Middle School Koinonia

A type of house system, Koinonia is the heart of TMA middle school and is central to everything we do. Each Koinonia exists to develop authentic relationships built on trust and respect, to foster personal and social significance, and to accept everyone as individually and uniquely equal.

Upon entering middle school at TMA, every student is assigned to a Koinonia.  Throughout the year, students compete for points as they participate in weekly activities such as athletic competitions, performances, games, team-building activities, and classroom competitions.  It’s within this context that our students will learn to deal with heart issues like leadership, self-esteem, conflict resolution, community service, team building, spiritual growth, social skills, and identity.  We want to go beyond their academic needs and seek the well-being of the whole child — intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual.  Our desire is to help make our students’ middle school years a time that they will never forget.

 

The Koinonias

Itoito
The Maori word meaning courage.

House of Bravery: Members of the Itoito Koinonia live with courage because they know that the Lord goes with them and will not leave or forsake them (Deuteronomy 31:6).  Those chosen for the House of Bravery stand up for the cause of Christ with courage of conviction, facing challenges with confidence as they proclaim the gospel to the world.     

House of the Bold: Members of the Itoito Koinonia live with courage and are not dismayed or fearful because they know that the Lord goes with them wherever they go (Joshua 1:9).  Those chosen for the House of the Bold protect others when they are weak and exhibit strength in the face of trials as they are confident that they will never walk alone with Christ at their side. 
                                                                 

 

Katapatan
The Filipino word meaning loyal. 

House of Allegiance: Following the example of our Savior, the Katapatan Koinonia is on mission to bring the love of God to the world (John 15:13).  Those chosen for the House of Allegiance sacrificially love people with commitment and grace as they are dedicated to bring the gospel to the lost.  

House of the Faithful: Following the example of our Savior, the Katapatan Koinonia loves others faithfully, bearing with each other with consistent determination to demonstrate the love of God in word and deed to a needy world (1 Corinthians 13:7).  Those chosen for the House of the Faithful are committed to serving the needs of others, faithfully loving with sacrificial love the way Christ loved the world.

 

 

Uzticams
The Latvian word meaning dependable.

House of the Devoted: Dependability is the mark of the Uzticams Koinonia.  Unshakeable in their faith, they are relied upon in times of need, consistent in their faithfulness, and despite the cost, will stand firm in the cause of Christ (Matthew 28: 19-20). Those chosen for the House of the Devoted ardently remain faithful to their Savior and their calling to make disciples. 

House of the Trustworthy: Dependability is the mark of the Uzticams Koinonia. Members of the Uzticams Koinonia are reliable and dedicated to speaking truth from the heart (Psalm 15). Those chosen for the House of the Trustworthy are fervent in honoring the Lord and unshakably chose to do what is right.  

 

 

Dosnumas
The Lithuanian word meaning generosity. 

House of Compassion: Members of the Dosnumas Koinonia give of themselves generously knowing that Christ gave all for them.  (Romans 8:32) Those chosen for the House of Compassion seek out opportunities to bless others, sharing out of the abundant blessings that the Lord has poured out for them. 

House of the Selfless: Members of the Dosnumas Koinonia give time, efforts, and talents generously to all to demonstrate the gracious generosity of God. (2 Corinthians 9:6) Those chosen for the House of the Selfless, count others as greater than themselves, seeking the flourishing of all of God’s children out of a heart of overflowing gratitude to their Savior. 

 

 

Kala Garan
The Somalian word meaning discernment. 

House of the Insightful: Through godly discernment, the Kala Garan Koinonia looks beyond what the world sees and focuses on the gospel to define their perspective (1 Samuel 16:7).  Those chosen for the House of the Insightful see the world through a godly lens, appreciating the heart and pouring out compassion like their Savior. 

House of the Wise: Through godly discernment, the Kala Garan Koinonia earnestly seeks godly wisdom, prayerfully seeking peaceful wisdom that is pure and gentle (James 3:17).  Those chosen for the House of the Wise through relentless pursuit of the gospel, speak truth into the lives of others and pursue peace as they proclaim the gospel to the world.

 
Whakawa
The Maori word meaning justice. 

House of Truth: The Whakawa Koinonia believes in justice.  Recognizing the call of God in their lives, the Whakawa Koinonia seeks to do what is right, promoting fairness and compassion with humility and grace (Micah 6:8).  Those chosen for the House of Truth know that truth is found in God’s word and depend fully on their Creator for determining what is right, seeking godly justice in this world. 

House of the Honest: The Whakawa Koinonia believes in justice.  Sharing the truth of the gospel with a needy world, the Whakawa Koinonia seeks to be sincere and humble as they speak God’s word, depending on Christ alone for all righteousness (2 Timothy 2:15).  Those chosen for the House of the Honest demonstrate a genuine desire for the word of God to shine through their humble lives, grounded in the truth of the gospel. 

 

Kalipay
The Cebuano word meaning joy.

 House of Triumph: Joy shines from the Kalipay Koinonia.  In their relationship with the Savior, the Kalipay Koinonia has found fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).  Those chosen for the House of Triumph recognize that the joy of the Lord is their strength, and rely on their Savior for their source of all hope and joy! 

House of the Radiant: Joy shines from the Kalipay Koinonia.  In their relationship with the Savior, the Kalipay Koinonia radiates the love of Jesus as they look to the Lord (Psalm 34:5). Those chosen for the House of the Radiant patiently wait on the Lord with full commitment and trust in Jesus, knowing that He will act on their behalf, providing all of their greatest needs. 
 

 

Jimiri
The Hausa word meaning endurance. 

House of Fortitude: Members of the Jimiri Koinonia exemplify endurance in their faith, consistently following the Savior, steadfast to the end (Galatians 6:9).  Those chosen for the House of Fortitude have confidence in the promises of God, allowing them to stand firm in unrelenting trust in their Savior. 

House of Strength: Members of the Jimiri Koinonia exemplify endurance as they look to Christ for the source of all strength. (Romans 5:3-4).  Those chosen for the House of Strength face challenges with assurance that perseverance will ultimately produce hope.