Thy Kingdom Come: Engaging the Whole Student in Middle School
Written by Ben Kapenga, 7th Grade Teacher + ZCS Parent
When Jesus taught his disciples to pray the Lord’s Prayer, he offered not only a set of words but a vision for how God’s people might live. “Thy kingdom come” stands out as both a prayer and a calling. It invites us to experience life in God’s Kingdom, and we see this played out in God’s reign of grace, love, justice, and peace. For me as a teacher, this line shapes how I understand my vocation. Each time I step into the classroom, I hope to help my students catch glimpses of His kingdom through experiences at ZCS that open their eyes, ignite their souls, and invite them into God’s presence.
Retired science teacher Ron Boes shared with me how he learned to refer to the results of these learning experiences as “ah-ha moments,” which occur when students explore with relentless curiosity. They reach understandings that are more than just intellectual breakthroughs; they are sacred encounters. “Thy kingdom come” becomes real, and God’s presence is experienced in the everyday spaces of Zeeland Christian School.
To usher in an ah-ha moment, students are encouraged to practice three postures: Holding Ground, Holy Ground, and Honoring God. Holding Ground means standing firm in what they have discovered in their space and through their observations - learning not to let go of truth when the world feels uncertain. Holy Ground reminds them to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit. Honoring God calls them to see that their discoveries are not for pride or personal gain alone but are gifts to be offered back in gratitude and service to God.
This vision resonates deeply with Parker Palmer’s philosophy: To Know as We Are Known. Palmer reminds us “that education is not about filling empty vessels but about engaging the whole person—mind, heart, and soul. When teaching encompasses the soul of the child and the spirit of God, learning becomes an act of communion; the learner, the teacher, and the subject are all drawn into a deeper, more profound relationship”. In that sense, the a-ha moments of the classroom are more than flashes of comprehension. They are encounters with truth that shape identity, character, and their faith. A-ha moments allow students to experience what it means to be known—by their teacher, by one another, and ultimately to be loved by God.
When Jesus prayed “Thy kingdom come,” he pointed us toward a way of living where God’s truth and presence are revealed in daily life. In my classroom, I see this prayer answered in small, sacred glimpses: a student’s eyes lighting up with discovery, a class pausing to reflect on the wonder of what they’ve learned, students sitting silently in nature taking notes in their field journals, or a community of learners honoring one another and God in the process. Teaching, then, becomes more than instruction. It becomes a prayerful act of ushering in God’s kingdom.
Discover Zeeland Christian School
At Zeeland Christian School, we believe every child is created in the image of God and called to Burn Bright in the world. Serving children from three years old through 8th grade, ZCS is a vibrant community where faith and learning come alive through innovative programs and deep relationships.
We offer three dynamic educational tracks — our English program, the only 100% Christian Mandarin Immersion program in the Midwest (4s–8th grade), and Michigan’s largest and most established Christian Spanish Immersion program (3s–8th grade).
Our community is beautifully diverse, with faculty representing 12 countries. Our Inclusion program — one of the oldest in North America — ensures that every child, regardless of ability, is valued, celebrated, and loved as a child of God.
Come experience what makes ZCS extraordinary. Schedule a tour and see how Relentless Curiosity, Deep Joy, and Faithfully All-In shape every child’s day at Zeeland Christian School.
Schedule a Visit: Contact Natalia McGowen at nmcgowen@zcs.org or visit www.zcs.org/explore.