Posted on August 09, 2016
in
[ Theology & Ministry ]
Grand Canyon Theological Seminary (GCTS) is an evangelical institution within an interdenominational university, which affords students a unique opportunity to study in a context shaped by Christian unity and denominational diversity.
Grand Canyon University is committed to living out our faith within the context of a missional community, while being clear about our identity as a Christian university and our foundational convictions. Nonetheless, the seminary represents a unique, covenantal community embedded within the larger institution.
A missional community is a community of people strategically united in sharing the love of Christ to all who participate in the life of the community and carrying out a mission that centers on following Jesus Christ in word and in deed. This is different from a covenant community, in which all members commit to affirming and practicing the same faith.
GCTS represents an exception to this general strategy. Since the seminary serves to prepare ministers and Christian leaders, it is vital that all seminary faculty and students are united in their affirmation of the essential doctrines of the faith and committed by covenant to a lifestyle consistent with those doctrines.
In this way, the seminary is able to make a unique contribution to the larger missional culture of GCU by encouraging others through the gospel and preparing God’s people to do good works in service to the community (Titus 3). This situation also affords seminary students and faculty unique opportunities for ministry and service that are not available within institutions that only permit people of like mind and faith to participate in the community.
Likewise, GCU is able to draw on the leadership of the seminary’s faculty and student body as it strives to clarify its Christian identity and fulfill its mission.
Find out more about the College of Theology at Grand Canyon University by visiting our website or contacting us today using the Request More Information button.
Dr. Hiles is a native of St. Louis and Dean of the College of Theology at Grand Canyon University. He studied sculpture, completed an M.Div., and earned a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Southeastern Baptist Seminary before becoming a professor. His interests relate to the doctrines of salvation and the church as well as the intersection of theology and culture.
