Convocation Message

At the beginning of each school year, I have the privilege of sharing the Convocation message with the school community. The below is from August, 2022.

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The word “convocation” means “the action of calling people together for a large formal assembly.” So, why do we as a school community assemble to have a "convocation" service? What is the purpose of having this formal gathering? To put simply, we gather tonight to consecrate ourselves before God, commit to His leadership and Lordship, and cry out to God for His His blessings and protection over the new school year.

First, consecration. The idea of consecration might sound foreign or perhaps too formal to some, but it is a theological term that is both profound and relevant. By “consecration,” we are declaring everything about NCA–all the students, parents, teachers, facilities, equipment, learning, teaching, interactions, field trips, camps, counseling, chapels, etc.--as holy and set apart for God.

Our culture tells us to intentionally confine “religion” to specific locations or events or domains. But, the Bible teaches that, whatever we do, we should do it for the glory of God. Thus, everything that takes place at New Covenant Academy is holy and consecrated before God. We declare tonight that every one, every thing, every relationship, and every interaction at NCA is dedicated to God as part of our worship unto Him.

Second, we openly acknowledge that the true leader of NCA is the Lord Himself. This notion of leadership is rather personal to me. You see, because I am often referred to as “the founder” of NCA, many people falsely assume that NCA is Dr. and Mrs. Song’s “little kingdom,” in which we can do whatever we want to do. But, those who know us well enough, especial NCA's teachers and staff, will attest to the fact that we are God’s stewards and servants who carry out the Master’s will and plan, hopefully to His delight.

I state here publicly that Jesus is the true and sole Leader, CEO, and, ultimately, the Lord of New Covenant Academy. Let me say it again: all the admins and teachers are merely His servants who do their utmost to honor Him by carrying out His vision and mission to Educate, Enable, and Equip the Christian Leaders of Tomorrow. So, I urge everyone at NCA to always remember that Jesus is the Lord of NCA.

Finally, we are gathered to voice our heart’s cry to God who hears and answers prayers. God is the Father who is willing and able to protect and rescue His children. Yet, too many of us relegate prayer and supplication as the last option. We are quick to call on others for help. We falsely assume that money can solve all problems. We think our education and experience will enable us to handle all of life’s troubles. But, that is just not true. If we are honest with ourselves, we know all too well that we need God's wisdom and power to navigate through life’s obstacles and frustrations.

Please bear in mind, however, that God is not a genie we call on to obtain what we wish. No. That is not who He is, and that is not how He operates. In order to hear from God and see Him intervene in our trials and triumphs, we must have the right attitude and posture before Him. We must live for His glory each day, seek His counsel regularly, meditate on His word deeply, and trust in His sovereignty. When we take on the attitude and posture of humility and worship, He will hear our prayers and answer us. And, even in His silence, we can rest assure that God is in control.

So, through this Convocation Service, we wholly dedicate NCA unto God, declare that Jesus is the Lord of NCA, and choose to pour out our heart’s desire before Him.

Let’s continue to lift up our hearts, minds, and bodies to the Lord through the rest of the Convocation Service. And, let's continue to have the same mindset and attitude throughout the entire school year.