Christian Service is a “hands on” focused activity designed to integrate academic exercise with practical ministry in an observable and evaluative environment so the student will develop experience in a specific service activity.

Christian Service offers three areas in which a student has the opportunity to enhance their Christian growth and development.

1. In personal growth, a student is encouraged to use this program toward continued spiritual growth.
2. In body life, a student is encouraged to become an integral part of a local church where spiritual gifts can be recognized and applied.
3. In ministry, a student is encouraged to seek those areas of service that would allow for application of their giftedness and academic training.

College Requirements
As a full-time degree seeking student and/or living in a college residence hall it is a requirement to be involved in Christian Service during your attendance at MCC.

• A full-time student seeking a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree should complete one credit per semester enrolled (7 credits are required for a full 8 semesters).
• A full-time student seeking an Associate degree should complete one credit per semester enrolled (3 credits are required for a full 4 semesters).
• A full-time non-degree seeking student must complete 1 credit during each semester enrolled.
• In the case of extenuating circumstances, seniors are permitted to request permission from the Christian Service Committee to schedule two credits per semester.

Each category must be completed for “credit” one time in accordance with graduation requirements. The remaining “credits” needed may be earned in any of the three categories.

Sixteen (16) hours during a semester is the minimum time requirement for credit. However, more hours may be involved depending on the activity. It is important the chosen activity does not conflict with scheduled class time or other college requirements. Paid positions, such as a weekend ministry, may also earn Christian Service credit and are considered on an individual basis.

Procedures

• Handbooks, enrollment forms, time logs, and the semester report may be obtained as follows: Freshman Orientation Seminar, bulk distribution in student mailboxes for returning students, or inquire at the Christian Service office.
• Seek out an area/activity of interest. Gather information by contacting an organization listed in the Handbook, visiting with the Christian Service Coordinator, or networking with other students.
• Complete the enrollment form(s) each semester and turn in by the specified due date. This date is located in the top right hand corner of the enrollment form. Freshman and transfer students are required to make personal contact with the CHR Service Coordinator at the time of enrollment. This is a short 5 minute appointment. Returning students may turn in their enrollment forms to the CHR Service box located in the mailroom on the wall unless otherwise indicated.
• A $50.00 late fee will be charged to your student account if enrolling after the due date. The fall 2008 enrollment due date is September 12, and the spring 2009 enrollment due date is February 4. As needed an enrollment extension can be obtained by submitting a letter to the CHR Service committee prior to the enrollment due dates.
• Any activity change to the enrolled category (CHR 101, 111, or 121) needs the approval of the CHR Service office. Changes must be made by October 10, 2008 for the fall and by March 4, 2009 for the spring. Please make all changes through the Christian Service office. If a student neglects notifying the office of any changes by the above dates, a “no credit” will be given at the end of the semester and will reflect on the student’s permanent record.
• If necessary an academic withdrawal from CHR must be made no later than November 14, 2008 for the fall and April 9, 2009 for the spring. Please follow the same procedure as dropping a class.
• Please keep the time log and semester report in order to submit for credit at the end of the semester.
• Use the time log to record service hours by date, time, and the task. The student is required to obtain the supervisor’s signature at the end of the semester. Credit will not be given unless the supervisor has signed the time log, contacted the CHR office by way of email, or a letter on the organization’s letterhead. Please note the due date on the report. If extra time is needed, contact the CHR Service office prior to the due date. This can be done by e-mail (ljohnson@mccks.edu) or a personal visit . Hand written notes left at the information desk will not be sufficient.
• When completing the semester report, please give the needed information and thoughtful answers. These forms are considered a part of your academic record and are made available upon request regarding the evaluation for graduation recommendation. Any reports turned in with inappropriate comments will be returned to the student. It is the student’s responsibility to correct and turn in on time.

Christian Service Credit Guidelines
Accepted:

• Log only the contact hours of the tutoring, service activity, special workdays, etc.
• Ministry oriented projects which include: youth sponsor, small group leader, teacher of a Sunday school class, and other related jobs. Log the contact hour spent with the group, the preparation and the clean up. One (1) hour of preparation time may be logged when preparing a devotional or lesson.
• Sermons may count for 2.5 hours which include the preparation and the presentation. Sorry, no travel time.
• Employed ministry positions may choose one activity such as a Sunday school or youth group to log hours toward the 16 hours needed for credit.
• Bring new ideas for “credit” to the Christian Service Committee for approval.
• Within STUCO, "Committee Heads" and "Class Representatives" will be able to receive credit.

Not Accepted:

• Travel time to the site.
• Family work projects; exceptions are considered, check for approval.
• “Attendance only” as a participant does not qualify (e.g. attending a Navigator Bible study).