|
OVERVIEW
The Trustees of the College of Biblical Studies are seeking a new leader who will help the College to reach its potential in fulfilling the timely and unique mission of preparing men and women, primarily ethnic minorities, to serve Jesus Christ in the church, in the marketplace and in the community, based on the foundation of a sound biblically-based education taught in a multiethnic setting.
The College, with the assistance of Bruce Dingman and Donna White of The Dingman Company, is casting a wide net in search of its next President.
The person sought for this role will embody a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ and demonstrate in his work, his lifestyle and his commitments, a heart and passion for serving the communities represented by the students of CBS, and will perceive the role of President of CBS as an exciting and spiritually rewarding means of living out this calling.
He will be an exceptional leader, with acute ability to address particular areas of need which include increasing the College's donor base and financial resources through energetic fundraising efforts, providing spiritual and organizational leadership in taking CBS to a higher level of effectiveness and vitality, and expanding the College's reach by increasing enrollment and developing meaningful, proactive relationships within Houston's communities.
He will be in agreement with the College's Statement of Faith which represents a conservative, evangelical theological perspective, resting firmly upon the integrity and inerrancy of the Holy Scriptures, wholeheartedly accepting the basic doctrines of the historic Protestant Christian faith and also supportive of the non-charismatic, dispensational, pre-millennial movement.
We seek someone who resonates strongly with this unique role and rare opportunity. We invite you to submit names (with address, phone number, email) of potential candidates to bruce@dingman.com or donna@dingman.com for confidential consideration.
MISSION
The College of Biblical Studies provides biblically based education for the Body of Christ, with primary focus on African-American and other minority groups, and equips its students with a biblical worldview for Christian service to the church and the world.
The President
The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the College of Biblical Studies and reports to the Board of Trustees.
The President will provide leadership and guidance to the College to fulfill its mission. The President will also represent the College to regional organizations, as well as network and create alliances with a broader range of evangelical organizations as benefits the College.
Reporting to the President are: Vice President of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, Vice President of Finance and Business Affairs, Vice President of Student and Enrollment Services, Vice President of Development (vacant), and Executive Assistant.
Serving as an advisory council to the President is the "President's Cabinet" comprised of a group of 39 prominent business leaders. This group also represents a significant segment of the College's donor base.
The Board of Trustees
The 15-member Board of Trustees provides oversight and strategic direction for the College. The Board represents a diverse group of pastors, business executives and other leaders within the Houston major metropolitan area. Serving in an advisory capacity to the Trustees is a 4-member Board of Regents.
LEADERSHIP CRITERIA
Presidential Leadership Criteria
College of Biblical Studies seeks a new President who must demonstrate Christ-like character, be a visionary servant leader, promote high standards of scholarship, be humble and persistent in the passionate pursuit of excellence in a Christian community, foster mutual trust and respect all interactions, and bring impeccable integrity and high energy in leading the college.
The President must demonstrate an enthusiastic commitment to and support of the local church and work to understand and strengthen the relationship and role of the college with local churches.
The principal leadership qualities sought in our next President are:
Spiritual Leadership
The President must be a born-again believer submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. We also expect faithful membership in a local church, leadership of the college's chapel program for faculty and staff, and personal efforts to connect the college to local congregations and para-church groups. He should demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, college's theological statement. The President, as a servant-leader, should be a loving and caring person of faith, grace, patience, self-control, and forgiveness, who believes in the value of all people.
The personal credibility of the President should foster mutual trust and respect among the Christian community of the college. The President should make a personal commitment to value, appreciate, and build a community of Christ-like believers who are pursuing a lifestyle of commitment, learning, service, and stewardship.
Academic Leadership
Among the college's several unique features is a long-standing commitment to academic excellence and preparation of students for ministry or as representatives of Christ in the marketplace. The President will need to understand, be wholly devoted to, and inspire a shared vision for the purpose of such an institution. The college's President should foster the importance of integration of faith and learning, and standards-based assessment practices and their application to Bible, ministry and general education courses. The President needs to be able to lead the college through successful accreditations in documenting programs, curriculum, faculty, assessment, and students as models of excellence in character, scholarship, and leadership. The president is assisted in this task by Dr. Joseph Parle, Academic Dean and Dr. Beverly Lucas, the Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness.
The President must be committed to building a strong academic reputation for the University's undergraduate programs. The President will need to make it a priority to be competent in the key administrative areas of budgeting, fundraising, enrollment management, and student development.
The recruitment and selection of faculty, administrators, and staff who embody the mission of the college should be a priority.
Community Leadership
The college has made a deliberate effort to build and foster relationships within the business, professional, and faith-based communities. The President should develop and retain effective relationships with Texas communities. The President is expected to emphasize a Christian culture of fellowship, friendship, and unity throughout the college community. The President will promote high standards and quality performance from all members of the campus community. He should be an active participant in community outreach, a model of leadership and intellectual endeavor, and an ambassador for the college in the greater community.
Strategic Leadership
The President will need to possess or develop the ability to effectively build and maintain a leadership team that can guide an institution of higher education such as CBS. He must demonstrate a passion for the CBS mission, vision and core values. The inspiring vision of the college as a leader in Christian higher education must be communicated clearly and with a passion to all constituencies.
The President will need to be a visionary leader with full understanding of strategic and operational planning in fulfilling current commitments and identifying new opportunities to be a world-changer in the community and beyond. The President must be able to facilitate a shared vision for the future of the college and involve the college community in its development, implementation, and attainment. The ability to engage, empower, and equip the administration, faculty, and staff in decision-making and problem-solving is expected.
CBS places a high value on continued growth in enrollment (including the possible development of online education). In keeping with that value, the President must show a strong commitment to sustainable growth bringing significant experience and capabilities that will be consistent with this as an area of strength.
Financial Development
The President will be able to demonstrate the knowledge of and, preferably, have substantial prior experience with successfully leading fundraising and acquisition of funding sources from the private sector. The future health and continued growth of the college is dependent upon a combination of fiscal management, efficient operations, cultivation of external resources, and the development of a growing base of donors, including alumni. The President will need to provide leadership and point the direction in resource acquisition and should make a strong commitment to fiscal leadership and have a demonstrated gift for developing high quality and enduring business, foundation, and community relationships.
The Houston area has many Christians with substantial financial means, many of whom are current supporters of the college's mission. About half of the annual budget comes from fund raising, which is a far higher percentage than is typical for Christian colleges. It is anticipated that two-thirds to three-fourths of the President's time and efforts will be focused on "friend raising".
RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
Responsibilities and Duties
- Serves as the Chief Executive Officer, responsible for the execution of the policies of the Board of Trustees and for the administration of the College.
- Serves as liaison and official communicator between the Board of Trustees, the administration and the faculty.
- Develops favorable relationships with donors, friends, and college alumni.
- Develops and leads a comprehensive stewardship program that supports and enhances development and fundraising activities of The College of Biblical Studies. Expands, cultivates and solicits donor base. Expands the college's base of individual, corporate and foundation supporters, including the philanthropic support group (individuals), events (individuals and corporations) and general operating and program support (all sources). Conducts donor research and rates donors based on giving history and capacity. Develops and manages customized cultivation plans for major donor prospects from all sources.
- Develops and implements strategic fundraising plan to meet annual fundraising goals. Responsible for drafting the Annual Fund Development Plan and creating a detailed timeline and action steps to implement the plan. Develops plan and implements fundraising events. Oversees all aspects of the annual fund raising event, in cooperation with other staff, volunteers and outside vendors. With other Fund Development staff and volunteers, develops plan for a limited number of other "friend-raising" events.
- Maintains and safeguards the doctrinal standards and the spiritual vitality of the College through the selection of faculty and staff members who are wholly dedicated to Jesus Christ and competent in their chosen fields of service.
- Develops marketing and communication strategies to ensure that CBS programs and services are communicated to Christian churches and individuals so as to secure students, prayer and financial support for their education.
- Maintains and enhances the College accreditation.
Candidates for this position must meet the following qualifications and requirements:
- A sense of "call" to this position, and a heart for students.
- Full embrace of the stated mission of CBS.
- Advanced degree such as PhD (preferred), EdD or DMin, with strong consideration also given to degrees such as MBA, ThM, MDiv, etc.
- Five to 10 years of progressive experience whether in Christian Higher Education, a church or a para-church.
- Current membership in good standing within a local church.
- Complete agreement with doctrinal position of the College and the ability to sign statement of faith without reservation.
- Ability, hopefully demonstrated, to lead the growth of enrollment and fundraising revenues in higher education.
- Unquestioned integrity and courage.
- Places a strong value on "inclusiveness" and valuing of all people in a multiethnic college.
- A proven track record as an effective organizational leader.
- A willingness to take on tough tasks or to make decisions that may not be well received; willing to challenge the status quo;encourage creativity and innovation.
- A strategic thinker and a visionary; seeing where Christian education, the Church and society are going in the 21st century.
- A faith that "spills over" to others in keeping with the evangelical faith and beyond to the broader evangelical and Christian worlds.
- A passion for people to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; knowing that a strong prayer life is foundational to one's spiritual walk, and is an example and sponsor of such.
- A Christian character that models healthy family relationships.
- An ability to develop strong, genuine relations with Board members, faculty, staff, students, et al.
- Anticipation of being in the role long term (10+ years, subject to satisfactory performance, and at the discretion of the Board).
In addition, these qualifications are desired, but not mandatory:
- Previous academic administration experience in a Christian college or university.
- A bridge builder; creates an atmosphere of trust; willingly faces conflict when needed and is adept at finding win-win solutions.
- An understanding of organizational structure that effectively functions relationally and operationally, while having the acumen for running the organization.
- An intuition to put the right person in the right position and the ability to deal sensitively without delay in moving someone out of an ineffective position.
- A high level of self-confidence while also demonstrating humility and strength of conviction.
- A collaborative leadership style; viewed as the chief among equals.
- Transparency in living an exemplary life; knowing when to keep a confidence.
- Command of the budgeting process and how it is best used in an academic institution to provide resources, control costs, properly motivate, and yet hold people accountable.
- Personal charisma; when casting the vision or an idea, it should have an effect of "contagious enthusiasm."
- An active Christian who is ready to "share the hope that is within" as opportunities arise.
- Respect for cross-cultural and ethnic differences and a personal understanding of cross-cultural ministry; someone who has a global perspective.
- Familiarity with undergraduate programs and the accreditation process.
- A comprehension of where education is today and where it is going and how that affects the College's short- and long-term strategies.
- A high value of scholarship, balancing the academic and practical, the innovative, and the culturally relevant.
- An effective educator; educates the Board, faculty, administrators, staff, students, donors, and other constituents.
- A compelling and interesting communicator in large and small groups and with individuals.
- A commitment to diversity in the faculty and staff.
- Skilled in people leadership (develops esprit de corps; a good team leader, open, and transparent).
- The ability to multi-task.
- A progressive and learning nature; embraces the potential of technology.
- A strong work ethic, balanced with the needs of a spiritual walk, family, and personal relaxation.
- A good steward; gives at least a tithe to the Lord.
- An entrepreneur; knows how to develop something then make it work.
- A commitment to accountability for self and others.
- A gracious spirit; comfortable in all settings, and given to hospitality.
While it might seem we seek someone who is ideal beyond reality, this document is only a guide. It includes input from various constituencies and stakeholders. The Search Committee will remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit as prospects are revealed and considered.
Institutional Overview
"The College of Biblical Studies of Houston, Texas is the largest nationally accredited, multiethnic Bible College in North America. Since 1979, CBS has been developing Christian leaders to serve our multiethnic community. CBS strives to provide biblical based instruction through certificate, associate and bachelor degrees and personal enrichment opportunities, in a cost effective manner, to meet the needs of our student body.
"God has provided CBS the blessing of ministering to over 20,000 students throughout its existence. Today, more than a thousand CBS alumni as well as thousands of our former students are ministering the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in their communities, churches and workplaces."
CBS was initially founded as a means to strengthen African American communities in the Houston area by making sound biblical education available to church leaders regardless of their ability to afford higher education. Traditionally, in African American culture the church has been a foundational and central force within the community. Lack of education and biblical training was detrimental to the effectiveness of church leaders in perpetuating the application of biblical truth. The underlying belief in founding the institution that was to become the College of Biblical Studies, was that strengthening church leaders through sound biblically-based education would strengthen the church and therefore strengthen families and the community-at-large.
The school's reach has expanded to address similar needs within Houston's growing Hispanic population, with the larger mission of serving a diverse multiethnic community while honoring the College's roots in the African American community. Current enrollment predominantly consists of African Americans and Hispanics, but also includes Caucasians. Increasing its reach into the Asian American community is also part of the school's vision.
Over the years, the breadth of education offered by CBS has grown into several accredited degree programs including the Bachelor of Science degree with four separate majors and the Associate Degree in Biblical Studies. As a result, the stage of life of the students has become more varied. Students could be pastors and church leaders, adults working in the marketplace or recent high school graduates, et al. With upcoming accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the College anticipates increased enrollment of young adults embarking on their post secondary education.
The college also reaches those seeking personal enrichment without pursuing a degree or college credit through its Center of Continuing Studies (CCS) which serves as an outreach into the communities that CBS seeks to serve as well as builds a bridge toward future enrollment.
Enrollment
CBS, which has a commuter campus, currently has 462 students enrolled in degree programs and 38 enrolled in a non-degreed course of study, representing a total of 500 (328 FTE).
In addition, there are 150+ non-credit students enrolled in the Center for Continuing Studies.
While enrollment is a concern for CBS and is shy of overall goals for 2011-12 as well as the strategic plan "CBS 2.0" (2008 – 2013), there are positive indicators:
- Total FTE enrollment increased by 14% over fall 2010 and was over goal, representing an increase in the number of credit hours per student.
- Enrollment in degree programs for fall 2011 exceeded goal and increased by 19% over fall 2010.
- Revenue per student has increased by 269% since the implementation of the strategic plan in 2008 due to an increase in the average credit hours per semester per student and increased tuition hour charges. Even so, annual tuition for a full time student is under $8,000.
- Student retention has risen from 52% in 2008-09 to 76% in 2010-11.
The areas in which enrollment is significantly lower than goal for Fall 2011 include non-degree students and non-credit courses in the Center for Continuing Studies, both which serve as sources of new students for the degree programs and for the school, respectively. This represents a need for strengthened outreach in the College's target communities and additional donor funds to support new students.
In general, enrollment is lower than some former years for a number of reasons, however, as of the 2010 – 2011 school year, a turnaround began and continues through to the current school year. Specific measures have been identified using the assistance of a professional consultant and are being implemented, including making staffing changes and additions to strengthen student recruitment, alumni relations, and marketing, public relations and communications, and creation of a Church and Organizational Relations function.
Of particular concern for a school with CBS's unique mission is targeting students representing specific demographics. One of the critical challenges facing the new President will involve striking a balance between honoring and continuing the College's longstanding commitment and tradition of service to the African American community, while also promoting a multiethnic commitment within CBS and fulfilling a mission to serve the larger multiethnic community. Core to CBS's mission is an emphasis on addressing the particular needs and challenges facing ethnic minorities.
Current enrollment by ethnicity is 44% African American, 30% Hispanic, 22% White/Anglo, 2% Asian/Pacific Island and 2% Other.
Financial Information
For the Fiscal Year 2010-2011, total revenues were $7,108,000 with total expenses of $6,857,000 (rounded) and total assets of $15,285,000.
Net increase in net assets for the most recent fiscal year represents a 2% increase in net assets at the beginning of the year. The budget for 2011-2012 is $7,246,000.
Over half of revenues in the 2010-2011 fiscal year are represented by gifts, with the balance mostly represented by tuition. Endowment is minimal.
Fundraising is an ongoing critical need to be addressed by the new President since donor support represents the most significant factor in providing affordable tuition and financial assistance in attracting new students seeking to serve the Lord mostly in urban, underserved communities.
History
The College of Biblical Studies, originally known as Houston Bible Institute, began in the heart of the late Rev. Ernest L. Mays in 1976 when he was sitting in a white Bible College in Houston. He felt there should be something comparable in the African American community. His good friend Mr. William Thomas (later Chairman of the Board) suggested Rev. Mays contact Dr. Joe Wall, Pastor of the Spring Branch Bible Church. Dr. Wall agreed to help and brought Anglo financial support as well as the support of the KHCB radio station.
KHCB offered to host Houston Bible Institute in its recording studio and also gave them office space free of charge. Rev. Mays rounded up 65 part time students and Houston Bible Institute was born in the Fall of 1979. Their first president (then called executive director) was Rev. Rodney Cooper who was one of the earliest African American graduates of Dallas Theological Seminary. Rev. Cooper designed a one year curriculum, built the student body to 90 part time students, and was president for three years before leaving to pursue a Ph.D.
The Board hired Rev. Jack Arrington to become the second President. Rev. Arrington increased the student head count to 141 and continued the difficult task of earning the respect and confidence of the minority community during his eight year tenure. It was during those early and difficult years that the amazing tenacity of Dr. Mays was so greatly used of the Lord. Until the Lord called him home, the focus and passion of his life was the building of what was then Houston Bible Institute. He enlisted the support of his good friend Mr. William Thomas Jr. who became Chairman of the Board for 17 years. In 1991 Rev. Arrington left HBI to become the Pastor of Tomball Bible Church and the Board called Dr. William Boyd to become the third President of Houston Bible Institute.
Dr. Boyd introduced the idea of offering the Bible Study Methods course tuition-free to attract students. Each year the college held a Spring Scholarship Banquet to raise the funds to pay for the Bible Study Methods scholarships that the College had given away during the year. About 25% of the students who took the free Bible Study Methods class returned to become regular students. It was this basic concept that drove the growth of CBS from 141 to approximately 1500 students in 16 years.
During that 16 year era (1991-2007) God exercised his power in an amazing way.
- The curriculum was increased from a one-year to a four-year bachelors program.
- The college changed its name from Houston Bible Institute to College of Bible Studies-Houston.
- Three majors were designed and offered; Biblical Counseling, Leadership and Christian Ministry.
- The college earned national accreditation with the Association of Biblical Higher Education.
- A campus was purchased and later expanded until it included 14 acres with 160,000 square feet under roof with no debt.
- The student body grew from 141 to 1500 part time students which would be equivalent to approximately 750 full time students.
- The budget went from $140,000 to $6,700,000 per year.
- The full time faculty increased from one to 23.
- The staff increased from one to 70.
- The Board of Trustees increased from 7 to 21 and a Board of Regents was added.
- The President's Cabinet was started and has 50-plus prominent Christian business men and women.
- A strategic relationship with Dallas Theological Seminary was forged and in 2007 DTS has become the largest seminary in Houston, Texas fed by an increasing number of students by CBS.
- An endowment was started that exceeds $4 million.
- In 2007, God called Dr. Jay Quine to move from a Full Professorship at Dallas Seminary to assume the Presidency of CBS. With Dr. Quine's agreement, in June 2011, the CBS's Board of Trustees voted to accept Dr. Quine's resignation in order to seek a new President whose abilities were more closely aligned with the College's needs.
- Currently, CBS's Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Ivory L. Varner, serves as acting President.
MISSION, VISION, GOALS
In keeping with CBS's mission as stated at the beginning of this document, the school's vision is "To develop Christian leaders to serve our multiethnic Community." In fulfilling its vision and mission, the goals of CBS include turning out students who demonstrate:
1. Biblical and theological knowledge, recognizing Scripture as the ultimate authority for life and godliness.
2. Skills that reflect critical-thinking and problem solving ability.
3. Attitudes and values indicative of an integrated biblical worldview.
4. Sensitivity to various cultural viewpoints.
5. Skills of effective communication.
6. Skills useful for Christian ministry.
FACULTY AND STAFF
CBS has a highly committed faculty and staff who describe working for CBS as "more than a job." For most it is a ministry and a calling. Both faculty and staff describe their co-workers as "family" and a caring environment that also translates to their relationships with students.
CBS has 34 faculty members including 12 full time teaching faculty, 10 administrative faculty and 12 adjunct faculty members.
The College demonstrates a strong commitment to the institution's educational mission through faculty who demonstrate scholarship and a heart for ministry.
Full-time faculty members have significant ministry experience as well as academic qualifications. For instance, 100% of full time faculty members and 94% of adjunct faculty members have served in a staff position at a local church including Pastor and Senior Pastor.
The College staff consists of three Vice Presidents (as previously described) and, in addition, a full time staff of 72 (includes 22 full time faculty) and a part time staff of 4.
FACILITIES
The 14-acre campus, located in the Regency Square business complex of southwest Houston, has five buildings situated on 10.5 acres, with 3.5 adjoining acres yet undeveloped. CBS's facilities are debt-free.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
CBS is a private, non-profit, non-denominational, degree-granting institution of higher education, authorized to confer degrees up to the baccalaureate level.
Current programs include:
Accelerated Degree Completion Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Christian Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Biblical Counseling
Four-Year Bachelor Degree Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
Associate Degree in Biblical Studies taught in English and in Spanish
Bible Certificate taught in English and Spanish
Through the Center for Continuing Studies, non-credit courses are offered to provide high quality biblical education to individuals who attend classes for personal enrichment.
Additionally, CBS is host to the Houston extension of Dallas Theological Seminary which offers a Master of Biblical Studies, Master of Christian Education and its prestigious Master of Theology program.
ACCREDITATION
Currently, CBS is accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (formerly the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges), a national accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the United States Department of Education, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
As part of its current strategic plan, CBS is actively seeking accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools with intention of completing this process in December 2013.
ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS
College of Biblical Studies has chosen to develop partnerships with a few seminaries and universities. CBS is associated by an articulation agreement with Texas A&M University Commerce and Lone Star Community College System.
CBS is also informally associated with and recognized by the following schools:
- Dallas Theological Seminary
- Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Houston Baptist University
- Grace School of Theology
Doctrinal Overview
See Addendum 1
THE SEARCH AND SELECTION PROCESS
The Search Committee is made up of members of the Board of Trustees and the President's Cabinet with advisory representation by staff and faculty. The Search Committee will interview the final candidates and choose a candidate to recommend to the Board of Trustees.
Assisting in the search is Bruce Dingman, President and Donna White, Vice President of The Dingman Company, Inc., (www.dingman.com), an executive search firm which has a successful track record of numerous similar searches.
Every attempt is being made to complete this process by early 2012, with the new President assuming the role as soon as possible after selection.
We wish to thank the Search Committee members and others for their contribution on content used in creating this document.
Anyone considering applying for the position should know that significant effort will be taken to maintain confidentiality up to the time that one person becomes the preferred candidate and is introduced to the campus community. However, reference checking will require that a candidate give the search consultant access to third parties. The search consultant and the Search Committee will be cautious and sensitive in trying to preserve any prospect's anonymity.
The College does not discriminate on the basis of age, ethnicity, national origin, or physical handicap. People of all ethnicities and nationalities are encouraged to apply. However, by the nature of this organization and its purposes, it does limit its hiring to people whose beliefs, theology and lifestyle are consistent with the college's Statement of Faith (see addendum).
Doctrinal Statement
(ALL FACULTY AND STAFF MUST SUBSCRIBE TO THIS STATEMENT. STUDENTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS STATEMENT BUT SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE DOCTRINAL DISTINCTIVES OF THE COLLEGE).
The doctrinal position of the College of Biblical Studies–Houston is historically that of conservative Christianity. CBS rests firmly upon the integrity and inerrancy of the Holy Scriptures and, therefore, wholeheartedly accepts the basic doctrines of the historic Protestant Christian faith. CBS also supports the non-charismatic, dispensational, pre-millennial movement. Traditionally, CBS graduates stand for these great truths, and it is the desire of the College to continue to provide personnel for service in these ranks. This Doctrinal Statement, which every board member, administrator, staff and faculty member must sign, also includes:
Every word in the original writings of the Holy Scriptures is inspired of God and without error (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet.1:21; 1 Cor. 2:13).
The Godhead exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God (Gen. 1:1; Jn. 10:30, 4:24; Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14).
Man was created in the image and likeness of God, but in Adam all mankind fell into sin with the result that all men are sinners, hopelessly sinful in themselves, apart from the grace of God (Gen. 1:27, 9:6; Rom. 5:12, 3:23; Eph. 2:1).
The Eternal Son of God became incarnate in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is true God and true man, having been born of the virgin Mary (Jn. 1:1,14,18; Matt. 1:21-23; Heb. 1:6,8; 1 Jn. 5:20; 1 Tim. 2:5).
Salvation is received by faith alone in Christ, who died in substitutionary sacrifice for our sins and rose again (Acts 4:12; 13:38,39; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Rom. 4:4,5; 5:1).
Every true believer is promised positional and ultimate sanctification with the possibility of progressive development in life spiritually, (progressive sanctification) (Heb. 10:10,14; Jn. 17:17; Eph. 5:26,27; 1 Thess. 4:3,4; 1 Jn. 3:2).
All who are born of the Spirit through faith in Christ can have the assurance of salvation and are eternally secure in Christ (Rom. 5:1; Jn. 3:5,6; 1 Jn. 5:13; Jn. 10:28,29; 17:12; 2 Tim. 1:12).
The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Godhead, who regenerates, indwells, baptizes, and seals all true believers in Christ and fills those yielded to God (Matt. 28:19; Jn. 1:13; 3:3-6; Titus 3:5; 1 Cor. 2:12; 6:19; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 4:30).
The Church, embracing all true believers, is the body and bride of Christ, formed by the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:22,23; 5:24,25,30; 1 Cor. 12:12,13,27).
Christians are called to a holy life of service and testimony in the power of the Holy Spirit, which service includes the propagation of the Gospel message to the whole world.There is promised reward in heaven for faithfulness in such service (1 Pet. 1:15,16; Jn. 12:25,26; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 3:12-15).
The scriptural ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper are for all true believers in Christ (Matt. 28:19,20; Mk. 16:15,16; Acts 8:12,36-38; 9:18; 10:47; 1 Cor. 1:16; 11:23-26).
Angels were originally created holy but now exist as unfallen and fallen including satan (Col. 1:16; Neh. 9:6; Ps. 143:2-5; Jude 6; Matt. 25:41; Rev. 12:9; Eph. 6:11,12).
God has revealed different dispensations or stewardships with corresponding rules of life, of which the present dispensation is the age of grace (Eph. 3:2-6,9-11; Col. 1:25-27; Rom. 6:14; Heb. 7:18,19).
The imminent return of the Lord, which is the blessed hope of the Church, is to be followed in order by: the tribulation; the establishment of the reign of Christ on earth for one thousand years; the eternal state of punishment for the unsaved and the eternal state of blessing for the saved (Titus 2:13; 1 Thess. 1:10; 4:13-18; 5:4-10; Rev. 3:10; Matt. 24:21,29,30; 25:31; Rev. 20:1-6,11-15; Matt. 25:46).
Statement of Institutional Philosophy
The basic philosophy of College of Biblical Studies comes directly from God's inerrant Word, "The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (I Tim. 1:5). From this basic philosophy flow two essential goals - personal and ministry.
Concerning the personal goal, we desire our students to be changed by the person of Jesus Christ as revealed through the Word of God. In keeping with this intent, our objective is to assist and encourage our students to be conformed to the image of Christ. In order to be conformed to Christ's image, we must continually be instructed from the Bible, the revelation that God has given concerning Himself. It is for this reason that the heart of the CBS curriculum involves biblical and theological instruction - all sourced on God's inerrant Word. In order to know Christ intimately, one must know His thoughts - the Scripture.
The second goal, ministry, is the natural outflow of the first. Being conformed to Christ's image should produce a desire to love and affect those in the community. Our instruction is designed to enable and train students to effectively serve the Body of Christ, ministering through their local church, and reaching out to the community. We believe the best spiritual leaders are those who are completely submitted to the will of God, which is revealed in the Scriptures.
To achieve our goals, we use the Scripture as the core of each CBS program. Rightly dividing the Bible involves studying its content and understanding its meaning. Proper application of Scripture is vital as it changes patterns of thinking and behavior. Bible surveys, book studies, systematic theology, biblically related subjects, tools and methods of exegesis and exposition are all designed with these purposes. We also believe the student must be trained to effectively demonstrate the love of Christ to a world that is oblivious of the ways of God. This demonstration of Christ's love can be enhanced through academic instruction of students in the areas of philosophy, sociology and religion—disciplines that enable our students to better understand the world in which they live. Accordingly, our students are also instructed in areas of personal expression (counseling, speech, evangelism, teaching and preaching) so they may better demonstrate God's love.
Preparation for ministry would not be complete without supervised field education. Under the direction of the Assistant Academic Dean, those students enrolled in degree programs engage in a variety of ministries as they put into practice what they are learning in the classroom. Wherever possible, these ministry assignments are correlated with methods courses to further enhance the learning process.
|
