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The world of the college and university student is one of important and confusing transitions. Having left home behind, the students are not only grappling with an education; life is rushing upon them. This is true for the religious, non-religious, and Christian student. Since this time in a student's life shines with significance, our desire is to capitalize on this transition for the spiritual development of the student. To be solidly grounded at this time in their life would also maximize their long term effectiveness.
Campus Ministry Details What are the two great needs in a believer's life as well in the life of the collegian? To understand the core values of Christianity to have a clear understanding of the nature of Christianity so that its values become instinctive. To understand how to connect these core values to significant life issues such as one's own family background Regarding the first need, the Book of Romans sequentially isolates three core values. They are That God places us in a guilt-free environment when we accept Christ (Rom. 3:21-31). That God shares the wonderful relationship He has with His Son with us (Rom. 5:1-10). That God gives us a New Identity in Christ (Rom. 6:1-11).
...continued in next column |
The following observation underscores why the Christian student needs to fully appropriate the core values of Romans. Educators and researchers such as Dr. Ron Hawkins, former president of Western Seminary, have examined the effectiveness of various curriculums. Ironically they have found that the curriculum with the most powerful negative impact is what they have called the Null Curriculum. Null is German for zero. A null curriculum contains mutually contradictory and confusing information. Normally a student is reduced to a state of confusion and an instinctive sense that learning the subject content is impossible. The emotions become anxious, and the will passive. Many in the Evangelical Church, including students, experience that type of teaching with its long term damage. The core values of Romans, clearly and powerfully taught, challenge a null curriculum and replaces it with an instinctive set of categories that can be built upon both logically and personally as a spiritual foundation for the rest of one's life. The beauty of the core values approach is that though these values are theologically rich, they are not theologically derived. Instead they flow very naturally from the text of the first eight chapters of the Book of Romans. Dr. Norm Thiesen, head of the Counseling and Psychology Department of Grace University in Omaha, stated that most people when they approach a life challenge will do well when their mind can create a road map of understanding. When a person knows where he or she is and where he or she wants to go, and can create a simple route between two points, the individual will succeed. If they do not know where they are going or where they are, progress is impossible. Our seminar Setting the Heart Free is designed to create that needed mental map. Through evaluative quizzes, small group experiences, and personal counseling, the student can sort out where they are and where they need to go. Through the core values of the Book of Romans, and a living relationship with God as a Father, they have the means to get there. Continue to Ministry Details, page 2 |
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Tim Rule
As students grasp these realities,
we have repeatedly witnessed a profound shift into joy occurring in
their emotional life, and the creation of a solid foundation for
long term growth. As one student said, "I am amazed at how
much more joy I have." It is very important that students
have the privilege of clearly grasping the core values of
Christianity. The teaching environment in much of Evangelicalism
makes this necessary.
Mark Hoeffner, General Director, Conservative Baptist Assoc. NW, Portland, OR: "Dr. Eckman has brought together a wonderful way of addressing the spiritual formation of believers!"