22 Characteristics Of A Great Christian University

By Author: Mark Virkler
Total Articles: 9
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One of the blessings we have in the United States of America is that due to religious freedom is we are not forced to attend a secular college for secondary education. There are many Christian colleges and universities for people to choose from. So, how do you choose which Christian college or university to attend?

There are 22 characteristics I’ve found which are the characteristics of a great Christian university:

1. Takes you through the whole Bible. People tend to study the more popular sections of the Bible and some colleges focus on only parts of the Bible, but 2 Timothy 3:13 tells us all of Scripture is inspired by God and useful.

2. Uses guided self-discovery. After you leave the school you will need to be able to study the Word on your own. Great Christian colleges help you to discover how to study the Word on your own.

3. Focuses on real-life skills. You are training for your work outside the school. Your skills should reflect that.

4. Is life-transforming. Your time at the university should not just be educational, but what you learn and discover should be life-transforming.

5. ...
... Is story-centered (Matt. 13:34). Jesus used parables to teach and so should we.

6. Is inexpensive. I doubt you need convincing of this.

7. Provides mentoring. You need more than just teachers telling you what is in a textbook. Mentors guide you through your education, your spiritual development, and help you on your path.

8. Trains you how to radiate the fruit of the Holy Spirit. As Christians we should be filled with the Spirit and exude the fruit of the Spirit. This should also be a part of your Christian education.

9. Trains you to sense your heart. Your education should not be focused on left brained study.

10. Trains you to sense God within your heart. A great Christian university should provide not just informational education, but spiritual training to help you develop into a mature, spiritual Christian. This and the following several characteristics should be a part of that.

11. Guides you into revelation knowledge regularly.

12. Trains you to hear and record God's voice daily.

13. Trains you to see God's vision daily.

14. Trains you to release God's creativity.

15. Trains you to be naturally supernatural.

16. Trains you to discover your special giftedness.

17. Trains you to hear God through your dreams.

18. Trains you to flow in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

19. Provides for the experience of the truths taught in the classroom. Learning and teaching should not stop at the classroom door.

20. Trains you in your unique areas of giftedness. Many colleges try to force their students into set educational paths, but I believe students should travel their own, unique path as shown to them by God and the gifts He has given. A great university will help with this.

21. Trains you to be a leader in your area of gifting. You should not only be trained in your unique gifts, but learn to develop them and be a leader.

22. Trains you how to become financially independent. Financial problems have destroyed countless ministries.

As you make your decistion about which Chritian university or college to attend, consider these 22 characteristics. I pray the Lord will bless you in your Christian education and your life’s ministry.

Mark Virkler is with Christian Leadership University. CLU is a Christian University and Online Bible College offering Christian education including Christian counseling and Christian theology seminaries and offers certificates, undergrad, Masters, and Doctorates in the various Christian colleges of CLU.