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144 | COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2018-2019 │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 our college.
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.
In SSM we pursue our role in implementing that purpose
through three divisions: the Undergraduate Ministry
Division, the Clinical Counseling Division, and the
Seminary Division—Columbia Biblical Seminary (CBS).
Although the missions of the individual divisions are
stated differently, each presupposes the same four
educational components: biblical-theological knowledge,
spiritual formation, practical skill development, and a
Great Commission focus.
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. The 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. A set of practical skills necessary to serve others 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