BASIC ELEMENTS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Spirit-directed
Education is the sum total of the experiences that shape a person’s mind and life. Distinctively Christian education is a process directed in a student’s life by the Holy Spirit.
Student-Related
The student’s ultimate motive is to glorify God by fulfilling his place in God’s plan. Christian education, therefore, consists of that instruction in the Word of God and other areas of knowledge that will prepare a person for all aspects of life and direct him toward the realization of his God-given potentials.
In areas not specified by the doctrinal statement, the student is free to hold and express individual convictions. While guidelines are provide through this philosophy, students are encouraged to think for themselves and make intelligent decisions based on principles in the Word of God.
Faculty-Guided
Students may receive guidance through classroom instruction, independent and self-directed study, counseling and informal activities. Every area of instruction is a calling of God necessitating the best in academic and spiritual preparation. Faculty members provide a model of Christian living while engaging in a discipline ministry with students. Since the Bible is the underlying source of truth, faculty members are expected to meet the life standards which flow from the teaching of Scripture.
Educational Balanced
The Institute strives to maintain a balanced treatment of subject matter and application. Students are expected to acquire knowledge and master skills. They should learn to make value judgments, develop a sense of responsibility, and mature in every area of their personalities.
While Bible and doctrine courses are the core of every major, general education subjects also are necessary to prepare a student to relate to the needs of contemporary man and to be effective in his ministry of the Word of God. All subjects are integrated into the biblical world view. A high degree of scholarship is expected in courses offered in any academic area or level.
Practically Oriented
The primary focus of the curriculum is to strengthen and advance the local and universal church through an emphasis on world-wide evangelization and the edification of believers. Opportunities to apply facts and concepts learned in the classroom are provided through practical Christian training. Truths are taught through methods and resources which affect student’s attitudes and behavior and which emphasize usefulness in Christian ministry.
