Our goal is to make disciples, taught of the Lord, who are life-witnesses in “conduct, speech, love, faith, and purity” as stated in 1 Timothy 4:12. As disciples of Christ, faculty and students must be ever increasing in the qualities of the nature of Christ. According to 2 Peter 1:3-8, that nature should possess diligence, moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. As we become more like Christ, we will be useful and fruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord.
The college is a community of people brought together for the purpose of training laborers for the Kingdom of God. It is our desire to guide students using biblical principles. These biblical principles will be taught and lived by the staff. The Holy Spirit’s law of liberty, having set them free from the law of sin and death, will enable the instructors to impart the life of the Spirit, not the legalism of the law. We believe these principles will bring about a heart change, not just behavior modification. We expect our students to desire to be discipled. Students, along with their parents and church leaders, chose Family of Faith Christian University for the purpose of becoming laborers. In love we will instruct, correct, exhort, rebuke, and chastise. It is expected that the students will put forth a quality effort to hear and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Each student accepted into Family of Faith Christian University and each college employee understands that he is now part of a community. The people in this community seek to glorify God in every aspect of their lives. This community is one in which brothers and sisters in Christ encourage, support, and correct each other. Policies have been set in order to clarify expectations and indicate the behavior expected of Family of Faith Christian University students. The college faculty and administration believe these standards are biblically based and integral to the life and calling of a Kingdom laborer. It is not the intent of the college leaders to legalistically detail these standards; therefore each principle of the College Covenant is followed by examples of the lifestyles expected of disciples of Christ. Each student, faculty member, and staff member is expected to bring every area of his life under the control of the Holy Spirit. It is the hope and prayer of campus leaders that each member of the college community will covenant with God to live as a mature Christian with an increasingly Christ-like nature. Because of this, each student and employee is asked to carefully read, consider, and sign the College Covenant. Students and employees who do not sign the College Covenant will be invited for discussion and counsel with the college administrators.
- Recognizing Jesus as the author and finisher of my faith and the Word of God as the supreme source of all wisdom and knowledge, it is my aim to develop myself accordingly, realizing that as I seek His Kingdom and righteousness, all these things shall be added. (Matt. 6:33; Heb. 12:1-2; James 1:5-6; 1 Pet. 1:24-25; 1 John 2:5-6, 5:3-5)
- I will endeavor to follow the will of God for my life and to exemplify Christ-like character through daily personal prayer and consistent study of the Word of God, through faithful group worship at school and church, and throughout my daily life, both on and off campus. (Ps. 119:11; Matt. 7:7-11, 16:24; Col. 2:6-7; 1 Thes. 5:17; 1 Tim. 4:12; 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 10:25; James 1:22; 1 Pet. 1:13-16; 1 John 2:5-6, 5:3-5) One is expected to maintain a life of personal devotion to the Lord through daily prayer and Bible study, through faithful attendance at Family of Faith Church or a church that is in relationship with International Christian Leadership Connections, and through faithful attendance at Morning Prayer. The college does not specify a dress code; however, whether on or off campus, one’s apparel should be discrete and appropriate reflecting the Christ and not the world. Finally, one’s conduct on and off campus should be godly, above reproach, blameless, pure, and an example for those younger and older.
- I will apply myself to my studies and endeavor to develop the full powers of my mind in Christ. (Luke 2:52; Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 1:4-7; Phil. 2:5-8; Col 3:23) Students are expected to attend class, be attentive in class, and take responsibility for their course assignments and examinations. Faculty and staff are expected to adequately prepare for classes, keep abreast of developments in their fields of study, and present godly, relevant, and factual information in class.
- I will keep my body pure before the Lord, practice good health habits, and regularly participate in wholesome physical activities. (Rom. 1:21-32, 12:1; 1 Cor. 3:16-17, 6:13-7:9; 2 Cor. 12:21; Gal. 5:19-26; Col. 3:3-6; 1 Thes. 4:3-8) One is expected to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and sexual immorality. The college has specific policies on maintaining an alcohol and drug free campus (available in the College Policy Manual and Academic Catalog). Marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman who are obeying God’s direction to become one to fulfill His calling. Sexual relationships outside a marriage are wrong. Furthermore, one should eat well, exercise, and cultivate cleanliness, neatness, and strength into their daily lives.
- I will yield my personality to the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8, 2:1-4; Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 9:22; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 2:5-8; Col. 3:5-17; James 5:14-16) As the Holy Spirit takes more control, one will deny the flesh, put off the “old man” and take on the “new man” in Christ. The following list indicates, but does not comprehensively detail, behavior that is unacceptable for Family of Faith Christian University students or employees at any time, whether on or off campus: speaking indecent or profane language; gossip; viewing or handing out indecent or profane writing or pictures; fighting, verbally or physically; lying, stealing, and cheating; gambling; involvement in witchcraft, the occult, astrology or secret societies; weapons, explosives, or fireworks at the college or in vehicles. Furthermore, all are expected to use godly discernment in their musical selections and should not participate in any anti-Christ, immoral, unethical, or violent musical expressions.
- I will endeavor to faithfully give heed to the call of God on my life and develop the gifts and abilities God has given me. Furthermore, I will seek to share the love of Christ practically through personal witness and specific ministry on a regular basis in an area of Christian service where I feel led or called. (Matt. 10:8, 28:19-21; John 15:17; 1 Cor. 9:22, 12:18-31, 15:58; 2 Cor. 5:18-19; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 John 2:20) One will participate in ministry teams through the college’s Christian Service Program, in his church, and in mission opportunities into which the Lord directs him.
- During my training at Family of Faith Christian University, I will “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” in all areas of my life, including my calling, my future spouse (if applicable), and my finances. Jesus is the Lord of every area of my life, and I desire to walk in the fullness of His destiny for me. Therefore, regarding all major life decisions, I will seek and submit to counsel from my pastor, elders, and/or parents. ( Ps. 32:8; Matt. 6:33; Heb. 13:17) One is expected to prayerfully seek the Lord regarding every decision of his life, for God has promised to guide each of His children. A word or leading of the Lord regarding major life decisions (such as one’s calling, one’s major, and even one’s future spouse) should be submitted to one’s church eldership for confirmation and for counsel. If the decision regards one’s future spouse, both individuals will be counseled, and if all are in agreement, the relationship can change from a brother and sister relationship to a growing romantic and committed relationship that should culminate in a marriage covenant. Trusting God while walking out such a righteous and pure experience will enable one to experience the true meaning of being “one flesh” with the person one loves. One is to prayerfully examine himself as to whether he is fulfilling his financial obligations before the Lord to family, friends, community, work, school, and church. Believing God to pay finances in a timely manner and learning God’s direction in finances is preparation for a life in ministry. College administrators and church eldership are available for counseling in this area.
- If I become aware of a sin issue in the life of another, I will follow the biblical directive to go to him in private to seek restoration and repentance. If he does not listen, I will seek counsel from the appropriate college authority about how to proceed. (Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Tim. 3:16-17)
- I will submit myself to the leadership of Family of Faith Christian University and any rules or regulations that may be adopted or changed from time to time. I realize that my attendance at Family of Faith Christian University is a privilege and not a right. I determine to give my best and to prayerfully support Family of Faith Christian University and its philosophy of providing a quality education without compromising the Word of God. Should I, at any time, be concerned or confused about the implications of these principles, I will openly and honestly seek counsel from a faculty member or administrator. (1 Cor.16:15-16; Heb. 13:17)
I desire to be a disciple of Christ, to become more like Him, and to glorify His name on the earth. I join with the faculty, staff, and other students of Family of Faith Christian University as we covenant with God and dedicate our lives fully to Him. If I choose to conduct myself contrary to this covenant, I understand that I will be counseled for discipline or dismissal. I have not signed this covenant without fully understanding its purpose and its implications upon my life.