Virginia Christian University


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ABOUT VCU

History & Information

Doctrinal
Statement

Mission
Statement

Philosophy of Education

Distinctives

Map & Directions

DISTINCTIVES

Believing that the Church is constantly in need of a sound ministry, committed to the Bible and the Confessional Standards of the church, the VCU is dedicated to the following distinctive principles:

1. Belief in the plenary verbal inspiration of Scripture resulting in an inerrant Word as it was originally given by God, and, therefore, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

As a seminary and college that takes God's Word seriously, the VCU is committed to the training of men and women in the original languages of Scripture, so that they can read the original text of the Word. Along with this emphasis, attention is given to the study of Textual Criticism, so that the student can learn to make sound judgments about the original text of the Word. The VCU is also committed to instruction in the proper rules of biblical interpretation.

2. Belief in the Reformed Faith as set forth in the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. The VCU stands firmly on these historic confessional standards as they set forth the biblical faith. Full subscription to the whole of these Standards is the position of the VCU.

3. Belief that the biblical form of Church government is the Presbyterian form, which is essential to the well-being of the Church, though not necessary to its being.

4. Belief in the Great Commission as the one and only mission of the Church. The Christian individually and in association with others, has obligations to function in all spheres of life by developing and practicing the full implications of the Christian world and life view in every human relationship and in all aspects of life and society under the Lordship of Christ.

The Church, on the other hand, should not presume to enter into spheres of activity where it has neither calling nor competence. Christ gave but one Great Commission to the Church, namely to evangelize the world and to teach all things that He has taught us.

5. Belief in Dynamic Spiritual Emphasis as a student must be walking in fellowship with God(the Holy Spirit) so that he or she can be taught by the Holy Spirit. The cultivation of the spiritual life is inseparably fused with the scholarly study of biblical and related subjects, thus providing an unusual classroom climate and a distinct theological education. All this is designed to prepare students to communicate the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit.

6. Belief in Strong Commitment to Missions; VCU is firmly committed to promoting the missionary enterprise throughout the world. This Commitment is demonstrated in a variety of ways that provide exposure for students to the diverse nature of missions and the unique opportunities for career service in missions.

7. Emphasis on the practical as well as the theological aspects of ministry. The VCU believes that learning "how" to minister is as important as learning "what" to minister, and therefore trains as well as instructs.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen" (Mat.28:19-20).