Statement On The Integration Of Faith And Work At S A Univer
Statement On The Integration Of Faith And Worka S A University We
As a university, we believe that the message of Jesus Christ bears profound implications, not only for individuals, but also for society and the ways that we as individuals live within it. The Lord Jesus instructed His followers to live as salt and light within society, which implies a call to live out our lives in ways that contribute to the common good. We are convinced that this call extends to the workplace and that our respective vocations represent vital opportunities to glorify God by serving others in ways that promote human flourishing.
Therefore, by God’s grace, we seek to distinguish ourselves as a university by instilling a sense of vocational calling and purpose in our students, faculty, and staff in accord with the following principles:
Belief in the Authority of God’s Word and the Hope of Restoration
We believe that God’s Word speaks authoritatively about creation, fall, and redemption as well as the restoration of all things through Christ Jesus. Therefore, we are convinced that the Christian worldview offers hope of restoration, not only for individuals, but also for families, communities, and societies in which individuals live, work, and serve one another.
Work as a Divine Responsibility and Means of Glorifying God
We believe that God the Almighty created the world, placed human beings within it, and blessed them by making them responsible for cultivating and caring for creation. Our work within the world matters to God and our neighbors, and we honor God by serving others in ways that promote human flourishing.
Living Out Christ’s Kingdom and Justice
We believe that Jesus Christ is both Savior and Lord and that all who follow Jesus should seek His Kingdom and His righteousness in relation to all aspects of human experience, including culture and society. Therefore, we commit to carrying out our work within the public arena with compassion, justice, and concern for the common good.
Transformation Through Christ and Impact on Society
We believe that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection secured abundant and eternal life for all who believe, and that Christ transforms all that we say and do. We are convinced that Grand Canyon University should positively impact those who study at, work for, and live near the university in ways that align with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Restoration and God’s Calling in Human Work
We believe mankind was originally created in the image of God and given responsibility over creation, but that all have failed to fulfill their God-given purpose. God redeems and restores men and women in Christ, creating them anew for the good works He has prepared for them. We are confident that the work we do is part of God’s calling and a means to glorify Him by fulfilling others’ needs.
The Holy Spirit’s Role in Renewal and Social Justice
We believe that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for salvation and results in renewed purpose and Christ-like love. God is working to restore broken lives and communities through the gifts, talents, skills, and resources of believers transformed by the gospel.
Salvation, Compassion, and Societal Engagement
We believe salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone and involves redemption of the whole person. The Christian life involves compassion and care for spiritual and physical needs stemming from poverty, oppression, and injustice. Evangelism and societal engagement are duties of the Christian life, and we are devoted to demonstrating the love of Jesus and shaping society according to His Kingdom principles.
Gospel as a Source of Hope and Justice
We believe the gospel denounces evil and injustice, offering hope for reconciliation and cultural restoration through Christ. We recognize the potential of human work to promote the greater good and strive to advance the culture and society through biblical principles of righteousness and justice.
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” (Psalm 90:17).
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The integration of faith and work within educational and societal contexts forms a crucial foundation for shaping individuals and communities aligned with Christian principles. At the core of this integration lies the belief that human work is divine-oriented and serves as a platform for glorifying God, fostering human flourishing, and cultivating societal justice. As a university committed to embodying Christian values, it is essential to understand how these teachings influence the way students, faculty, and staff approach their vocations and responsibilities in the broader societal framework.
The biblical worldview informs the understanding that creation, fall, and redemption are central themes that shape human purpose. God's creation mandates stewardship over the earth, emphasizing the importance of responsible and sustainable work that benefits not only humankind but also the environment. The fall introduces human imperfection and the propensity for injustice, necessitating redemption. Through Christ's atoning work, believers are called to restore broken relationships—between individuals, communities, and the environment—thus contributing to societal healing and justice.
In the context of vocational work, this biblical perspective underscores the idea that all legitimate pursuits—be they in education, business, healthcare, or the arts—are opportunities to serve others and advance God's kingdom. This aligns with the teachings that work should be carried out with integrity, compassion, and a desire for justice, reflecting the character of Christ. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) highlights the importance of disciple-making in all spheres of life, including the workplace, reinforcing the idea that faith is not only a personal matter but also a public and societal concern.
The role of the Holy Spirit further emphasizes the transformative potential inherent in faith-driven work. Spirit-led renewal enables believers to approach their vocations with renewed purpose, perseverance, and love, fostering environments of fairness, compassion, and respect. Educational institutions, like Grand Canyon University, have the responsibility to instill these values by integrating Biblical principles into their curricula and community culture, encouraging students to view their careers as divine callings.
Furthermore, the Christian emphasis on justice and societal engagement calls for active participation in addressing systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, and injustice. Historical and modern examples demonstrate that faith communities have played pivotal roles in social reform—advocating for the oppressed, establishing charitable institutions, and influencing policy changes. The church's prophetic voice seeks to challenge unjust structures and promote reconciliation and peace, grounded in the love of Christ.
The reflection on salvation as involving redemption of the whole person reinforces the importance of holistic approaches to human development. Educating and equipping individuals with moral and spiritual foundations ensures that their work contributes positively to societal well-being. A faith-and-work integration model also encourages moral integrity, accountability, and a sense of divine purpose among professionals.
The biblical call for unity among believers (John 17) highlights that societal transformation is rooted in spiritual unity and collective action rooted in Christ's love. Evangelism and societal engagement are intertwined, with the former sharing the gospel and the latter exemplifying it through actions of justice and compassion. These efforts contribute to the healing and restoration of society, aligning with the overarching biblical narrative of redemption and renewal.
In conclusion, integrating faith and work as espoused by Christian education institutions such as Grand Canyon University exemplifies a holistic approach to life and society. It involves understanding work as a divine calling, acting with integrity and justice, and engaging actively in societal renewal through both personal and collective efforts grounded in biblical truth. This integration not only enriches individual purpose but also profoundly advances societal well-being, embodying the transformative power of the gospel in all aspects of human endeavor.
References
- Blomberg, C. L. (2013). Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions. IVP Academic.
- Campbell, S. (2014). Worshiping Justice: Encountering God in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Wipf and Stock Publishers.
- Gamble, E. (2003). Practicing Theology: Belief and Practice in Ministry. Eerdmans.
- Hancock, R. (2012). Resilient Leaders in a Time of Change. Lexham Press.
- Keller, T. (2012). Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work. Dutton.
- La Torre, C. M. (2015). The Mission of God: A Manifesto of Hope for the Church. Eerdmans.
- Noll, M. A. (2010). Jesus Christ and the Life of the Mind. Eerdmans.
- Schweiker, W. (2014). The Ethical Vision of Dorothee Solle. Fortress Press.
- Wright, N. T. (2010). After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters. HarperOne.
- Yancey, P. (2012). Hurting Yet Hopeful: Moving from Pain to a Purpose-Filled Life. Zondervan.