What We Stand For

Values

Before anything else, values come first. Without clear, shared values, we wander independently and contradict one another. Everything’s harder when we all believe different things about what’s important to us and our company.

Key values:

• Be Straightforward. When we communicate - internally or externally - we speak plainly and clearly. Avoid lingo, assumptions, exaggeration, or other obstacles to straightforward explanation. This doesn’t mean stripping poetry or personal expression from our language, but it must make sense. Aside from technical discussions, anyone reading what we write collectively should simply get it without needing further explanation. Use as few words as possible.

• Be fair and do the right thing. What’s fair? What’s right? We each have to use our best judgment, which varies, but a good rule of thumb is "what would you do for a friend or neighbor if they asked for help?" For example, make an exception if someone narrowly misses a refund deadline, or say "Sure we can do that" when a student expects to hear "Sorry, we can't." If reasonable, grant requests. Sometimes the right thing is still to say no - don't feel bad about that.

• Levelheadedness. We are calm, thoughtful, and considered in our dealings with each other and the world. We don't act spitefully, rush to judge, or jump to conclusions. If disagreed with or attacked, we listen, think, and respond calmly and clearly - addressing the idea or situation, not the personality or pressure.

• Generosity. Generosity is a wonderful virtue. It means surprising someone with goodwill without asking for anything in return - whether time, attention, or resources. We give what's expected, and more.

• Independence. This contradicts a bit. After sharing values, here's one that diverges: Independence. We encourage independent thought and original thinking. Since day one, we've done things our way, not following industry or competitors. We see things for ourselves, make our own calls, and offer perspectives, ideas, and products that we think are right.

Helping people engage with the Bible as they grow

Growth happens.

As people grow in their faith and understanding of the Bible, many things become more difficult - it's harder to stay connected, information gets lost, communication suffers, and it's tougher to stay on top of everything going on. What worked for a new believer doesn't work as well after years of study.

At some point, mature Christians need a system to stay organized and grow without losing control. Communication about Scripture, within small groups, and in service projects needs a home.

Most believers cobble together various tools and resources as they grow, but disorganization and lack of structure eventually catches up. More sermons or Bible studies alone won't solve the problem. And increasingly, non-stop religious chatter creates more communication without needed structure and context to make it useful.

This is where ARMA Courses comes in.

ARMA Courses helps maturing Christians organize their study, group discussions, and service work in one place so they have a central base of Biblical truth. People know what to dig into, discussions have direction, it's clear where people stand, and everyone is accountable.

This is what we do. It takes many forms as we refine our system, but we help groups of Christians get their understanding together - and keep it together - so they can do their best work studying Scripture, serving others, and representing Christ.