A Theology of Recruiting and Admissions

Basic Assumptions

• Every seminary is on the "spectrum" - Spectrum of church --> academy
• We are a ot for-profit educational institutional ministry so what does persuasion/appeal/sales/marketing look like
• We have to make a case for our institution, yet...
• We are not doing traditional sales
• Therefore, what is our approach?

"Compel them to come in?"
(Lk. 14:23)

Insult the competition?
(1 Kgs. 18:27)

Wait and pray?

Hard sell? Corporate business strategy? Get to yes?

So What Are We Doing?

• Advocating for the cause of the Gospel through education (HEAD, heart, hands)
• Building up the mission of the church and various kingdom works

Implications

• We do not want men and women here that God isn't calling here, and, in most cases, that God isn't calling into some kind of ministry
• BUT, a healthy and thriving CTS is an important part of the fabric of the church in our land
• The need is great, so much greater than we often realize...

Therefore, a healthy theology

Healthy Theology, cont.

• Recognizes value and dignity of every person (inquiry, applicant, visitor, matriculant)
• Has ability to recognize differing types and levels of giftedness
• Discerns aptitude for *study,* AND ministry skill, though you can never separate the two too much (we are a school, so academic aptitude is necessary, though not sufficient characteristic)
• Commits to service throughout the process
• Well-informed and professional

Healthy Theology, cont.

• Recognizes that we are not the church, but partner closely with church(es) through collaborative kingdom work
• Believes in our institution enough to advocate for the integration of our identity and mission into other peoples lives. i.e. we need other people here and they need to be here
• Will challenge others to prayerfully consider being a part of Covenant
• Not corporate biz strategy but goal-oriented

To Summarize

• Well-informed
• Eager to serve
• Ability to discern gift/talent/maturity in others
• Desire to partner with the church/kingdom work
• Goal-oriented/specifically motivated
• Desire to see new men and women drawn into the work of God here

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