120 | COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2016-2017 SEMINARY & SCHOOL OF MINISTRY
FROM THE DESK OF THE DEAN…
Greetings from the faculty and staff team of the Seminary & School of Ministry (SSM). It is
my privilege to provide a brief introduction to the mission and goals of Columbia
International University’s SSM.
As one of the colleges of CIU, we
wholeheartedly embrace the purpose of
educating people from a biblical worldview to
impact the nations with the message of Christ,
or to put it more succinctly, “to know Him”
better and “to make Him known” more
effectively. At CIU’s SSM, we express our role
in implementing that purpose in this way:
The mission of Columbia International
University Seminary & School of Ministry is to
assist the Church in equipping Great
Commission Christians for culturally-relevant
ministry among the nations.
As a faculty and staff, our desire is that studying with us will transform your life while
enhancing your knowledge, attitudes, and skills in four areas:
1. Biblical-theological knowledge necessary to interpret and apply the biblical text and
to engage contemporary theological, ethical, and apologetic issues
2. Consistent growth toward Christ-like attitudes and behavior accompanied by a
commitment to helping others grow in Christ
3. Practical skills necessary to engage in vocational Christian ministry with cultural
understanding and sensitivity
4. A Great Commission mindset toward life and work
In other words, we hope you will strengthen your ability to think biblically, grow spiritually,
and minister effectively with a Great Commission focus.
The following information will give you a taste of our programs, our personnel, and our
passion, but it might not tell you everything you want to know. If we can help you personally,
please call us at 800.777.2227 or email us at
SSM@ciu.eduso we can answer your
questions or discuss your specific needs.
Yours in Christ,
John D. Harvey, Th.D.
Dean of the Seminary & School of Ministry