How the House System Enriches Student Life at RBC
Posted On September 10, 2024
Written by Madie Martin, director of enrollment strategy at Reformation Bible College
The RBC house system is entering its fourth year, and it has been a joy to witness how it has impacted our school. Community is an integral part of the student experience, and the house system has provided another unique dimension to that experience.
During a new student’s first week at RBC, they take part in the house induction ceremony where they learn which of our four houses they will be placed in. The ceremony is a special time to hear from each house’s regent—who is a faculty member—as well as the student house presidents and vice presidents who share their house’s values, hymn, and verse for the academic year. This ceremony sets the stage for an exciting year ahead.
Each house has one main event that they put on during the year. Luther House hosts our Reformation Day celebration while Calvin House organizes a formal ball. Edwards House puts on our art and film festival, and Spurgeon House hosts the garden party to finish out our academic year.
The house leadership and members invest their time and energy into making these events successful. House events also allow the students to gain experience in leadership, organization skills, communication, time management, and service to their fellow students. These are experiences and skills that they take with them beyond RBC.
Coming to a new school can be intimidating, and the house system provides students with an immediate group they can bond with. The house events are designed to encourage these bonds to extend beyond individual houses. Whether your house is providing refreshments after chapel, participating in field day, or scheduling a bonfire to sing hymns together, these are all opportunities to get involved and grow friendships while learning how we serve one another in the body of Christ.
The house system has been special for me as a staff member to see the differences in our students and to see them come together because of the unity we have in Christ. The house system is designed to promote this at RBC. It is a part of student life. No part replaces the other, but they serve alongside each other to grow the students as a whole and build them up during their time here.
The local church, the classroom, weekly chapel services, the house system, RBC events, volunteer and community service opportunities, and student-led Bible studies all play a part in shaping student life at RBC. It is our prayer that these opportunities and experiences will create friendships, memories, and lessons that will stay with the students long after they’ve left our school.