Ordinary People Bold Lives

Volume 6 | Issue 2 | Summer 2010

From the President: Be Bold

Dr. David Faust

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. . . . Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Mark 12:30, 31

At CCU we are not content merely to be a “faith-related” school. We want to be “faith active.” No matter what degree program they pursue, we expect all of our students to be on a path toward Christian maturity during their time at CCU. “The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1Timothy 1:5).

Another way to say it? At CCU we are BOLD (Biblical, Outreach-oriented, Life-changing, and Distinctive).

In recent months our faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders have engaged in prayer, discussion, and reflection about the spiritual health of our university. We conducted surveys, focus groups and interviews, and researched what other Christian colleges are doing in spiritual development. Here are some of our conclusions.

Spiritual Growth Includes Outreach to Others

It’s not just about “us.” It’s about loving God and loving our neighbors. Too much introspection puts the emphasis on self instead of on the Lord. College shouldn’t be a time for self-absorption, nor do we want to graduate self-righteousreligious snobs. Instead, we teach our students to be humble servants who care about others and share their faith in practical ways.

Spiritual Growth Involves The “Heart” as Well as The “Head”

While academic pursuits are at the core of our educational mission, we’re interested in “transformation” as well as “information.” At CCU spiritual growth happens in the context of healthy inter-personal relationships as students interact with caring faculty, staff, and classmates. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

While requiring participation in the process, CCU offers a menu of spiritual growth opportunities our students can select. We expect every student to be actively involved in corporate worship, small groups, and service to others. No program can replace a personal desire to walk with God, so CCU provides a faith-nurturing environment where our students are encouraged to honor the Lord willingly, motivated by love.

Learn more about CCU’s Spiritual Development Plan.

by Dr. David Faust
President
Cincinnati Christian University