Philosophy & Mission
Core Values
Spiritual Life at SWU encompasses three core values:
- Scriptural Authority: We believe the Bible is God's inspiration and the final authority for our lives, our faith, and our instruction.
- Salvation: We believe in the transforming power of Jesus Christ and that He is the only way to salvation. We also believe it is our responsibility to share our faith actively, challenging others to make a decision for Christ.
- Holiness: We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to cleanse, empower, and set apart those who seek Him.
Mission
These core values are the heart of the Spiritual Life and Ministry Department’s mission. We succeed in this mission when all Southern Wesleyan University students:
- Appreciate the breadth of Christian faith and traditions, and follow Christ as Savior.
- Discover their talents and their role in the Kingdom of God.
- Develop a consistent devotional life.
- Join in service activities that become the foundation for a lifetime commitment to helping others.
- Participate in discipleship groups that enrich their faith and prepare them to lead others in their Christian walk.
- Demonstrate the importance of consistent participation in corporate worship and church activities.
- Experience a caring Christian community in which they develop close friendships.
- Gain perspective on the world and respect the diverse nature of humanity.
- Explore ways to be good stewards of their time, money, talents, and environment.
- Strengthen and refine skills and characteristics of Christian leadership.
- Prayer as an essential channel that manifests God’s power in the lives of believers and the Church.
- Integrity in their personal and professional lives by modeling their character on God's.
- Relevance by making sure all they do and teach is applicable and consistent with Christ's commands.
- Service by accepting the responsibility to inspire, instruct, and motivate others to engage in active Christian service.
- Leadership by becoming productive servants of God.
- Missions and a commitment to spreading Christ’s gospel locally and internationally.
- Stewardship through prayerful care for all they are and have as trusts from God.
- Academic excellence as Christian scholars whose knowledge brings them closer to Truth, God Himself.
Unity With Diversity
We’re committed to achieving of His purpose using the gifts of the Body of Christ.
Relationships
Healthy relationships with God and others are important. We’re called to reconcile brokenness between races, cultural groups, and individuals as a Kingdom-building process.
Accountability
We support and encourage one another in our spiritual development.
Worship
Exalting Jesus Christ and recognizing God as the Creator worthy of our praise are at the heart of our community.
Church
We are here to prepare disciples to effectively serve His Church, God's primary agent in building His Kingdom.
Equality
We’re all called to service and community regardless of ethnicity, gender, and ability.