Biblical Authority

As evidence of the seminary's commitment to demonstrating and declaring the inerrancy, authority, and sufficiency of the Scriptures, the seminary purposes to provide students with a thorough knowledge of Scripture, prepare them for ministering the Word to others, and instill in them a commitment to live by its authority. Students will be enabled to express a biblical world view.

1. Students will evidence the exegetical skills needed for lifelong ministry.

2. Students will evidence a thorough knowledge of the Bible.

3. Students will articulate a biblical world view.

4.   Students will express the biblical foundation for a philosophy of Christian ministry.

5.   Students will demonstrate an ability to accurately apply Scripture to their contemporary context.

Academic Excellence

As evidence of the seminary's commitment to offering the highest quality programs for educating and strengthening students for the advancement of God's program, the seminary purposes to provide a quality education that is academic and practical, stimulate critical theological reflection, and foster lifelong learning. Students will develop the abilities which characterize well educated ministers.

1.   Students will master theological subject matter.

2.   Students will demonstrate an appreciation for the role of formal education and research in the daily life of ministry.

3.   Students will achieve an ability to properly use and evaluate resource material.

4.   Students will demonstrate clear, logical written and oral expression of ideas.

5.   Students will demonstrate an appreciation for the role of scholarship in ministry.

6. Students will evidence competence in the use technological tools for research and ministry.

Personal Godliness

As evidence of the seminary's commitment to exemplifying that life is to be lived before a holy God, for His glory and His honor, the seminary purposes to facilitate the spiritual development of students and to cultivate their desire to live in a manner worthy of their biblical calling. Students will be challenged to apply their knowledge to the development of godly character both in themselves and others.

1. Students will seek a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ, applied in godly character and service.

2. Students will make personal and professional integrity and adherence to the highest ethical standards central, intentional, and distinguishing characteristics of their life.

3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of their own unique giftedness and an increased ability to use their giftedness in ministry to God.

4. Students will articulate the principles of spiritual growth.

Servant-Leadership

As evidence of the seminary's commitment to preparing students for effective vocational Christian service and leadership in a multi-cultural world, the seminary purposes to train students for the task of pastoral leadership of new or established congregations. Students will develop skills that will enable them to lead in church ministries and to compassionately care for the diverse needs of today's multi-cultural congregations.

1. Students will evidence skills necessary for the task of starting new congregations, for pastoral leadership of established congregations, and for spreading the Gospel to foreign lands.

2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the challenges which contemporary culture presents to effective ministry.

3. Students will demonstrate an ability to formulate appropriate, creative, and effective strategies for ministering in their respective contexts.

4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to ethical practices in ministry.

5. Students will demonstrate the initiative and capacity for project planning and execution within a group context.

6. Students will articulate and model the principles of godly leadership.

People

As evidence of the seminary's commitment to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to treating people according to His example and teaching, the seminary purposes to instill in students a respect, love, and concern for all human life. Students will develop an appreciation for the diversity which is part of the human experience, be challenged to value people as beings created in the image and likeness of God, and be enabled to mobilize the people of God to undertake the important task of discipleship.

1. Students will articulate the role of forgiveness and Christian love in human relationships.

2. Students will evidence an increased personal commitment to and courage in their witness for Jesus Christ.

Baptist Heritage

As evidence of the Seminary's commitment to upholding the Baptist distinctives, the Seminary purposes to provide students with knowledge of the historic Baptist tradition and instill in them a desire to perpetuate our Baptist heritage. Students will develop an appreciation for the Baptist distinctives.

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the essential creeds of the Christian faith and Baptist heritage.

2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the unique place of Baptists within the broader context of church history and the contributions of various people, groups, and movements throughout the history of the church.

3. Students will articulate the Baptist distinctives and the scriptural evidence from which they are derived.

4. Students should articulate their theology in conversation with the past contributions of their Christian predecessors.