GCU Theological Seminary and Interdenominational Education

A group of students studying theology

Christians tend to be passionate about their convictions – and rightfully so.

Unfortunately, passionate conviction sometimes generates more heat than light and leaves the impression that we are a quarrelsome people who are prone to fighting over minor details.

The book of Jude commands us to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3), but this does not negate other biblical teaching that reminds us that “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil” (2 Tim 2:24).

Taken as a whole, the Bible instructs us to contend for the faith without becoming contentious with one another.

The diversity of the theological environment at Grand Canyon University offers students a unique opportunity to grow in wisdom and knowledge as they mature in their convictions and gain skill for leading God’s people.

Students are never asked to renounce their denominational heritage or waiver on their convictions about essential or nonessential doctrines. Rather, they are asked to ground their convictions firmly in the Word of God and to sharpen their understandings through conversation with others of like mind and faith, just as iron sharpens iron.

Furthermore, the experience of engaging other believers who bring unique points of view into theological dialogue requires students to learn how to communicate deep convictions with charity and respect. These attitudes should characterize all Christian dialogue, but are absolutely nonnegotiable for Christian leaders and ministers.

This approach to theological dialogue is modeled by the faculty of the college and expected of students who are learning to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3) so that they are able to lead others to do the same.

After all, there is but “one body and one Spirit … one hope … one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Eph 4:4-6).

Grand Canyon Theological Seminary prepares faithful leaders for ministry rooted in practical wisdom and biblical truth. To learn more about the seminary, visit our website or contact us today using the Request More Information button at the top of the page.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.

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