Mission of the Seminary: To prepare believers for an effective ministry who are able to lead others in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Vision Our vision is to become an international center of relevant training, instructive resources, and nurturing networks for evangelical Christians in ministry, through collaboration with local churches and parachurch organizations. Core Values Commitment to deep study, life application and effective communication of the Bible Intimate relationship with God Team work Excellence in ministry Cultural relevance God-honoring family life Christ-like character Practicing spiritual gifts in the local evangelical churches Passion for evangelism and missions Friendship and love Diversity within the evangelical-biblical circle of doctrinal positions
Philosophy of Education The goal of theological education is for the lives of our students and teachers to become "congruent with that which is made known of God and that which is manifest by God through" Christ the Revealer of God.[1] That, of course, is a life-long goal, which depends on far more than instructors. We readily acknowledge that we are not alone in this task of theological education. Not only do our students come to us with theological pre-understanding via many sources but also they are and will continue to be taught truths about God in their churches, families, and by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God as they continue on their journeys of becoming more like Christ. We, however, have the distinct privilege of imparting theological understanding to our student in what is for most of them, a formative time in their lives. And ours is the privileged role to help our students grow to maturity so that they can function independently (under God's leadership and the accountability of the church), and some day even replace us in the ranks of the faculty. Proverbs 4:23 exhorts, "Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it flows the issues of life." We are convinced that education is not merely an issue of the intellect; that scholarship without heartfelt convictions leads to pride (1 Cor. 8:1); and that head, heart, and hands must be joined for effective learning to occur. Therefore we teach, not only aiming to reach the minds of our students but also their hearts and their lifestyles. We recognize and embrace the truth that our training must address issues related to the knowledge, attitudes and skills needed for effective ministry.
[1] Robert Meye, "Theological Education as Character Formation," Theological Education 24 Spring Supplement, (1988): 101. |
