Statement of Faith:
In a changing world, Christians have an unchanging Word -- a standard for faith and practice. It is imperative that they be reminded that the Bible, as the revelation of God’s truth, must determine their core beliefs. Accordingly, members of the Vision College family acknowledge under God, without mental reservation, and bear witness to the following seven central affirmations to which they subscribe and hold essential to their ministry
1. The authority of the Bible
We believe that the Old and New Testaments combined are the divinely inspired Word of God to all humanity.
2. God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
We believe that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are the holy trinity. Each is unique in role and personality yet unified in nature and purpose. The Holy Spirit glorifies the Son, the Son came to reveal the Father, and the Father has ultimate authority.
3. Creation
We believe that this universe was created by God’s Word as depicted in Genesis. We disagree with the concept of the evolution of man from a lower life form.
4. Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus was conceived of God in the womb of the Virgin Mary. We believe that He is totally God and totally man; that faith in His death, resurrection and ascension is the only means of having right relationship with the Father; and that He is literally returning to the earth to set up the kingdom of God.
5. Salvation
We believe that salvation includes deliverance and wholeness in spirit, soul and body; which includes forgiveness of sin, healing and abundance in all things.
6. Renewing the Mind
We believe that the key to living a victorious, biblical lifestyle is the renewing of the mind to God’s way of thinking. This means that our behavior and attitude exhibit the principles given in scripture.
7. The Holy Spirit
We believe that every Christian is born of the Spirit and must choose to be filled with the Spirit on an ongoing basis. We believe that praying in other tongues according to Acts 2:4 is for everyone who believes.
Standards of Conduct:
I understand and accept the responsibility of a godly lifestyle as a Christian preparing for lifetime service to God and to people. I agree to abide by the following expectations:
1. I will live a holy life that is above reproach.
2. I will respect those in authority, trusting that they are placed in my life to help me grow as a person.
3. I will be open to instruction and seek godly wisdom.
4. I will apply myself to my studies, accepting that these disciplines are building character in my life.
5. I will respect my fellow students and leaders by seeking to understand their perspectives even if they differ from mine.
6. I will build convictions into my life that promotes godliness and integrity in my relationships with people.
7. I will be a person of my word, keeping my commitments even to my own hurt, Psalm 15:4.
8. I will avoid gossip and backbiting, and learn to speak graciously of others.
9. I will be financially responsible, paying my bills on time, tithing and giving offerings of all my increase.
10. I will pursue those things that help me to renew my mind and be spiritually minded.
Members of the college community understand that the STANDARDS OF CONDUCT is to guide their behavior on and off campus for the time they are enrolled in Vision College. While it is recognized that personal preferences differ and that every member of the College community might not agree with every detail, they must honorably commit to attain them. Such an attitude on their part is one way they can develop Christian discipline, exhibit Christian maturity and demonstrate the love of Christ in concern for the integrity of the College itself, and for the personal welfare of other believers. Further, they understand that although these commitment statements may be difficult to effectively measure and may present some challenges regarding enforceable behavior, failure to cooperate in implementing the code may lead to appropriate review, disciplinary action, and/or possible dismissal.
Student Life:
General Statements
Vision College is committed not only to the academic development of its students, but also to their individual spiritual, physical, and social development. Students should participate in local church fellowships, individual and corporate Bible study, the cultivation of personal prayer and devotions, and the development of a personal lifestyle exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Students will attend and serve in special events, such as seminars, conferences, corporate prayer, and praise services that the College may from time to time sponsor or recommend for the spiritual edification of its students.
Other dimensions of student life include our daily prayer/chapel services, student support groups, luncheons, dinners, activity nights, and student advances.
Christian Faith Centers Mission and Values Statement:
The mission of Christian Faith International is to make successful Christians of all people. Our commitment is to pastor the Northwest, teach the nation and inspire the World.
This mission is being accomplished through:
* Local church services that are Bible based and Spirit led
* Support ministries that teach and train Biblical lifestyle
* Media and mission outreach ministries
* Schools that are academically excellent and Biblically based
The goal of every ministry provided by Christian Faith Center is to cause people to be successful:
* Spiritually
* Intellectually
* Emotionally
* Physically
* Financially
* Socially
Christian Faith Center is built upon the foundation of seven values. These values are seen and heard in every Christian Faith Center service or ministry. They are not only what we believe and are committed to; they are the way we live.
1. You must be born again and filled with the Holy Spirit to have the life God has planned for you.
2. You must be planted in a local church to have God’s abundant life.
3. God prospers all His children as they give tithes, offerings and work wisely.
4. Through renewing of the mind, your life is transformed to do God’s perfect will.
5. Christian Faith International is committed to influencing the world through media and mission outreach ministries.
6. Christian Faith International is committed to educating young leaders for our future.
7. We will change our world as we invite people into our life, our church, and a relationship with God.
Church Protocol:
Christian Faith Center expects interns to meet certain basic requirements.
Membership
Every Intern must become a member of Christian Faith Center, and complete the following GLUE Ministry Tracks. Membership in Christian Faith Center does not take the place of a membership in a home church. We hold standards of security that keep our children and members safe by policies of membership before volunteering.
1. ORIENTATION ADVANCE- This is an event to prepare you for your time at Vision College.
2. MEMBERSHIP CLASS- This will be taken as the next available class is held at Christian Faith Center. This seminar provides an opportunity to hear the vision of Christian Faith Center with others who want to consider becoming a member of this congregation.
3. GLUE DISCIPLESHIP - This five-week class teaches the foundational truths of God’s Word, and basic elements of Christian Discipleship.
a. BIBLE BASICS
b. VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP
c. PRAYER PARTNER TRAINING
Tithing
Tithing refers to the practice of systematically giving ten percent of one’s income back to the Lord for His work (Deuteronomy 12:6). The tithe is 10% of the person’s wages. This is the minimum standard for our Biblical giving. Freewill offerings and giving to the poor should also be a part of our giving (Galatians 2:10). An Intern is expected to tithe consistently and be a generous giver as led by the Holy Spirit.
Witness
You must conduct yourself in a manner that is equitable and that displays honesty, good faith, fairness and responsiveness to all. Your conduct is to be upright and in accordance with the Word of God as doctrinally taught at Christian Faith Center. Your life should at all times and in all places be one that reflects the standard of true Christian living.
Dress Code/Attire
All Interns must dress reasonably for the nature of their ministry work, so as to be a good representative of Christian Faith Center and reflect standards of modesty and good taste. No shorts, or tank tops are allowed to be worn in the Church offices.
Offices
Interns should always access the offices through the main entrance receptionist and only if they have a specific assignment that requires them to be in the offices. Please maintain an attitude of professionalism at all times.
· Intern Lifestyle Protocol:
Drinking, Smoking, and the Use of Drugs
Any Intern, who uses alcohol, smokes or manufactures, distributes, dispenses, possesses or uses controlled substances or drugs will face disciplinary action, up to and including immediate expulsion. Interns need to inform the leadership if they are taking any medication that may affect their behavior or performance.
Romantic Relationships
This season, as an Intern, has been set aside for the development of intimacy with God and His Word. Therefore we only encourage those relationships that are moving toward marriage. Keeping this focus will maintain the integrity of this program and provide you with the full benefit of what this program was designed to produce.
Employment
As an Intern you are free to pursue part-time employment in order to meet expenses. Due to your commitment to Internship, you need to limit your workweek to 20 hours, primarily on Fridays and Saturdays as your Sunday-Thursday schedule will be busy. Your job must not conflict, compete, or interfere with your intern responsibilities, as well as be flexible. You will be asked to participate/serve at different church events on Fridays and Saturdays. All jobs must be approved by the Director or Associate Director. While on the job, an Intern needs to exemplify a Christian lifestyle of excellence.
Finances
You are expected to keep all financial commitments current and to be a good steward of the resources entrusted to you.
Time
You need to be a good steward of your time by establishing a schedule using a convenient planning system (i.e. calendar, day timer, phone, etc.).
Ministry Standards
Interns must receive above average ratings in your Ministry Tracks, based on promptness, attendance, completion of tasks, and attitude. Ministry must always be completed with a spirit of excellence. Interns must attend weekly meeting. Failure to do so could result in failure to graduate.
Financial Standards
Interns need to be current on their financial obligations each month and be paid before finals in the third quarter. Any financial problems need to be communicated to Terry Tarsiuk and the Accounting department immediately. Effective communication is the key to fiscal responsibility.
Mentoring Standards
Interns are expected to maintain consistent attendance and CFC connect groups and complete GLUE Ministry Training and Prayer Partner Training.
Attendance Standards
Interns may not acquire more than six absences (excused or unexcused) per intern year. Interns are expected to be on time to all Intern and CFC events. Attendance will be taken at all scheduled events (prayer, class times, ministry tracks, conferences, etc.). Interns will be marked tardy if less than 15 minutes late and absent if more than 15 minutes late (or not present at all) to an event. Interns who are consistently tardy to any scheduled event will be required to meet with the Intern Staff to discuss make-up requirements and/or other required corrective action.
In order to maintain the standards and integrity of the Vision College Intern Program, upon an intern’s failure to meet the standards set forth in this handbook the Director or his designee will take corrective action as determined in such person’s discretion. While some violations may require immediate dismissal or other corrective actions, generally the following steps will be taken:
1. Warning– A warning will be given and the intern will be placed on a 15 day probation. If the Director or his designees determines there has been no measurable change or that the required steps were not taken by the intern, the intern will be dismissed.
2. Dismissal– Dismissal from the intern program may be immediate, at the end of the current semester, or at another time determined by the Director or his designee.