event.
2001 - Site Plans Developed

In 2001, a master site plan for Perry Creek was developed by Design Development that proposed five phases over twenty years. The first phase was a high school campus with ball fields and parking. Over time with additional phases, the elementary and middle school could move to the new campus. The day we received the architect’s master site plan, a foundation contacted us and stepped forward with a gift of $30,000,000. This made it possible to build the entire master site plan so all our students, Kindergarten-12th grade, could move to the Perry Creek campus.
2002 - Perry Creek Opens

In 2002, the Perry Creek campus opened with 1,150 students. Over the next few years, three additional purchases of property adjacent to the Perry Creek campus increased our site to almost 40 acres (4.99 acres in 2005, 2.74 acres in 2006, 1.05 acres in 2008).
2006 - Band Room

In 2006, a much-needed band room expansion was completed to accommodate a growing band program and marching band.
2007 - Football Practice Field

In 2007, the football practice field with storage facilities was completed, and restrooms were added to the baseball field house.
2009 - Alumni Memorial Garden

In 2009, the Alumni Memorial Garden was created to honor staff, alumni, coaches, and board members.
2010 - The Next Step

In 2010, a $9 million expansion project added a three-story academic building, elementary gymnasium, and soccer park. The Next Step Capital Campaign was launched. Over $4 million was donated, and the balance was paid in full in 32 months, another God story. This expansion made an enrollment of 1,500 possible.
2011 - International Student Program

NRCA began an International Student Program. The school also had the opportunity to purchase 20 acres next door with the passing of our neighbor, Mr. Leslie Stell. The price was at tax value, an unexpected and miraculous gift, because of Mr. and Mrs. Stell’s love for our ministry. This was also our first year of the annual Boosterthon. In addition, NRCA began a wrestling program.
2012 - Little Knights Preschool

In 2012, NRCA added its Little Knights Preschool for four- and five-year-olds who plan to transition into kindergarten the next year.
2013 - Storage Facilities

In 2013, NRCA built two storage facilities between the baseball and softball fields to house equipment for athletics, marching band, fine arts, and maintenance.
2014 - 1:1 iPad Program

In 2014, NRCA began its 1:1 iPad program in kindergarten–12th grade. NRCAplus Virtual Academy was added to the academic program which made it possible for students to take courses online through Sevenstar. This expanded course offerings beyond NRCA’s college preparatory program.
2015 - Dual-Enrollment Program

In 2015, we began our junior varsity lacrosse program. The Alumni Memorial Garden was relocated to its permanent home. We also began a dual-enrollment program with the fully accredited Southeastern College in Wake Forest. High school students can enroll in select courses taken under the teaching of our staff and receive college credit.
2016 - Lacrosse Program

In 2016, after fielding a club lacrosse team the previous school year, NRCA officially launched a varsity boys lacrosse program.
2017 - Fitness Center

In 2017, the new state-of-the-art fitness center was opened for our student athletes. The previous fitness center was also renovated, giving NRCA two excellent facilities.
2018 - Dr. Sherrill, founder retires

After seeking the Lord’s guidance and wisdom, Dr. Sherrill made the decision to officially retire in 2018, and Dr. Kevin Mathes was appointed as interim superintendent for the 2018–2019 school year.
2019 - Dr. Mathes named Superintendent

Dr. Mathes officially became the new superintendent of NRCA in the fall of 2019 and launched anew tradition of choosinga biblical virtue each year to highlight as a schoolwide theme. Kindness was the inaugural theme. Spring of 2020marked the official start of the COVID-19 global pandemic. NRCA was one of the few schools in the country to hold a safe, socially distanced, in-person outdoor graduation.
2020 - NRCA launches Flexible Education

With continued uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, NRCA launched Flexible Education providing the best educational experience possible, both on-campus and virtually, as we celebrated 25 years of ministry throughout the school year.
2021 – High School Principal Mr. Danny Watkins retires

In the fall of 2021, NRCA returned to full in-person instruction on campus and resumed field trips. Beloved principal and founding team member Mr. Danny O. Watkins announced that he would retire after completing his 26th year of service at the helm of NRCA’s high school division.
2022 - STEM programs grow

NRCA’s STEM programs experienced significant growth as robotics students swept the podium at the inaugural North Carolina ACSI STEM competition, won their first FIRST® Robotics Competition, and qualified for states in the FIRST® Lego® League Challenge. The robotics programreceived NASA Program Growth grants, implemented a cross-divisional energy education plan, and increased corporate and educational partnerships.

Discipleship

Chapel Overview

One of our weekly rhythms features a time when students come together to worship alongside each other through singing and time in the Word.

In middle and high school, Chapel worship is student-led by a Chapel praise band of their peers. Our time worshipping in song creates a space for our students not only to worship their Creator but to do so in community with one another.

Chapel speakers are primarily student ministry staff or senior pastors from local churches. While we do occasionally have guest speakers from outside our community, we recognize that gifted teachers from our area are uniquely familiar with the specific culture our students navigate.

We recognize that our students are surrounded by cultural voices taking aim at their hearts and seeking to impact their worldview, so our time in Chapel together aims to speak the truth of the Scriptures into those conversations. Our hope is that the truths shared in Chapel will foster in our students a heart for loving God and loving their neighbor.

Additional information about our Chapel themes and speakers is available on our Chapel webpage.

NRCA Chapel

Missions Overview

Our desire is to foster a love of neighbor in the hearts of our students. NRCA's mission trip requirement provides our students an opportunity to expand their worldview while living out the calling that God has given to each of us through the Great Commission.

While we recognize that students are able to share the hope of the gospel within the context of their local community, we also want them to have the opportunity to experience different cultures and environments where they are able to share the truth about Jesus with others. To accomplish this goal, we require all NRCA high school students to participate in a mission trip that lasts at least three days with eight hours of service per day in partnership with a missions organization at least 100 miles from NRCA’s campus.

Our first preference is for students to serve alongside the local church, but we understand that sometimes extenuating circumstances prevent this ideal option. We also understand that some students want to serve on more than one mission trip during their time in high school. As a result, NRCA offers both school-led and independent options that meet the mission trip requirement for graduation and allow mission-minded students additional opportunities to serve.

Please visit our Missions webpage for a full explanation of high school missions opportunities and requirements.

Missions

Community Service Overview

Carrying the gospel message outside the local area is at the heart of missions, and serving the needs of people and organizations in the Triangle area for the sake of the gospel is the goal of community service.

We require 25 hours of service for every year of high school that a student attends NRCA. Students must complete community service hours in the local community (within 100 miles of NRCA’s campus) and earn at least half of their required hours off-campus.

We are blessed to partner with several community ministries that significantly impact our local area. A detailed list of community service partners and information about NRCA-based community service opportunities appears on our Community Service webpage.

Community Service

Student Leadership Academy Overview

NRCA is blessed with many students gifted with incredible leadership abilities. In keeping with our goal of helping students discover their strengths in serving and find opportunities to nurture their talents, we established the Student Leadership Academy (SLA) as our student leadership development program.

High school students apply for the program each year, selecting to serve on one to five teams based on their gifting and interests. These teams serve NRCA and the local community throughout the year. At monthly SLA meetings, students hear from a variety of leadership speakers. SLA members also attend a leadership conference during the school year.

Middle school students are asked to serve on our Middle School Student Leadership Academy after being recommended by NRCA teachers and staff members. Similarly to High School SLA, our middle school students serve at various events throughout the year and meet monthly for training in student leadership.

For a deep dive into NRCA’s leadership development projects and teams, visit the Student Leadership Academy webpage.

Student Leadership Academy

Discipleship is the relational component of spiritual formation. Gathering in community fosters an environment of connection between people. Our discipleship rhythms enable students, staff, and families to connect to encourage one another in the journey to know Jesus and make Him known.

Campus Life Events & Activities

NRCA Community Events

We want our students and families to have time and space to cultivate relationships with each other. To that end, we offer numerous opportunities during the school year for gathering students, staff, and families together for moments of fun and celebration.

Below are a few highlights of our annual traditions. You can find dates and times and other information on the school calendar and in the weekly News Blast.

1996 - The Journey Begins

In May of 1996, Christian families and pastors from the Raleigh community approached Dr. Sherrill about starting a community Christian school that had a vision to minister to the whole body of Christ. Several area businessmen, parents, and local pastors encouraged Dr. Sherrill and his wife, Debbie, to prayerfully consider establishing a non-denominational Christian school. Two key businessmen leading were Danny Cox and Bruce Battle. Pastor Shannon Scott, Danny Cox’s pastor, allowed them to meet with their deacons and have a church vote to host a Christian school within a matter of a week. Dr. Sherrill, who founded NRCA, presented the vision of being a lighthouse of Kingdom Education for North Raleigh. There was immediate and overwhelming support throughout the community. On June 10, 1996, NRCA had its first registration night with almost 900 in attendance and registered 279 students. In three short months, God opened the school’s doors on September 3, 1996, housed at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, with an enrollment of 401 students K4 through 12th grade and a staff of 28. NRCA will forever be indebted to Pastor Shannon Scott and the Mt. Vernon congregation for opening their doors and being the birthplace of NRCA. Area pastors Mike Garrett (Crossroads Fellowship), Ron Rowe (Bay Leaf), David Horner (Providence), and Kevin Sweat (Providence) were instrumental through their prayers and support. There were countless stories of God’s provision and guidance during this first year!
1998 - Second Location

Growing by another 100 students for its second year of operation, the school was out of space. In 1998, Dwayne Milioni, Pastor of Open Door Baptist Church, welcomed NRCA to its second campus, Kindergarten-6th grade. Between the two locations, the enrollment was over 600. In 1999, with enrollment at 777, the school purchased 30 acres of land on Perry Creek Road with its availability and full payment, both miracles of God.
2000 - Capital Campaign

In 2000, we began a capital campaign to raise $5.8 million. This was very exciting because enrollment was full at both campuses with 850 students. On November 16, a Victory Rally with over 1,000 in attendance was held at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with Christian artist Phil Driscoll to celebrate the generosity of many parents, grandparents, and friends who had given and continued to give to this ministry. Over $3 million was pledged at this one event.
2001 - Site Plans Developed

In 2001, a master site plan for Perry Creek was developed by Design Development that proposed five phases over twenty years. The first phase was a high school campus with ball fields and parking. Over time with additional phases, the elementary and middle school could move to the new campus. The day we received the architect’s master site plan, a foundation contacted us and stepped forward with a gift of $30,000,000. This made it possible to build the entire master site plan so all our students, Kindergarten-12th grade, could move to the Perry Creek campus.
2002 - Perry Creek Opens

In 2002, the Perry Creek campus opened with 1,150 students. Over the next few years, three additional purchases of property adjacent to the Perry Creek campus increased our site to almost 40 acres (4.99 acres in 2005, 2.74 acres in 2006, 1.05 acres in 2008).
2006 - Band Room

In 2006, a much-needed band room expansion was completed to accommodate a growing band program and marching band.
2007 - Football Practice Field

In 2007, the football practice field with storage facilities was completed, and restrooms were added to the baseball field house.
2009 - Alumni Memorial Garden

In 2009, the Alumni Memorial Garden was created to honor staff, alumni, coaches, and board members.
2010 - The Next Step

In 2010, a $9 million expansion project added a three-story academic building, elementary gymnasium, and soccer park. The Next Step Capital Campaign was launched. Over $4 million was donated, and the balance was paid in full in 32 months, another God story. This expansion made an enrollment of 1,500 possible.
2011 - International Student Program

NRCA began an International Student Program. The school also had the opportunity to purchase 20 acres next door with the passing of our neighbor, Mr. Leslie Stell. The price was at tax value, an unexpected and miraculous gift, because of Mr. and Mrs. Stell’s love for our ministry. This was also our first year of the annual Boosterthon. In addition, NRCA began a wrestling program.
2012 - Little Knights Preschool

In 2012, NRCA added its Little Knights Preschool for four- and five-year-olds who plan to transition into kindergarten the next year.
2013 - Storage Facilities

In 2013, NRCA built two storage facilities between the baseball and softball fields to house equipment for athletics, marching band, fine arts, and maintenance.
2014 - 1:1 iPad Program

In 2014, NRCA began its 1:1 iPad program in kindergarten–12th grade. NRCAplus Virtual Academy was added to the academic program which made it possible for students to take courses online through Sevenstar. This expanded course offerings beyond NRCA’s college preparatory program.
2015 - Dual-Enrollment Program

In 2015, we began our junior varsity lacrosse program. The Alumni Memorial Garden was relocated to its permanent home. We also began a dual-enrollment program with the fully accredited Southeastern College in Wake Forest. High school students can enroll in select courses taken under the teaching of our staff and receive college credit.
2016 - Lacrosse Program

In 2016, after fielding a club lacrosse team the previous school year, NRCA officially launched a varsity boys lacrosse program.
2017 - Fitness Center

In 2017, the new state-of-the-art fitness center was opened for our student athletes. The previous fitness center was also renovated, giving NRCA two excellent facilities.
2018 - Dr. Sherrill, founder retires

After seeking the Lord’s guidance and wisdom, Dr. Sherrill made the decision to officially retire in 2018, and Dr. Kevin Mathes was appointed as interim superintendent for the 2018–2019 school year.
2019 - Dr. Mathes named Superintendent

Dr. Mathes officially became the new superintendent of NRCA in the fall of 2019 and launched anew tradition of choosinga biblical virtue each year to highlight as a schoolwide theme. Kindness was the inaugural theme. Spring of 2020marked the official start of the COVID-19 global pandemic. NRCA was one of the few schools in the country to hold a safe, socially distanced, in-person outdoor graduation.
2020 - NRCA launches Flexible Education

With continued uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, NRCA launched Flexible Education providing the best educational experience possible, both on-campus and virtually, as we celebrated 25 years of ministry throughout the school year.
2021 – High School Principal Mr. Danny Watkins retires

In the fall of 2021, NRCA returned to full in-person instruction on campus and resumed field trips. Beloved principal and founding team member Mr. Danny O. Watkins announced that he would retire after completing his 26th year of service at the helm of NRCA’s high school division.
2022 - STEM programs grow

NRCA’s STEM programs experienced significant growth as robotics students swept the podium at the inaugural North Carolina ACSI STEM competition, won their first FIRST® Robotics Competition, and qualified for states in the FIRST® Lego® League Challenge. The robotics programreceived NASA Program Growth grants, implemented a cross-divisional energy education plan, and increased corporate and educational partnerships.