Christian Life
Growth Begins by Knowing Truth
Brentwood Academy believes that true intellectual growth begins with knowing Truth and that spiritual growth is fundamental to the broader development of each member of the BA family.
In addition to the programs and classes available, spiritual life at Brentwood Academy involves the classroom, the playing field, the band room, and the hallways. We believe that everything is spiritual, and that Jesus Christ gives everything purpose. Every faculty and staff member has a personal, and growing relationship with Christ. While the religious beliefs of each individual student will be respected, the school will continuously teach Biblical truths and values.
2021-22 Theme Verse
Dear brothers and sisters, I close with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT)
Each summer, seniors gather at a weekend retreat to choose the school's theme verse for the upcoming school year. The verse is memorized by all students and faculty and serves as a touchstone for the year.
2021-22 Service Project
Each upper school grade level will choose their own service project for their class. They will support various organizations by hosting events, providing service hours, and planning activities. Service projects will be determined by the students after Labor Day.
Daily Scripture Study
Daily scripture reading begins in first block of each day
We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God. We believe there is no practice more important than filling and saturating our minds with the truth of God’s Word. Our goal is that we will become doers of the Word and not hearers only.
Grade-Level Chaplains
As part of our investment in wholesome relationships and a Christ-centered environment, each grade level has an assigned faculty member to serve as a spiritual mentor presence in our hallways. Their role is to connect deeply with and encourage our students and faculty members daily. As an extension of our Christian Life team, they will assist in managing our grade-level service projects, chapels, individual grade interactions, and community-building opportunities throughout the upper school experience. They are a spiritual resource for our students, faculty, and community.
Freshman Chaplain – Tom Cox
Sophomore Chaplain – Wendy Chapman
Junior Chaplain – Mike Vazquez
Senior Chaplain – Matt Brown
Christian Life Team
Rian Berger
Christian Life Director/Football/Basketball
- B.A. Tennessee Temple University
- M.Ed. Lipscomb University
Matt Brown
12th Grade Chair & Chaplain/Christian Life/Football/Track
- B.A. University of Tennessee
- M.Div. Fuller Theological Seminary
Tom Cox
9th Grade Chaplain/Science/Soccer
- B.A University of North Carolina
- M.A.T. Belmont University
- M.Div. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Mike Vazquez
History Chair/11th Grade Chaplain/Wrestling
- B.A. Messiah College
- M.A. Wheaton College
Dr. Steve Widmaier
Christian Life/Wrestling/Football/Physical Education
- B.S. Taylor University
- M.A.T.S. Covenant Theological Seminary
- M. Div., D. Min. Fuller Theological Seminary
Next Steps
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