Before a plane can take off, the pilot must do a lot of planning and preparation. Creating a navigation plan is crucial because it ensures the flight is conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with aviation regulations. It provides a clear route from departure to destination. The flight plan helps pilots maintain situational awareness and avoid mid-air collisions or getting lost.
Similarly in life, Christian students just out of high school may find themselves trying to navigate the challenges of living out their faith in a secular world. Fortunately for many students like Chris Kostrzewa, SBS Class of 2017, StoneBridge teaches them how to face these challenges with confidence and compassion.
When Chris spoke at the Alumni Chapel this past January, he told the Upper School students, “We live in a world that is filled with uncertainty, hate, gossip, judgment, lust, and confusion. Beyond these walls, you’ll encounter challenges that test your faith.”
Addressing the question of why we struggle so greatly when it comes to living out the Christian life, Chris said, “It is my conviction that while many of us know about God, there are few of us who know of God. If we don’t know Him, we can’t love Him and others as He commands. And because we don’t know God, it becomes difficult to live out what God asks us to do. It further prevents us from cultivating a Christian culture.”
Chris said he is grateful for the Christian foundation he received at StoneBridge.
“The school provided me with a strong biblical foundation that serves as a guide for my decisions and interactions. They encouraged me to ask challenging questions and seek truth, fostering a faith that is both thoughtful and steadfast,” he said. “StoneBridge also taught me to love and respect others regardless of differing beliefs, preparing me to engage with diverse perspectives in a Christ-like manner. Through open discussions and a supportive environment, I was able to trust my peers and mentors with challenging questions, which strengthened my ability to stand firm in my faith while showing grace to others.”
Chris believes deeply in the command given in Matthew 6 to seek first God’s kingdom.
“We are not promised an easy earthly life as a result, but our eternal reward is unlike any good that we will ever experience on earth,” he explained. “Furthermore, the peace we experience as a result is unmatched. I am reminded of Isaiah 26:3, there is perfect peace for those whose minds are fixed on God. StoneBridge students will, unfortunately, be bombarded with earthly temptations. If seeking God’s kingdom is their first priority, they will hardly notice the distractions of the world.”
After leaving StoneBridge, Chris received his degree in human geography from the University of Mary Washington. Recently, he’s found himself back in school, enrolled in a hybrid seminary program at Duke Divinity School. But when he’s not in school, he’s a corporate pilot and instructor. He is responsible for assisting military aviators transition to civilian aviation.
“The corporate job allows me to fly private individuals for mostly business purposes,” he said. “I’m very grateful to be able to help them in their business endeavors.”
Having a deep interest in Biblical interpretation, church history, and young adult ministry, Chris said he feels blessed to be part of the divinity program at Duke.
“It’s a pleasure to be a part of a program with peers and professors who not only share similar interests, but have a deep love and longing for God,” he said.
Chris attended StoneBridge for 12 years, with his high school years spent playing soccer and being involved in student government, which he immensely enjoyed.
“I served for three of my four years throughout high school, and it brought me great joy to serve as the liaison between the student body and administration. The administration cared deeply for the students, and I was grateful to be able to experience that first-hand,” he said.
Chris also noted that StoneBridge is unique in its ability to send its students to Europe for their senior trip.
“Having the opportunity to experience different countries and cultures with my classmates is undoubtedly one of my best memories. I also hold near and dear to my heart the many years we spent at Rockbridge for retreat. It is truly one of the most spiritually transformative weekends students get to experience,” he said.
Building on the spiritual foundation he gained at StoneBridge, Chris has been able to further the kingdom of God by living out the biblical principles and Christ-centered values he learned.
“StoneBridge taught me to root my identity in Christ, recognize my eternal value, and embrace my God-given purpose,” he said. “This has inspired me to lead and serve with love, humility, and a commitment to reflecting Christ in my actions. Whether through sharing biblical truths in challenging cultural contexts, serving others selflessly, or leading by example, I strive to live out the values of faith, character, and purpose that StoneBridge cultivated in me, impacting those around me for God’s glory.”
At the end of his chapel talk, Chris asked students the question: “Why do Christians struggle to live out the Great Commandment?” The answer, he says, lies in our relationship with God.
Navigating life as a Christian means walking daily in faith, spending time in God’s Word, and trusting in His plan even when the path is unclear, he explained throughout his talk. It involves making choices that reflect Christ’s love, standing firm in truth, and extending compassion in a world that often challenges both.
