Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university dedicated through teaching and learning, scholarship, service, spiritual formation, student development and stewardship to the preparation of undergraduate, theological and graduate students for thoughtful and productive lives of Christian faith, leadership and service. Achievement of that mission requires that the university manage effectively and justly the resources with which it is entrusted and that students

• appropriate and give witness to a Christian world view – through action and voice;
• advance critical thinking, reflection, analysis and communication skills;
• develop intellectual curiosity, passion and agility;
• demonstrate knowledge and competencies in the arts, sciences and professions;
• assume responsibility for justice – especially social, political and economic justice;
• assume responsibility for godly stewardship of all resources;
• discern the ethical consequences of decisions and actions;
• experience genuine Christian community and commitment in a formative environment;
• participate in opportunities for meaningful service; and
• grow in love of God and neighbors.

The mission is confirmed and celebrated when graduates believe their way into knowledgeable action that influences their world in substantive ways. Core Commitments

The following foundational commitments guide our work as members of the University:

To Excellence in Scholarship and Teaching We believe in the unity of God’s truth, whether supernaturally revealed or humanly discovered, and value the search for knowledge and understanding in all areas of life. We are guided by our faith in Jesus Christ, who is “the way, the truth and the life” (Jn14:6). We seek to engage in exemplary and relevant scholarship and original research and publications. We maintain a high priority on excellence in teaching and learning. We value the integration of Christian faith, reason and justice in all academic disciplines and in the development of a Christian worldview.

To Excellence in Student Formation We regard students as masterpieces of God’s art in formation, both individually and in community. Therefore, we seek to inform and mentor in them the development of habits of mind and character that are essential to knowledgeable, ethical, productive and charitable Christ-like lives. We work to inspire their: spiritual formation in apprenticeship to Christ; interpretation of critical ideas and events through lenses of faith, reason and justice; commitment to excellence as the standard for study, work and service; envisioning of a more just and ethical society; and resolve to influence the course of events in society.

To the Whole Gospel for the Whole World We recognize the Bible, composed of the Old and New Testaments, as inspired of God and as the supreme and final authority in faith and life. We submit ourselves to carrying out our mission under its authority and seek to apply Biblical principles to all facets of human aspiration and action, including the centrality of personal transformation. We affirm our conviction that the Church of Jesus Christ, as a visible community of believers inclusive of persons of all cultures, races and nationalities, is central to faithful obedience in living the Christian life and advancing the work of the Gospel.

To Responsible Leadership and Stewardship We believe that our complex society needs leadership and management in all institutions that is intelligent, informed, insightful, ethical, strategic and just. We are dedicated to graduating students, whose wisdom, Christian values and skills enable them to lead and manage such institutions, including those that are the most influential. Similarly, we commit to excellence in the leadership of Eastern and in the stewardship of university resources.

To Christian Witness We affirm the importance of calling all persons everywhere to personal faith and faithful discipleship in following Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, including sharing the Whole Gospel to a needy and lost world. We intend for every student to have a meaningful and appropriate opportunity to hear and respond to the call for repentance, faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. We commit to modeling and encouraging in students a life that reflects the Holy Spirit’s call for: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23).

To Justice We acknowledge with sorrow the brokenness of the world at personal, national, and international levels, and we seek to work for justice, reconciliation and Christian transformation in all arenas of life. We particularly seek to work with and for poor, oppressed and suffering persons as part of our Christian discipleship. As part of the commitment, we seek to provide educational opportunities and financial aid as best we can for those with few or no financial resources to attend a private Christian University. We believe that we are not only to care for people throughout the world but also for the earth itself as responsible stewards of the environment and other physical resources.

To Community We believe that the way in which we live and work together is important in fulfilling our mission. We desire a campus community of students, faculty, staff and administration that embodies values of Christian witness, caring and compassion, justice and integrity, competence and affirmation. We seek an inclusive student body, faculty, staff, and Board. We commit to treat each member of the campus community with fairness, dignity and respect, seeking a spirit of unity and harmony as we join together to achieve our common mission. The Vision

Eastern University is dedicated to ideas, inquiry and the development of people of faith who will enhance the quality of society and the church. Toward that end, Eastern will continue to expand its formative role in the world as a university in which knowledge and wisdom are imbued, Christlike engagement is inspired, and stewardship is modeled.