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2012-2013 Seminary 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” (Eph. 4:15-16;
NIV).
The goal of Student Life is for all members of the
CIU 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 abili-
ty to support and encourage one another in this
academic community.
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 min-
istry 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.
Since growth in community is fostered through
personal involvement with other believers, we
must cultivate relationships in which we are free
to disclose with increasing transparency our
needs, weaknesses, fears and failures to trusted
friends. 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 ministry.
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 make progress
toward our common spiritual and personal goals.
In addition to course-related experiences, CIU
seeks to promote spiritual growth and personal
development through chapels, prayer days, min-
istry skills experience and informal fellowship on
the campus and in our homes.
student rights and responsibilities
an outline of expectations:
authority of the university
Although CIU exists for students, the Board of
Trustees, by charter and by-laws, is ultimately
responsible for the educational programs and
campus life. The president of the university
reports to the Board of Trustees and is responsi-
ble for the organization and administration of the
school.
scriptural commands and clear teaching
The God revealed in the Bible desires to trans-
form, illumine and empower both faculty and stu-
dents. He is the source of all authority and has
power to transform His children into the image of
Jesus Christ. He is the one who changes our lives
in community.
Student Life