a forum for putting Christ on display and to allow Him to live through them. Seeing all of life as a platform to glorify God rather than self makes the classroom, the dorm room, and one’s ministry or service assignment places where God is to be honored rather than ignored. COMPASSION AND DISCIPLINE It is our desire to provide a compassionate, nurturing environment at the Bible Institute that is more like a walled garden than a fortified compound. This does not imply an absence of rules or discipline. Love does not ignore truth nor does truth override the need to be loving. (Ephesians 4:15) Compassion does not preclude giving directions, issuing warnings, and providing correction and training that is consistent with truth. Discipline proves relationship. Instruction demonstrates love. (Hebrews 12:8) Furthermore, biblical discipline is not heartless, nor does it follow a predetermined set of responses. The Word of God exhorts us to “admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15) This implies a need to exercise discernment in choosing an appropriate course of action in response to misconduct rather than dealing exactly the same way with everyone regardless of their response to correction. Therefore, in all discipline situations, we will seek to choose a response that is in a student’s best interest and which is appropriate to his or her particular circumstance. BIBLICAL MANDATES AND INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES The administration of the Word of Life Bible Institute recognizes that there is a distinction between Biblical Mandates and Institutional Policies. Both can be found in our Standard of Conduct as well as in this Student Handbook. Biblical Mandates are specific commands from God’s Word directed to all believers at all times in all places such as the command to abstain from sexual immorality. (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Institutional Policies such as specific dress code expectations are best viewed as “house rules” intended to maintain an environment most conducive to the realization of our goals (no one appreciates chaos). As a spiritual, as well as an academic community, we ask students to adhere to both Biblical Mandates and Institutional Policies.
While a student’s personal convictions may differ somewhat from Institutional Policies, their free choice to become a part of the Bible
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