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2012-2013 Graduate Programs Academic Catalog
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Spiritual Life
“...but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow
up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even
Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted
and held together by that which every joint sup-
plies, according to the proper working of each
individual part, causes the growth of the body for
the building up of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:15-
16; NIV).
The goal of Student Life is for all members of the
Columbia International University community to
know God in an intimate way; and, by the power
of the Holy Spirit, to mature, becoming more
Christlike as we grow in our ability to support and
encourage one another in this academic commu-
nity. With the Bible as our ultimate authority for
what we teach and for how we should live, we
promote a lifestyle that derives its core beliefs
from the Bible. This rationale is outlined in biblical
and ministry standards contained in regularly
revised handbooks for students, staff and faculty.
We do not assume that any of us have arrived at
any ultimate level of maturity; instead, we seek to
grow and live in such a manner that we reflect
what we believe the Bible teaches regarding the
virtues of holiness, honesty, integrity and peace.
In terms of student learning objectives, the faculty
and student life professionals seek to model,
mentor and motivate students as they develop
their own views on family, community, personal
disciplines, spiritual formation and godly behavior.
Growth in Community
The primary responsibility for spiritual growth and
personal development lies within the individual;
we believe this growth takes place best within a
community of believers committed to one another
in love. Growth involves instructing, modeling,
encouraging and submitting to one another using
common community standards.
Growth in community is fostered through person-
al involvement with other believers. This means
we need to cultivate relationships in which we are
free to disclose with increasing transparency our
needs, weaknesses, fears and failures to trusted
friends. It also means we must accept the
responsibility that comes with trust — humility,
caring concern and commitment to our friends’
welfare and growth. This kind of mutual care is
essential to personal growth. Beyond its personal
benefit, it affords vital preparation for future min-
istry.
As members of a Christian community, we have a
responsibility to each other and for each other.
“Loving one another” is expressed in many ways.
We love when we serve each other in humility,
gentleness and genuine concern. We love when
we lift up those who are burdened, struggling or
falling short. How we fulfill our ministry to one
another in love will depend upon our personal
maturity, spiritual gifts, available resources and
the depth of relationships we establish.
We believe it is important for our educational pro-
gram to involve the whole CIU community.
Faculty, staff and students grow through interac-
tion with each other and with supervisors, family
and church friends as we all progress toward our
common spiritual and personal goals. In addition
to course-related experiences, CIU seeks to pro-
mote spiritual growth and personal development
through chapels, prayer days, ministry skills
experience and informal fellowship on the
campus and in our homes.
STUDENT LIFE