EAST TENNESSEE DISTRICT CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE MINISTERIAL STUDIES BOARD
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The East Tennessee District Ministerial Studies Board exists to prepare adults answering God’s Call to evangelize, make disciples, and minister to the world. To instruct and conduct educational classes and requirements established in the Church of the Nazarene Manual and the Department of Education/ Ministerial Education.
MISSION
To provide ministerial preparation for a community of adult learners on the ETN District through traditional and innovative means. The Ministerial Studies Board is committed to a strong development of academic excellence; viewing Biblical Spiritual Truth with a Wesleyan-Holiness perspective; affirming the Bible as the foundation and cornerstone in the tradition of John and Charles Wesley. The Board upholds the biblical doctrine of entire sanctification as a second-work of God’s Grace and living a holy, Christ-like life as a proper understanding of God’s redemptive plan for the human race. The Board further endorses the Articles of Faith as stated in the Church of the Nazarene Manual.
CORE VALUES
The following core values of Nazarene Bible College express the intent and desires of the ETN Ministerial Studies Board and serve as guiding principles in the pursuit of our mission to equip God-Called persons for effective ministry. (Nazarene Bible College, Lenexa, Ks and Colorado Springs, CO). We commit ourselves to reflect the following values:
· Learning and Instruction
We acknowledge the inspired truth of Scripture as the reference point for our educational process. We seek to develop lifelong learners with a Christian worldview. We are committed to academic and professional excellence. We desire to achieve balance in our curriculum through the integration of intellectual, spiritual, and practical studies.
- Development of the Person
We hold that theological education involves shaping the whole person. Therefore, we value the development of moral and ethical integrity, physical and emotional health, and spiritual maturity, all as the demonstration of character through a holy lifestyle.
- Service and Mission
We prepare students to engage in practical ministry. We value the demonstration of leadership and servanthood to meet the spiritual and social needs of our world. We encourage interdependence with local churches and diverse ministry contexts where our students can utilize their gifts and graces for service to the church and to the world.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES OF THE ETN MINISTERIAL STUDIES BOARD
The ETN Ministerial Studies Board, and its instructors, commit themselves to equipping each student to become a Christian witness and servant-leader who will demonstrate:
- effective communication skills in listening, speaking, and writing.
- critical thinking skills necessary to interact effectively in a culturally diverse and increasingly pluralistic world.
- skills in biblical exposition that accurately reflect the content and meaning of Scripture.
- a biblically-formed worldview, integrating the Christian faith with general educational content.
- a pattern of lifelong learning.
- personal discipline in one’s care for body, mind, and spirit.
- a devoted relationship with Christ.
- a life of Christian holiness in community.
- leadership in a variety of ministry contexts.
- effective service within the context of modern society.
- a commitment to global evangelism.
- a full understanding of the Articles of Faith stated in the Church of the Nazarene Manual