Illiana Christian High School is delighted to enjoy the support of many congregations in its ministry to train young men and women in service to God and society. As an acknowledgment of the many contributions received from the families in these congregations, and to give an opportunity to exercise corporate giving within the congregation, the school provides a tuition discount to families from supporting churches. The tuition discount is a token of gratitude but consequently, the supporting church’s congregational giving must at least equal the tuition discount to balance the budget.
In addition to a general commitment of mutual support in which we share many common goals, philosophical and theological foundations, and a community of families, supporting churches commit to support the school in several specific ways as well. Because supporting church status entails a significant financial benefit, Illiana must retain the discretion to deny supporting church status to congregations whose efforts fail to meet the expectations of the school. This does not mean that the church’s support, such as it may be, is not appreciated or desired. And it does not mean that the general commitment of mutual support is negated. But for the school to afford a significant tuition discount to families of supporting churches, the school must receive sufficient financial support to make that discount viable. The school appreciates its supporting churches and aims to work effectively with them in building God’s kingdom through home, church and school.

I.C.H.S. will provide every supporting church with an annual report of their financial support. This report will include a list of the church’s students attending I.C.H.S., the amount tuition has been discounted, the amount received from church offerings and other church gifts, and the amount over the discount which the church and its members contributed to the school.

Specific expectations of supporting churches:

1. Supporting churches must be committed to advancing God’s kingdom through the inculcation of a world-and-life view that is consistent with Biblical norms and standards as identified in what are usually called the Reformed creeds. These are the Heidelberg Catechism, The Canons of Dort, and the Belgic Confession. Some variation from these specific creeds with a clear commitment to a Reformed understanding of scripture, life, God, etc. is sufficient.

2. Supporting churches take regular offerings of financial support for I.C.H.S. during their worship services. If offerings are not feasible for whatever reason, a budgetary contribution from the church to the school in an amount approximating the supporting church discount multiplied by the number of students attending Illiana from the supporting church congregation, will be an acceptable substitute.

3. Each supporting church must have a drive captain who will work in conjunction with the school in conducting an annual appeal for Illiana to all members of the congregation. This captain may need to arrange for volunteers from the supporting church to assist in carrying out the drive in a way that will be effective. Also, it is assumed that the captain has the authority to share church membership information as may be needed to conduct the drive. Illiana will not share this information with any other organization or individual.

4. Supporting churches will seek out opportunities to encourage families to use Illiana for the education of their children and will view Illiana as one of their church’s ministries, raising it up in prayer, looking after its health, encouraging its members to be involved and referring to it approvingly whenever possible. Supporting churches should be advocates for Christian day-school education and for Illiana in particular.

5. Cooperate with I.C.H.S. to a reasonable extent in any various efforts which may arise which would be mutually beneficial and which would be of service to Reformed Christians who appreciate the ministry of Christian day schooling such as a coordinating calendars, sharing information, and integrating plans for ministry development.