How Important Is a University's Doctrinal Statement?

Like your local church, Christian colleges all have a statement of beliefs. As you research and visit different institutions with your student, how important is it to consider each college's doctrinal statement?

First, know that a doctrinal statement provides the general framework within which the university will be offering its education. It is a good idea to review the statements (most are posted online) to ensure you are comfortable with the direction. If you have questions about what you read, this is a great opportunity to involve your pastor to provide insights.

Second, ask Christian universities if their faculty sign the doctrinal statement as a condition of employment. Not all do. Knowing that faculty will be teaching in line with the institution's stated beliefs provides a point of accountability to you as a parent. Are you comfortable that the faculty at the university will uphold the beliefs that are most important to your family?

The following post provides insight about the importance of Cedarville's Doctrinal Statement and how it informs our approach to Christ-centered higher education.

At Cedarville University, we intentionally mentor our students in the Christian faith, drawing on the clear teachings of Scripture. We have daily chapel that encourages students to be active in worship and in listening to biblical teaching. In addition to these vibrant worship times, students can live out their faith in campus discipleship groups and ministry activities.

In our curriculum, every student in every major studies the Bible and theology in our Bible minor. This sequence of five courses grounds each student in the Word of God and helps them to understand their academic discipline or vocation from a Christian perspective. Our students are also prepared to integrate their biblical and theological knowledge into their lives, jobs, communities, and families.

And yet, this curriculum design can be wasted if the professors fail to mentor students in the Christian faith. Cedarville's Doctrinal Statement affirms our commitment to discipling our students. Our professors affirm their belief in the Doctrinal Statement annually. It's just one way we renew our commitment to teaching these beliefs in partnership with churches and parents.

Since parents are entrusting their children to Cedarville's faculty to serve as academic, professional, and spiritual mentors, the Doctrinal Statement provides the clear parameters of our faculty members' teaching and also expresses the beliefs we hope your students will grow in during their 1000 Days.

All of our faculty are open to your questions on our Doctrinal Statement. We love for you to know where we are theologically and how our beliefs will be communicated to your students.