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 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 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. IV. SPIRITUAL LIFE The Bible Institute program has been designed to encourage spiritual growth, but, in the end, it is the student’s responsibility under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to undertake the changes 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 and Friday featuring resident and adjunct faculty as well as guest speakers. All students, including off-campus students, are required to attend chapel services. Students are strongly encouraged to take notes during chapels. B. Church – Church attendance on Sunday is required. Morning services are conducted at the Bible Institute each Sunday through our partnership with Grace Community Church, Warwick, NY. Students may also attend local churches in the area. Physical attendance is required; watching a service in your room is not sufficient. There are times when students must attend on campus due to conferences, Snowcamp or special training sessions. C. Dorm Devotions 1. Monday through Wednesday evenings, devotions are held in the dorms from 9:15 - 9:30 PM. Devotions are generally led by the Dorm RAs, with students presenting the devotional on a scheduled basis. 2. The Deans may occasionally change the time of dorm devos or schedule special speakers. Dorm RAs must first obtain permission from their DC to have a special speaker in the dorm. 3. All students are expected to participate in presenting devotions periodically each semester.
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