About Us

MACS Statement of Understanding
MACS as a service organization, dedicated to the establishment, philosophy, and promotion of fundamental Christian education within the State, neither supports nor endorses the World Council of Churches, National Council of Churches, or any world, national, regional or local organizations which give Christian recognition to nonbelievers or advocate a multi-faith union or charismatic movement. It is understood that schools and colleges, and/or their sponsoring church or organization, or individuals, who do not hold the above position cannot be considered as candidates for membership.

MACS Statement of Expectation
Minnesota Association of Christian Schools (MACS) Statement of Expectation of Schools Joining our Association

The general purpose of MACS is to aid in promoting, maintaining, and improving the moral, spiritual, and academic standards of Christian schools in the state of Minnesota. The association is also committed to “combating those forces which would attempt to hinder or destroy the freedom of Christian schools to exist and flourish.” Understanding this general purpose, our organization expects that its member schools strive for the following:

Faithfulness to the Word of God – MACS schools hold the Word of God in the highest regard as absolute truth.  The true commitment to doctrinal truth extends to school policy and student expectations.  This truth must be paramount in a school’s handbook standards, operational policies, and academic pursuits.  MACS is a member of the greater national association, the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS). All AACS members must agree with the doctrinal statement found at www.aacs.org/about-us/membership/statement-of-faith/.  

A Striving for Credibility in School Operations – MACS schools must work toward improvement and not be complacent in its operations.  Schools must update handbooks and policies and honor state non-public school requirements as outlined in state law.  Credibility is created when schools are true to their written policy guidelines and hire qualified people who love the Lord and are called to serve Him in a Christian school ministry.

A Commitment to Academic Excellence – MACS has worked hard in recent years for approval of the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS) accreditation instrument in our state.  We are one of ten approved non-public school accreditations within the Minnesota Department of Education. While not all of our schools are accredited, our desire is to see our schools working toward self-improvement.  Schools must demonstrate a professional, credible, and growing desire to work toward the following:

* Hiring academically qualified Christian (born-again) teachers
* Operating according to state laws, facility, and state graduation requirements
* Achieving financial stability and accountability
* Utilizing curriculum that teaches a Christian worldview
* Measuring student academic achievement through annual achievement testing
* Publishing an annual school calendar which allows for the scheduling and commitment to events and a credible school-year schedule.

Participation in MACS Activities – Our association offers Junior and Senior High Fine Arts Festivals, Speech and Bible Festivals, Student Leadership Conferences, Band and Choir Festivals, and Athletics. Active participation in the festivals and activities offered through MACS will result in maximum benefit for our member schools.  MACS will not infringe upon the authority of each school to make decisions regarding which activities are best for their individual settings, but active participation is encouraged.  To learn more about opportunities and requirements for participation, please request our MACS Speech and Bible and Fine Arts Festival Manuals.

Athletic League Expectations – Current MACS athletic offerings include: Fall – Girls’ Volleyball and Boys’ Soccer; Winter – Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball; Spring – Girls’ Soccer and the Granite City Track Meet in St. Cloud. Girls and boys are not allowed to cross participate in athletics. 

The spirit of competition is alive and well in MACS Christian school athletics, but not at the expense of our testimony for our Lord Jesus Christ, nor at the cost of fellowship between schools.  We believe that competition and participation in athletic events is a privilege, contributing to the physical and spiritual development of our students.  It gives students the opportunity to develop life and athletic skills and learn submission to authority and to other team members.  

Because of the importance of the goals of Christian school athletics, coaches and school programs must demonstrate a demeanor on the court that does not hinder the accomplishment of these objectivesTo the best of our ability, we must strive to honor our officials, and educate our fans to what is and is not appropriate at practices, games, and tournaments.  Please see our “MACS Athletic Handbook” for specific guidelines and league rules.

Mutual Respect and Cooperation Amongst Member Schools – There is a big picture to what we are doing in our Christian schools and we are all attempting to accomplish many of the same goals for the benefit of our students and the glory of God.  While we acknowledge that we will not all agree to each of our school’s standards, we can support each other by reasonably deferring to certain of those standards out of respect and for the purpose of cooperation. 

All MACS activities have dress guidelines that we ask our students, coaches, and staff to adhere to.  For athletics, dress guidelines are addressed in our MACS Athletic Handbook. At our fine arts competitions, we have defined speech and music standards that must be followed.  Selections may be required to be submitted for approval.  This allows for a consistent level of competition and evaluation at our events.

By thinking through and putting to practice these things, we are deferring to one another, something our children and parents desperately need modeled for them.  We also ask that school officials establish specific school standards in these areas and set the tone for their students and families.  By doing this, we believe that schools will better represent themselves to a world that is looking to “raise the standard” in all areas of life.  MACS is founded on fundamental and conservative principles of faith and practice.  If your school would like to join us to accomplish these purposes in the lives of your students and families, then you have found a home where this can be possible.

Thank you for your interest in MACS.  Please submit your completed school application (find the PDF to download at the bottom of this page) to Minnesota Association of Christian Schools (MACS), c/o Mr. Alan J. Hodak, Executive Director, 900 Forestview Ln N., Plymouth, MN 55441, or scan and email to: ahodak@fourthbaptist.org

MACS Statement of Faith
Each member of the Association shall subscribe to the following Statement of Faith:   

We believe that the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, was given by inspiration of God, and is our only rule in matters of faith and practice.

We believe in creation, not evolution; that man was created by the direct act of God and in the image of God.

We believe that Adam and Eve, in yielding to the temptation of Satan, became fallen creatures. We believe that all men are born in sin.

We believe in the Incarnation, the Virgin Birth, and the Deity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We believe in His vicarious and substitutional Atonement for the sins of mankind by the shedding of His blood on the cross.

We believe in the resurrection of His body from the tomb, His ascension into Heaven, and that He is now our Advocate.

We believe that He is personally coming again.

We believe in His power to save men from sin.

We believe in the necessity of the New Birth, and that this New Birth is through the regeneration by the Holy Spirit.

We believe that salvation is by grace through faith, plus nothing–minus nothing, in the atoning blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We believe that this statement of faith is a basis for Christian fellowship, and that all born-again men and women who sincerely accept it can and should live together in peace, and that it is their Christian duty to promote harmony among the members of the Body of Christ, who are walking separately from the world both in theory and in practice.
MACS Policy Statement
The Minnesota Association of Christian Schools in striving to educate and develop students to their fullest potential while at the same time seeking to assist parents in fulfilling their obligation to teach and train their children in biblical patterns. While member schools recognize theological and doctrinal considerations, they do not discriminate in the admission of students, nor in the administration of policies and programs. Students are accepted without regard to race, color, ethnic or national origin, social status or economic level.
Who Are We?
Minnesota Association of Christian Schools

The Minnesota Association of Christian Schools is the state chapter of the American Association of Christian Schools, and for over forty-five years it has been the only state-wide voice for fundamental Christian schools in Minnesota. All member schools must agree with the MACS Purpose, Doctrinal Statement of Faith, and Philosophy of Education and pay the annual membership fee. Schools that join the MACS automatically become members of the AACS.

A school must agree not to be a member of or be associated with the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, the Charismatic Movement, the Ecumenical Movement, or the National Association of Evangelicals.

The general purpose of MACS is to aid in promoting, maintaining and improving the moral, spiritual and academic standards of Christian schools in the state of Minnesota. The association is also committed to combating those forces which would attempt to hinder or destroy the freedom of Christian schools to exist and flourish. An Executive Committee has the authority to transact the affairs of the Association. The Executive Committee consists of the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and three area (north, central, and south) representatives. The term of office of each Executive Committee member is for three years, with members able to remain serving if elected again. An Executive Director oversees the daily activities of the association.

The Minnesota Association is legally incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Minnesota.

American Association of Christian Schools
The American Association of Christian Schools is one of the leading organizations of Christian schools in the country. Founded in 1972, the AACS serves approximately 100,000 students enrolled in member schools throughout the United States and several foreign countries. The general purpose and objectives of the AACS are to aid in promoting, establishing, advancing, and developing Christian Schools.

National Office
6170 Shallowford Road, Suite 103
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: (423) 629-4280
Fax: (423) 622-7461
Email: national@aacs.org

Washington Office
119 C. Street S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
Phone: (202) 547-2991
Fax: (202) 547-2992
How Can I Join?
The process is simple. You can download the PDF application form at the bottom of this page, fill it out as completely as you can, and email it to the MACS Executive Director, ahodak@fourthbaptist.org
or mail it to MACS Executive Director, 900 Forestview Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55441.

Please direct questions to our current MACS Executive Director, Mr. Alan Hodak, at ahodak@fourthbaptist.org or by phone: 651-235-6931.

Each school must sign the basic Doctrinal Statement of Faith before joining, after which the Executive Committee and membership votes to accept the school. The yearly dues consist of a small charge per student and school employee which covers membership both in the Association of Christian Schools and the parent organization, the American Association of Christian Schools.
Is It Worth the Cost?
The value of schools of like faith working together to maintain our freedoms cannot be measured. The MACS provides a strong, unified voice in Minnesota that is able to accomplish more together than any could do alone. Since 1974, the MACS has worked to build a positive relationship with state legislators, Governor’s office, the State Board of Education, and other state departments to insure that our Christian philosophy of education is not restricted in any way. Yes, it is worth the cost. We welcome all schools who share our philosophy and desire to see Christian schools grow and progress in Minnesota.
What Can the MACS Do for Me?
Through the State Office:  
* A state-wide fall Teachers’ Convention
* Academic, Fine Arts, Music, Speech & Bible Festivals
* State-wide athletic organization
–  Boys soccer & basketball
–  Girls volleyball, basketball, soccer
* Legislative monitoring
* MACS Newsletter a couple of times a year
* Free Consulting Service for schools’ questions and needs.

Through the National Office:
* National Academic and Fine Arts Competitions
* Conventions and Administrative Conferences
* Full-time staff in Washington D.C. that monitors legislation and coordinates lobbying efforts
* American Christian Honor Society
* Voluntary Accreditation and Teacher Certification program
* Group Health Insurance & Retirement programs
* National Achievement Testing program
* National Teacher Placement service
* Educational publications: The AACS Newsletter, Washington D.C. Capital Comments, Parent Update, Publication of books and other support materials for Christian Schools
* Consulting service and speakers’ bureau
* Free subscriptions of the Journal of Christian Educators for each teacher
* Student Leadership Conferences
* National Membership Directory
* National Essay and Poetry Contest