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 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 the Institutional Policies , their free choice to become a part of the Bible Institute community constitutes a commitment to willingly abide by them, both on and off campus, while the academic semesters are in session (Hebrews 13:7,17). When at home during official school breaks, students are accountable to Biblical Mandates but not to Institutional Policies . It is expected they will conduct themselves in a way that will honor the Lord and will not discredit their identity in Christ, their parents, their local church, or the ministry of Word of Life with which they are associated during the time of their enrollment. When determining appropriate responses to misconduct, attention will be given to recognizing the differences between Biblical Mandates and Institutional Policies . The goal of the administration will always be to restore students to freedom and fellowship. III. SPIRITUAL LIFE The Bible Institute program has been designed to encourage spiritual growth; however, it is the student’s responsibility under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to undertake the changes that the Word of God demands in order to grow. In keeping with an environment conducive to spiritual growth, all students are responsible to observe the following: A. Chapel Chapel services are held Wednesday through Friday, featuring staff, guest speakers, and area pastors. All students, are required to attend chapel services. Students are expected to take notes as these are part of their Christian Disciplines grade.
B. Church 1. Church attendance for Sunday services is required for all students.
2. Students may attend local churches that align closely with the Bible Institute’s statement of faith. Students should dress appropriately for the church they are attending. Since each church varies in dress expectations, “appropriately” is defined as dress that would not stand out as abnormal for that particular church. 3. There may be times, such as conferences on campus, camp meetings, and the first few weeks of the fall semester, when students are required to attend services on campus. 4. A list of recommended local churches can be found in the FL Campus Life course in Canvas.
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STUDENT LIFE
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