Mission Statement
The mission of Canterbury University is to educate leaders to serve the communities and impact the world for God’s glory through academic excellence, biblical truth and spiritual formation.
Vision Statement
To be a transformative institution that empowers students to grow in their faith, pursue academic excellence, and develop Christlike character, equipping them to serve as leaders in their communities and the world, advancing God’s Kingdom through education, innovation, and faithful action.
Philosophy of Christian Education
Christian education is centered on the belief that all truth is God’s truth, and that learning should be rooted in a biblical worldview. It seeks to develop the whole person—mind, heart, and spirit—by integrating faith, knowledge, and character formation. The purpose of Christian education is to cultivate wisdom, servant leadership, and a Christlike character in students, equipping them to impact the world for God’s glory.
At its core, Christian education recognizes God as the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7) and sees Jesus Christ as the model for growth in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52). It is committed to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and the application of biblical principles in every discipline. Learning is not just about acquiring information but about transformation—developing a deep love for God, His Word, and His creation.
Christian education emphasizes a partnership between educators, students, families, and the church in nurturing a faith-filled life. It fosters a Christ-centered worldview, encouraging students to engage with culture critically, serve others humbly, and pursue their God-given calling with integrity and purpose. Ultimately, the goal of Christian education is to prepare students to be disciples of Christ who led with wisdom, love, and truth in all aspects of life.
Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
- Biblical Worldview Integration – Demonstrate the ability to apply biblical principles and a Christian worldview in personal, professional, and societal contexts.
- Servant Leadership – Exhibit Christ-like leadership by serving others with integrity, humility, and a commitment to justice and compassion.
- Academic and Professional Excellence – Attain a high level of competence in critical thinking, communication, and discipline-specific knowledge to excel in career and ministry.
- Spiritual Formation and Discipleship – Cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Christ through spiritual disciplines, ethical living, and engagement in the local and global church.
- Cultural Engagement and Global Mission – Effectively communicate and engage with diverse cultures to advance the Gospel and promote positive transformation in communities worldwide.
Institutional Values
- Faith in Christ – We uphold the centrality of Jesus Christ as the foundation of our faith and learning, guiding students to grow in their personal relationship with Him and live out His teachings in all areas of life.
- Academic Excellence – We are committed to rigorous academic standards, encouraging intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the pursuit of truth through a Christ-centered lens.
- Integrity and Character – We foster a culture of integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior, promoting personal accountability and aligning actions with biblical values in all aspects of life.
- Servant Leadership – We cultivate leaders who serve others selflessly, exemplifying Christ’s humility, compassion, and commitment to justice in both their personal and professional lives.
- Community and Fellowship – We value the importance of building a supportive, loving community that fosters mutual respect, inclusivity, and spiritual growth, where students, faculty, and staff are united in their mission.
- Stewardship – We encourage responsible stewardship of God’s creation, resources, and talents, equipping students to manage their lives and work in a way that honors God and serves others.
- Discipleship and Spiritual Growth – We prioritize spiritual development, equipping students with the tools to deepen their faith, engage in regular spiritual practices, and live out their calling in the world.
- Global Engagement – We recognize our responsibility to impact the world for Christ, preparing students to engage with and serve diverse cultures, addressing global issues with a Christ-centered perspective.
- Compassion and Justice – We are dedicated to promoting justice, mercy, and compassion, encouraging students to advocate for the oppressed, serve the marginalized, and actively work toward positive societal change.