The Vision
Multi-cultural
Hatred and division between races and cultures has its roots deep in our nation’s history. Unfortunately, Christians have frequently been part of the problem and not part of the solution. The Bible teaches us that “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you all are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:38)
Jesus loves members of all cultures and nationalities, and as His disciples we should be the same. We believe students who are hungering to be like Jesus will have more in common with one another than students who share a common upbringing. People from all different cultural backgrounds should sense God’s presence and love in our assemblies. Heaven is typified by all nations, tribes and languages, and we want our ministry to mirror this image. Our chapters should reflect diversity, not exclusivity.
Inter-denominational
The Spirit of God is moving just as much between or across denominational lines as within them. Every denomination of Jesus’ Church has its own rich history and heritage. All have strengths and weaknesses, and none would claim to be perfect. Our desire is that students from all denominational backgrounds, as well as those who were not raised as Christians would feel welcomed in our chapter meetings.
When students come together across these lines, which have traditionally stood as barriers, it becomes easier to avoid dead ritual and focus on the basics of the Gospel. Because we recognize the local church as God’s ordained building block for His Kingdom, we desire to work closely with churches of all denominations in our ministry to these students.
Bible-Centered
It has become fashionable among the academic elite in the last two centuries or so to criticize biblical teaching and deny the legitimacy of biblical truth. Students immersed in such an environment need a ministry that does not compromise the Word of God. We believe firmly in biblical inerrancy and in the Bible’s fundamental role in the life of every believer.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) We cannot please God if we are not seeking to understand and follow His Word to the best of our ability, and we want to train our students to do the same. We believe that biblical principles can and must be applied to every area of life and every aspect of society.
Contemporary
God spoke to the prophet Isaiah, saying “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it?” (Isaiah 43:19) In every generation, God causes His voice to be heard in a distinct and special way. While His message does not change, He does something fresh because He understands the times. We want to be the people who are poised to hear His voice and respond, using technological progress to advance His Kingdom. We believe we can be contemporary without being trendy. Our programs and materials are designed to relate to the younger generation of our day without compromising God’s unchanging standard.
Exciting
Too often, the Christian life is viewed by outsiders (and sometimes “insiders”) as a boring set of rules and regulations. No one who has truly attempted to follow in the steps of Jesus would agree! The book of Acts is filled with the adventure and excitement that surrounds peoples who are obedient to God. Students living for Jesus on a high school or campus should find each day saturated with vital communion with God, rich fellowship with one another, passionate preaching to their classmates and professors, and countless open doors to advance the Kingdom of God. Meetings should be characterized by dynamic praise and worship, testimonies of God’s reality, and intense joy.
Relevant This generation of students and young adults is looking for real answers to real problems. As fewer and fewer children are raised with any kind of spiritual foundation, it becomes crucial to package the Gospel in a way that the unchurched can understand and relate to. Countless individuals come from dysfunctional families and broken homes, and they face the constant temptations of sexual immorality, alcohol and drug use. Many also deal with dangerous levels of depression, stress and anxiety. A religious sermon will not help them. A genuine revelation of God’s reality and character will. We desire to speak to students right where they are, with an understanding of how God’s Word applies to their situations and concerns.