Education Philosophy
An Educational Philosophy is a description of our goals and beliefs as a seminary regarding our objectives, our roles as teachers and the role of the student.
Our education will be holistic. The purpose of our theological education is to produce people of Godly character, able to think Biblically about issues faced in life and ministry, able to minister with passion and skill, creative in applying Bible to life and committed to Church and society.
Since we believe in the supreme authority of scripture, all academic disciplines and all community life will be undergirded by the Bible’s teaching, directing students to obey all the commandments of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).
Learning will be multi-dimensional and will integrate excellence in academic knowledge, ministry skills and character formation. To this end, our curriculum will be planned to engage our student’s thinking (head), attitudes and values (heart) and practice (hands).
We value the diversity represented by the multi-denominational nature of the Seminary and the church’s unity, given as a gift by the Holy Spirit. Lecturers while subscribing to the CTS Statement of Faith will respect the forms of worship and doctrinal emphases of the various churches represented. Our lecturers will be sensitive in expressing their own views on subjects where Christians hold diverse views.
The classroom will be a safe environment where students and faculty are treated with respect. Our students’ opinions and their questions will be taken seriously. Lecturers will treat students fairly with no partiality with regard to gender, race, denomination etc. Student evaluations will be accepted and acted on by the Seminary. Students will have no fear of reprisals for their feedback.
Our lecturers will be competent to teach, well prepared, enthusiastic about their subject and knowledgeable about the current context. They will keep to their commitment to give helpful feedback to students and provide marks on time. They will not expect or accept gifts or other compensation for teaching.
Our education will be learner focused. Since the adult student is a partner in their education and not a passive receptacle, education will make use of their experience, and be applicable to their life and ministry. Classes will be held not so that teachers may teach but so that students can learn. The lecturer will be open to questions and dialogue, and teach using a spectrum of teaching methods.
Our theological education will be missional. Students will be challenged to pursue the mission of God in the light of their individual callings to different kinds of ministry, in the church, the marketplace and cross cultural mission. Theological education will fan their zeal for mission, ground and direct it, not detract from it.
Our theological education will be reflective, that is, constantly re-evaluated and open to change to ensure it is engaging with the Word and the world, addressing the needs of the hour and contextually relevant.
Our theologizing will be done as a learning community, not as isolated individuals. We will nurture, challenge and spur one another on to grow as skilled and trustworthy craftsmen and women in doing theology.
Our faculty will be lifelong learners and encourage students to be likewise. Faculty will be involved in continuing education. The seminary will provide opportunities for alumni to refresh and deepen their knowledge.
Our students will be men and women who have a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, who are rooted in a local church where they are known for their faithful discipleship and servanthood in the exercise of leadership and followership and who display the fullness of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by love for the church, a commitment to holiness, and responsible stewardship of their gifts, resources and relationships.
