Why Koinonia?

By Mark Moran ('07)

What does it look like to live in Biblical Christian community? We know from the book of Acts the disciples considered the sharing of time and sharing of meals together as necessary, and even sacred, in their walk with Jesus. Koinonia, a Greek word meaning the fellowship of God with people, has become a key aspect in how Jesse Remington students are discipled as followers of Christ.

Every Wednesday morning the students share a meal in small groups with a mature Christian adult mentor and spend time in the Word. As they spend time in the Word, which the book of John tells us is intimately related to the personage of Jesus, they are fellowshipping with God and each other. This setting provides excellent Biblical context for deep discussion, growth, and spiritual development.

In early September I was able to participate in the school hike up Mt. Osceola. By happenstance the group I was assigned included the vast majority of my Koinonia group. In addition to having a blast during this outdoor education event, which due to my personal enjoyment of physical fitness included 1,000 total pushups split amongst our group of five hikers, we were able to take advantage of the time to share deep and meaningful conversations. The trust built in Koinonia last year directly enabled the trust to share deep thoughts and ask hard questions; all of which keeps us growing towards Christ together!

Mark Moran is a 2007 JRHS Graduate. He married his high school sweetheart, the former Kallee Shattuck ('07), and they have three beautiful children. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Norwich University, and a Master’s Degree in Education from Rivier University ('24). He is an Active Duty Marine Corps Officer holding the rank of Major. He loves serving the Lord and his Country, and is deeply committed to the mission of JRHS.