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ASDAH Profile Series - Dedication and discipline to obtain the prize

Posted on Jun 29, 2009

Run in such a way that you may obtain the prize. Lance Boulton, the new Chaplain, of Auckland Seventh-Day Adventist High School has begun the Christian race with good faith, purpose and discipline born from a desire to please God. He has well understood the key to going the distance which is the discipline of running everyday with God's word entrenched in him. Athletes who train to win the prize are known to exercise regular discipline as they know it is of far greater value. His approach to running the race is not a hit-or-miss spiritual regimen. Every step in his walk or run is a key to going the distance everyday. What may seem like a small step can be a giant leap each day in his life of faith in Christ.

An interview with Lance gives a clear indication of his goals and direction he has for ASDAH. His passion for youth ministry is evident in his relationship with students and his organisation of vespers or taking divine services at different SDA churches in Auckland.

Do you consider the role of chaplaincy at ASDAH and Balmoral SDA Primary as God's calling? If you think it is God's calling can you elaborate how and why?
I definitely see Chaplaincy as part of God's calling on my life. First, God opened up a lot of doors to bring me to this job. I am blessed every single day to be able to serve at two fantastic schools and I praise God for this gift daily. Secondly, it really draws from all the training, experiences and studies I have had in the past. It nicely builds on my years in Youth Departments, secondary teaching training, theology diploma, and degree in History and Psychology. God has not wasted any previous life experience or training and it is cool to see how he can use all of that in this role. Lastly, God has placed youth ministry on my heart for the last 20 years and each leg of the journey has been prayerfully surrendered to him. For a few years I have felt called to chaplaincy and it is humbling to see how God has fulfilled that calling he placed on my heart.

Can you elucidate on the themes you have chosen for each term this year?
I have chosen to be very intentional about the theming of Chapels this year. Each Term has an overall theme in addition to weekly topics. The topics cover a spectrum of areas such as basic Christianity, calls for commitment, teen issues, and Christian growth. Term 1's theme was "Hero Or Zero". This was set as the umbrella under which we looked at positive decision making and biblical values that make us heroes for God. Any other path is following the world and can lead us to be zeroes. Term 2's theme is "Have Your Say". We want to encourage our students to ask questions, discuss spiritual matters, and feel that their input is valuable. This is hoped to be achieved through a greater engagement and involvement of students in Chapel.

What are your expectations in terms of uplifting the profile of ASDAH and our sister school?
My dream is for anyone looking in on Balmoral or ASDAH to see a family of students who know they have a place where they belong, who know they are uniquely gifted, who know they are loved by God, who know how to serve others out of spontaneous love, and who know how to tackle anything that comes their way in life.

What do you think your strengths are and how do you intend to use them for God's glory?
I think that I bring 3 key strengths to the role of chaplain. First, I have been involved in various youth ministry roles for 20 years now, from roles in the local church to conference and Division. This experience is invaluable in serving our young people and finding ways to connect them in a meaningful way to a God that loves them deeply. Second, God has blessed me with a creative and organisational mind. I enjoy organising studies and events for young people and doing it in a creative way. Finally, God continues to keep a huge love of young people in my heart. There is nothing more fulfilling than working with young people and encouraging them to be all they can be as they walk with their Saviour.

What measures can you think of to boost the morale or to relieve the different types of stress in our students?
From a school family point of view, students need to know they have a safe place where they belong and can be themselves. They need to know they have someone who cares to be able to talk to about anything. They also need to know that they have options in how they deal with the big things in life. But what they need more than anything are positive messages that they are valuable, beautiful and have what it takes to succeed. Research suggests that it takes TEN positive comments to erase the impact of ONE negative comment! Negative putdowns and comments wound our young people in ways we don't always comprehend. A lot of negative stress young people face is from tackling life's busy-ness with the view that they don't have what it takes to succeed. God has a plan for every single young person. They are valuable to him and if he believes they can do it, so should we!

Auckland Seventh-day Adventist High School is a state integrated High School of special character situated at the foot of the picturesque Mangere Mountain Reserve; 15 minutes drive from Auckland City. Serving the Adventist community since 1970, the school has continued to experience growth and positive change. We are now accepting enrolments for 2010. Contact the school for an interview. Application forms available from School Office, PO Box 59-047, Mangere Bridge, Auckland; Ph 09 2759640, fax 09 2755380; email tricia@asdah.school.nz