Every other Tuesday students meet in room 109 where they share their religion and learn more about their beliefs. The club started with the support of a national organization called Decision Point.
Ever since sophomore year, senior Elijah Quiring needed to spread his Christian faith.
“It all started with wanting to learn my First Amendment rights,” Quiring said.
Quiring, however, still needed to finish his research.
“I found an article about Illinois state laws, and I realized we all have the same First Amendment,” Quiring said. “We can all share what we believe in firmly.”
With a better understanding of his rights, Quiring still needed a way to spread his faith.
“I started looking into what Decision Point had to offer, and I learned that they coach high school students to start clubs in their high school,” Quiring said.
Quiring reached out to Decision Point’s student coach Devin Long. Long offered to have Quiring join meetings that teach leadership skills while also supporting Quiring through the journey of running his own club.
“We talk about what success looks like in public high schools, we talk about the Bible, what God says and how Jesus teaches us,” Quiring said. “He often reassures me about how much I am capable of.”
The meetings take place over Zoom every two weeks.
“There’s a group of about six or seven of us, typically two or three adults from California, and then typically two or three or four students,” Quiring said.
The organization provides Quiring with resources such as a 200-page book that guides him to lead the club.
“The club started mid-September, but it’s been in preparations since July,” Quiring said.
These club meetings, being student-led, serve as an opportunity for anyone to share and discuss their beliefs.
“We start with prayer, then we dive into any sort of announcement, and then we get into a message,” Quiring said.
The Decision Point club not only aims to allow students to spread their beliefs but also strives to inspire and empower students.
“I kind of point them in the right direction and help them become the leader they’re supposed to be, Quiring said. “When you are given an opportunity to speak, it gives you a sense of responsibility, and gives you the momentum to start leading in other parts of your life.”
