Life and character transformation

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According to 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, the primary prerequisite for leadership in the body of Christ is godly character. Development of godly character and biblical convictions is emphasized in the classroom, community, and in ministry activities. IGSL believes character is an overflow of a vital and growing relationship with God.

 

Exposition of God’s Word

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IGSL is committed to a high view of Scriptural inerrancy and key historical doctrines of the Christian faith, such as justification by grace through faith alone for salvation. Because of this commitment, IGSL emphasizes teaching and preaching the Word of God in all its programs.

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Application to ministry

 

In order to learn how to have an effective Christian ministry, students are exposed to real ministry in a variety of environments. At IGSL, students participate in personal and group evangelism, disciple building, leading small groups, church planting, teaching, preaching, counseling, and many other areas of ministry. Successful completion of ministry training involves not only the broadening of the students’ knowledge and skills, but also using them in specific ministry contexts.

    

Demonstration by faculty members

 

IGSL builds its curriculum around a discipleship model of education that necessitates a strong student-faculty member relationship. To facilitate this, IGSL provides various opportunities for student-faculty interaction. Faculty members disciple students and model a lifestyle that demonstrates a deep walk with God, ministry proficiency, godly character, and academic excellence.

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Exposure to a world vision

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IGSL is committed to developing a vision for reaching the world for Christ in students. Students are continually exposed to the global work of the Body of Christ. The student body itself represents a variety of nations and cultures of the world. Students who attend IGSL receive their training in the context of fulfilling the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.

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Relationship building

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Marriage: IGSL considers the wives of students as partners with their husbands in commitment to the Lordship of Christ and to Christian service. Because not all wives are able to complete degree programs themselves, the “Partners in Ministry” (PIM) program has been designed to encourage wives to grow in biblical knowledge, Christian character, and ministry skills. As they grow, their own ministry effectiveness increases, as well as their ability to complement their husbands’ ministries. All wives not enrolled in degree programs are highly encouraged to participate in PIM.

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Ministry teams: IGSL recognizes that one key to successful ministry is the ability to work together with other believers in reaching ministry goals. Thus, the school seeks to expose students to team ministry opportunities throughout their IGSL training. Students are assigned to ministry teams where they plan and carry out ministry assignments in cooperation with others. All students also participate in an internship where the building of team relations in pursuit of ministry goals is emphasized.

 

Local church: IGSL is committed to building into its students a love and respect for the local church. While at the school, students are involved in local churches representing a wide variety of denominational and cultural backgrounds. Involvement in the normal life of the church is required for all students even if they have a significant ministry in a context other than the local church.

 

Servant-steward leadership

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Jesus demonstrated that the key to spiritual leadership is both servanthood and stewardship. Members of the Body of Christ are called to serve one another in love. Those who would be great in the kingdom of God must be servants of all. However, serving others must not undermine proper stewardship of God-given responsibilities. Therefore, spiritual leaders must effectively balance both servanthood and stewardship in life and ministry. IGSL believes that servanthood-stewardship is not a leadership function, but leadership is a servanthood-stewardship function. Those who follow His pattern of leadership will make the greatest impact for Jesus Christ.