It's Not Your Father's Bible College
If your faith is important to you, why not choose to attend a Christ centered university? In recent years faith based institutions that were once called "Bible Colleges" have evolved to become exciting places to grow academically, socially and spiritually. Christian institutions were thought to be strict environments where there was little room for individual thought or freedom. Rules were thought to be the guiding force of these institutions. Many institutions were limited in their academic offerings. Christian parents were thrilled when their Christian son or daughter chose a "Bible College" because of the environment but were afraid of the limited academic experience this provided. I am pleased to announce that this has changed dramatically. Not only in academic areas such as classroom environment but also in activities for students and in spiritual offerings.
Many Christian universities have a wide variety of academic programs to choose from. You can find just about any major and the class sizes are usually quite a bit smaller than public institutions. From Engineering, Education and Medicine to Missions, Music and Computer Sciences there is bound to be a Christian university that will have a program for you. You may have a class of 10-20 students in a management class that would compare to several hundred at a larger university. It is typical for a Christian university to have all classes taught by a professor and not by a graduate assistant. This ensures that you will be interacting with the professor on a frequent basis. The subject matter will be taught from a Christian World View. You will be given facts and ideas and you will be challenged to ask yourself "How does this relate to me and my belief system in the secular world"? Professors desire to know their students and be a mentor to them. It is unusual for this relationship to end after graduation. Professors provide career guidance and are a key to opening doors of opportunity for their students.
It is also important to learn what happens outside the academic experience. The majority of time during a college student's week is spent outside the classroom. There will be time to study and there will be time to have fun. Most Christian universities have a dedicated team that plans fun activities and great events that help make your college experience the best time of your life. There are numerous chances to go on mission's trips throughout the United States and the world. Many Christian universities plan trips each break and many universities have service opportunities that will give students a chance to impact lives of others. Just about every institution will have intercollegiate athletics that compete in many sports for men and women. There are musicals, bands and choirs, theatre productions and opportunities to use your skills and your passion. It's nearly impossible not to find something that you love to do.
One of the highlights of a typical week at a Christian University is the time set aside for chapel services. For many schools this is the focal point of campus life. It is a place where students from all denominations assemble together, encourage each other and celebrate. Students are challenged by the speaker and are encouraged to grow in their faith. Many services are student lead and opportunities to get involved begin on day one. An emphasis is usually placed on putting your faith in action. Out of this experience students often form music and ministry teams who go on to represent their university at off campus event.
Choosing a Christian University will not only get you where you dream to be. It will be an experience that will build the whole person and the important things to you; faith, academics and activities will be combined in all areas of your collegiate experience. Make plans to visit a Christian college or university today. Meet the professors, the students and the administration, visit a chapel service and see which college is right for you. There is a university out there that will be a perfect fit!
Editorial provided by Kevin Jones, Director of Admissions, Warner University, Lake Wales, FL.
