Founding and Operating a Christian School - Foundational Documents
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Transcript of Founding and Operating a Christian School - Foundational Documents
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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Table of Contents
1. Mission, Vision & Values P.3
2. Organizational Structure P.6
3. Legal Requirements P.11
4. Facilities Plan P.14
5. Parent-Student Handbook P.16
6. Income and Spending Plans P.19
7. Board, Faculty and Staff Recruitment Plan P.23
8. Curriculum Plan P.26
9. Board Orientation and Operations Manual P.32
10. Administrator Handbook P.38
11. Faculty Handbook P.53
12. Ancillary Programs P.67
Appendix A: IRS: Applying for Exemption - Procedure for Applying
Appendix B: IRS: Application for Recognition of Exemption
Appendix C: IRS: Church and Religious Organizations Exemption Requirements
Appendix D: Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board
Appendix E: Christ Church University Organization Chart
Appendix F: Profile of an “Ideal” Christ Church University Graduate
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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Abstract
The Master Plan is a series of foundational documents that seeks to define and identify
the culture of Christ Church University in light of the mission this university has been
entrusted to fulfill. The Master Plan will enable us to apply our mission, values and
methods to the building of this university now, but will also provide a legacy of founding
intent that will guide future generations in the growth and development of the university.
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1. Mission, Vision & Values
I. Mission Statement
The mission of Christ Church University is to build future generations of cultural
reformers with clear Kingdom purpose, to preserve, restore and advance the
legacy of truth, liberty and justice, through the mission of the Church going into
every jurisdiction of society, establishing a Kingdom culture in their wake.
Our fundamental purpose is the essence of our mission; it is the kind of
student we are going to build and the mission they are being prepared for.
“Mission describes the broad, fundamental purpose for the organization’s
existence, the ultimate result it hopes to produce” (Saffold, 1994, 116).
Given the private nature of CCU, we have the freedom to craft a mission
statement that does not need to pay such close association to particular mandates
that most public sector organizations need to (Saffold, 1994, 119).
II. Vision Statement
A. To firmly establish each student in a biblical worldview that can be applied to
the study of any subject, discipline or jurisdiction.
B. To train students with a distinctively Christian classical liberal arts
methodology placing an emphasis on the student’s ability to:
Create a sense of excellence in the student’s ability to apply biblical
principles to the solving of problems
Develop their understanding by analyzing original sources from
antiquity through to the present and,
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Form and articulate their views with the goal to inform accurately
persuade respectfully and defend logically.
C. To develop centers and fellowships for creative and strategic biblical thinking
in the areas of public policy development; scientific, technological and
medical research; media, the arts and communication; education reform;
business strategy and economic development.
D. To publish scholarly research that addresses theological, social, ethical,
political, and business issues that use quantitative and qualitative research, and
analysis of different theories, but conclude with biblical models and proposals
for cultural solutions.
I took Saffold’s four principles in developing vision into account here (Saffold,
1994, 142). “Vision is rooted in and shaped by values.” The value we place on the
Word of God is demonstrated in that we seek to apply it not only to the student and
faculty’s lives personally, but also to each academic discipline and ultimately to the
world around us. “Vision should serve the mission.” The first two sections of the
vision statement are particularly focused on preparing the “cultural reformers” we
refer to in the mission statement. “Vision gives birth to action.” The vision statement
is practical; it is about developing academic programs, centers of study, research
material to be published, etc. “Vision must come from God.” The development of this
vision statement is a response to an ongoing message the Lord keeps bringing to us at
Christ Church Kirkland concerning our mandate to raise up cultural reformers.
Each component of the vision statement will also place a high degree of
dependence upon the concept of shared vision (Senge, 2000, 72). A university,
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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particularly CCU, is about building a sense of community around the mission. It is
work in fulfilling the action of the vision that will bring us together in more than just
communication, but also in sharing the life of the mission together.
C. Honored Values Statement
“Values represent the core priorities in the organization’s culture, including what
drives members’ priorities and how they truly act in the organization.”
(McNamara, 1997)
We honor God by seeking to bring glory and pleasure to Him through all our
life, our work, our thoughts, and our relationships.
We honor God’s Word as the complete, sufficient, and inherent Word that
speaks to all things pertaining to life and godliness in our personal lives and
the life of the wider community and society.
We honor the fear of the Lord as the beginning of His intention to bestow
wisdom, understanding and knowledge on those who diligently enquire of
Him by the Holy Spirit.
We honor the life of the community of God as we seek to provide instruction
through the relational model of discipleship between the student and the
teacher.
We honor the pursuit of Christ-centered excellence in our work of preparing
students spiritually, academically, relationally and vocationally.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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2. Organizational Structure
I. Identifying the type of sponsorship (Demuth, 1995, 17).
A church-sponsored school. Separately incorporated but under the control of
the local church elders. It will require a separate budget. All eight of Demuth’s
“Organizational considerations” (Demuth, 1995, 18) apply to us at CCU:
The church and parents provide the fulfillment of the Scriptural command to
educate the next generation.
Educational facilities are already in place, although more will be needed.
Our pastor is positioned to be able to communicate the need for a Christ-
centered education.
Bookkeeping, legal structure and staff are in place, although this will need
significantly increase.
Church does provide an existing legal structure.
Stewardship of education facilities can be potentially shared in the building of
a new sanctuary.
Congregation provides a pool of potential student intake.
Congregation provides source of expertise in CCU development; particularly
in financial development, building facilities, curriculum design.
II. The Governing Board
When the elders of Christ Church Kirkland convene for the purpose meeting
as the Governing Board, the following principles derived from the National
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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Center for Non Profit Board (Board Source, 1995), will help form effective
distinctives of the Governing Board.
Distinctives of the CCU Governing Board:
Constructive partnership: Interdependency among members of the board
reflects our commitment to covenant relationships. This creates a culture of
respect, loyalty and honest communication.
Mission driven: The primary mandate of the Governing Board is to ensure that
the university is using its full resources: faculty, staff, students, facilities,
budget, etc., to fulfill the mission of the university.
Strategic thinking: The board will regularly review the vision statement of the
university and seek to provide accountability and direction to the strategic
planning regarding the fulfillment of the vision statement.
Culture of enquiry: The senior administration and faculty will serve the Board
of Governors requests for input, discussion, and counsel on whatever issues
the board deems necessary.
Independent-mindedness: The board will have the prerogative to stand on its
own convictions and will consider the opinion of, but will not be directed by
donors, faculty, or senior administration.
Ethos of transparency: The Board of Governors will ensure transparency with
stakeholders concerning the university finances and policies.
Compliance with integrity: The Board of Directors will ensure that the Senior
Administration is conducting the operation of the university with all integrity,
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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particularly regarding issues pertaining to financial management, legal
mandates, and ethical conduct.
Results oriented: The Governing Board is going to be expecting a culture
increase in regards to the universities operations, budgets and academic
quality.
Functions of the Governing Board:
Provide spiritual and executive headship, oversight and vision for the
university.
Provides accountability that in all things the integrity of the mission of the
university is preserved and advanced.
Provide input and review of university policies.
Provide oversight to the selection and employment of staff and faculty.
Provide direction for the funding and planning of building facilities.
Provide oversight of the university budget.
III. Senior Administration
The Senior Administration provides the operational fulfillment of the university
vision statement. Oversights of the administrative logisitics, the academics, the
student body, etc., are conducted by the Senior Administration using policy
guidelines provided by the Board of Governors.
Members of the Senior Administration:
The President: The CEO of the university accountable to the Board of
Governors.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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Academic Dean: Responsible for all curriculum design and development and
oversees all faculty members.
Vice President for Operations: Oversees the administration and office staff,
admissions and IT development.
Vice President for Business Development: Responsible for marketing and
endowment and resource development.
Dean of Students: Oversees the student life, development and discipleship.
IV. Faculty
The faculty will be organized into four colleges headed by a faculty member who
will be the Dean of the particular college; The College of Classical Studies, The
College of Biblical Studies, The College of Government, The College of
Business.
V. Support Staff
Support staff will be overseen by the Vice President for Operations. Support staff
is to serve the execution and administration of the vision statement and must
adhere to the appropriate policies in the Administrator’s Handbook.
VI. Stakeholders
The Senior Administration will ensure timely information is communicated to the
relevant stakeholders.
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It is vital that parents of the students feel well connected with the
university and are involved with their student’s progress and development.
Donors want an opportunity to be involved with more than just their gift
(Braus, 1994). The Senior Administration will enable donor to build
relationship, sow commitment and provide accountability.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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3. Legal Requirements
I. Process of Incorporation
The general process pertaining to any State, according Nolo, a recognized legal
companion service1:
1. Choose an available business name that meets the requirements of state law.
2. File formal paperwork, usually called articles of incorporation, and pay a
small filing fee (typically under $100).
3. Apply for your federal and state tax exemptions.
4. Create corporate bylaws, which set out the operating rules for your nonprofit
corporation.
5. Appoint the initial directors. (CCU will have a Board of Governors. In some
states you must choose your initial directors before you file your articles,
because you must list their names in the document.)
6. Hold the first meeting of the Board of Governors.
7. Obtain licenses and permits that may be required for your corporation.
The Foundation Group, who describe themselves as the nation's leading provider
of 501(c)(3) tax-exemption services, answers the question, is there a state application
as well as federal? “In most states, no. While a handful of states have a simple, one-
or two-page form that must be prepared, California is the only state that requires a
separate application process rivaling the one required by the IRS.”2
1 http://www.nolo.com/article.cfm/objectID/EA3D3043-9A88-43F5-8DC869639F0F6E77/111/262/ART/
Accessed 5/29/07. 2 http://www.501c3.org/faqs.html#q7
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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The Washington State government web site that deals with the formation of a
501c3 confirms this, “A 501C3 status is a tax-exempt status given by the IRS. You
have to meet certain requirements from the IRS in order to get this status.”3
The Washington State Secretary of State’s office provides the criteria for an
online 501c3 application4:
Corporate name
Contact info
Articles of incorporation
Registered agent
Initial directors
Incorporators
Signature
II. Setting up a Tax-Exempt Organization
An organization becomes tax-exempt by applying for recognition of exemption
from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS will recognize an organization as
tax-exempt if it meets the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations
applying for tax-exempt status must submit two applications: First, one requesting an
Employer Identification Number (EIN); and second, the other applying for
recognition of exemption.5
Exemption requirements6: (For more details please see Appendix A, B, & C).
3 http://www.secstate.wa.gov/corps/faq.aspx
4 https://corps.secstate.wa.gov/nonprofit/pages/startpage.aspx
5 http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=136196,00.html
6 http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=96099,00.html
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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To be organized exclusively for a charitable purpose, the organization
must be a corporation, community chest, fund, or foundation.
The organizing documents must limit the organization's purposes to
exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3).
An organization's assets must be permanently dedicated to an exempt
purpose.
An organization's application can be processed by the IRS more rapidly if
its organizing documents include a provision insuring permanent
dedication of assets for exempt purposes.
III. State laws and regulations
Washington State Higher Education Coordinating Board authorizes some in-state
private colleges and universities to offer degree programs in Washington. Degree-
granting institutions operating in Washington must obtain authorization from the
Board or be determined by the Board to be exempt. The following areas are
observed in determining whether to authorize an institution:
The university’s financial stability and business practices.
The university’s academic programs.
The university’s faculty qualifications.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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4. Facilities Plan
CCU will be located on the existing 17 acre Christ Church Kirkland campus,
conveniently located right off the I-405 freeway. It has not yet been decided whether
the university will be part of new the new sanctuary plan, or a separate building on
the campus. Whichever option is chosen, the following represents an initial list of
facility needs given the academic program design for the university.
Room Details Square Sq Ft
Per Unit
Total Sq Ft
Classrooms
Core Classes 2 classrooms for Year 1 & Year 2 simultaneous core classes 30x25=750 1500
Major Studies 3 classrooms for Year 3 major studies 15x15=225 675
Major studies 3 classrooms for Year 4 major studies 15x15=225 675
Lecture Hall 1 lecture hall to seat 250 people 60x75=5525 4500
Library Combination of bookshelves and individual study areas 60x60=1800 1800
Bathrooms 2 bathrooms 12x12=144 288
TOTAL: 8 Classrooms & 1 Lecture Hall 9438
Offices
President Desk, visitors chairs, small conference area 20x15=300 300
VP Bus. Dev. Desk, visitors chairs 12x12=144 144
Academic Dean Desk, visitors chairs 12x12=144 144
VP Operations Desk, visitors chair 10x10=100 100
Deans 4 offices with desk & visitor’s chair 10x10=100 400
Admin Open office for 4 employees 20x15=300 300
Reception Available space for 2 employees & waiting 12x12=144 144
Work room Photocopier, shared printer, cabinets, countertops 12x12=144 144
Conf. Room Seats 10 12x17=204 204
Bathroom 1 bathroom 12x12=144 144
TOTAL: 12 Office areas 2024
Dorms
Visiting Prof. 5 visiting professor suites: bed, desk, small fridge, private 16x16 Bed 1600
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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bathroom, leather chair, tv. 8x8 Bath
Prof. Lounge Central lounge for meeting with students 25x25=625 625
Men’s Dorms 63 rooms sleep 2 each = 126 men 10x9=90 5670
Men’s Bath 2 Bathrooms: 2 toilets, 3 shower, 4 sinks each 14x14=196 392
Men’s Commons 25x25=625 625
Women’s Dorms 63 rooms sleep 2 each = 126 women 10x9=90 5670
Women’s Bath 2 Bathrooms: 2 toilets, 3 shower, 4 sinks each 14x14=196 392
Women’s Commons
25x25=625 625
Dean of Students
Private apartment: 1 bed, 1 living room, kitchen, 1 bath 900 900
Dean of Students
Office 10x10=100 100
TOTAL: Dorm areas 16599
EST. GRAND TOTAL: (Not incl. entry, hallways, storage) 28061
If we needed to split the space into different buildings we could do a number of
options listed below (note - these are rough estimates and do not include hallways):
Building Details Square Feet
Floors/ Sq. Ft. Apprx. Foot Print
Option 1: 1 Building
Building 1 Dorms, classes, offices, suites 28061 2 x 14031 118x118
3 x 9354 97x97
Option 2: 2 Buildings
Building 1 Men’s dorm 1
st floor
Women’s dorm 2nd
floor Dean’s suit 1
st & 2
nd floor
14374 2 x 7187 85x85
Building 2 Classrooms, offices, suites 13687 2 x 6844 83x83
3 x 4562 68x68
Option 1: 4 Buildings
Building 1 Men’s dorm 6687 2 x 3444 58x58
3 x 2229 47x47
Building 2 Women’s dorm 6687 2 x 3444 58x58
3 x 2229 47x47
Building 3 Classrooms, offices, suites 13687 2 x 6844 83x83
3 x 4562 68x68
Building 4 Deans of Students 1000 2 x 500 22x22
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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5. Parent-Student Handbook
The following comprises of an outline of all the subjects and issues that would be
included in the parent/student handbook. Ideas on items to include also were taken
from Patrick Henry College. A copy of their student handbook is available at their
website.7
Section I: Introduction
A. Welcome by CCU Chancellor
B. Welcome by CCU President
Section II: Overview of CCU
A. Mission
B. Vision
C. Values
D. Statement of worldview
E. Statement of faith
Section III: Student community responsibilities
A. The spiritual atmosphere at CCU
B. Campus standards
1. Relationships
2. Entertainment
3. Alcohol use
4. Curfew
5. Dorm responsibilities
7 http://www.phc.edu/studentlife/2006StudentHandbook.pdf Accessed 6/24/07
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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6. Campus responsibilities
C. Church life
D. CCU Chapel
E. Corporate prayer
F. Service outreach
G. Student government
Section IV: Student’s personal responsibilities
A. Student spiritual disciplines
B. Dress code
C. Student covenant
D. Student discipline
E. Career calling counseling
F. Parental involvement
Section V: Academic standards
A. Standard of excellence
B. Academic policy
1. GPA standing
2. Add/drop classes
3. Absence policy
4. Incomplete grades
5. In-progress grades
6. Re-doing assignments
7. Course evaluation
C. Plagiarism policy
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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D. Writing standards
Section VI: CCU Administration
A. Office hours & services
B. Enrollment and admissions information
C. Financial policies
D. Alumni relations
E. Campus security
F. Library hours and services
G. University store
H. Ancillary programs
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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6. Income and Spending Plans
The income and spending plans, along with relevant budget commentary, outlines
CCU revenues by source along with expected expenditures according to major categories
during the first year of operation. The commentary also reflects the planning assumptions
made to support the total revenue and total expenditures. One first assumption is that
since the plan reflects the first year of operation, the start up costs are not in the
expenditures for the year below since those costs were accounted for prior to the first
year of operation.
I. Income – multiple revenue streams
The income plan is a testimony of God’s greatness in His provision. It reflects
the belief that God pays of what He orders so that His work can be carried out
with effectiveness and excellence.
A. Tuition & Fees
1. Tuition (25 students @ $6000 per year = $150,000. Any scholarship
awards are credited at the end so the student/parent can see how much
actually is their responsibility and how much of that is being covered by
the scholarship).
2. Admission application fees (25 x $75 = $1875. This helps cover the cost
of enlisting the students such as informational material, phone calls,
marketing material)
3. Re-enrollment fees (For second year. Helps cover the administrative
process associated with the registrar).
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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4. Library membership fee (25 x $25 = $625). The library is an on-going
investment for the entire student body. A small library fee of around $25
helps purchase most of the new volumes and texts the library needs to
keep current).
5. Activity fees (25 x $125 = $3125) These fees eliminate having to collect
additional monies from the students at a later date, such as a graduation
banquet, or student body retreat, etc. $150 per student should adequately
cover these two events).
6. Class materials fees (Text books, notebooks, software, etc).
B. Room and Board (25 x $2750 = $68750)
C. Sales (food tickets for visitors, special event admission charge)
D. Fundraising (Gifts sought out by special events, benefit dinners, student
performances, adopt a student, matching gifts, )
E. Capital project funding (Special fundraising for major projects: classroom
additions, library extension, build another dorm).
F. Endowment building (Generational giving to build a healthy financial future
for the university).
II. Expense plans
Expense plans, the budget, are approved by the Board of Governors for the
purpose of accountability and to ensure that the budget is being used to bring
increase to the mission and vision of the university.
A. Salaries and benefits
1. Salaries and benefits for permanent staff (Senior Administration – 4
employees and staff – 7 employees)
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2. Visiting professor stipends (10 visiting professors during first year)
B. Facilities
1. Mortgage (Known when building options are decided upon and how much
is borrowed).
2. Insurance (Known when we have a definitive number and size of
buildings).
3. Utilities (Known when we have a definitive number and size of buildings).
4. Janitorial and maintenance staff and supplies (Some of these positions will
be made available to students who need on campus worm, such as
international students).
C. Curriculum materials (Will depend on each individual teacher and their course
and quantity required).
1. Course text books
2. Curriculum guides
3. Student notebooks
D. Boarding expenses
I. Food services (2 meals a day – breakfast and dinner. $10 per day x 25
students x two 16 week semesters – 224 days = $56000 total or $2240 per
student).
E. Office expenses
1. Office supplies
2. Equipment lease (Copier is approx. $700 per month)
3. Telephone system (Approx $1000 per month)
4. Internet & phone bill (may be included in phone system)
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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5. Computer & software purchases (2 new machines a year plus sundry items
$4000)
6. Mail & shipping
F. Traveling expenses for visiting professors (Approx. 10 tickets needed for first
year. 20 tickets for the 2nd
year).
G. Staff and faculty development
H. Scholarship funding
I. Marketing
1. Graphics artwork
2. Printing
3. Mailing
4. Prospective student enrollment materials
J. Hospitality expenses
This initial overview of income and spending will reveal a significant shortfall
the first few years as the student body begins to expand. The first year only 25
students will be supporting the operating expenses, in comparison to potentially
100 after four years. This initial shortfall will have to be built into part of the
initial startup capital fundraising.
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7. Board, Faculty and Staff Recruitment Plan
CCU desires that the board, faculty, and staff will provide more than academic
information to the students, but will impart spiritual life and vision that will launch
the student towards their calling. This makes the selection process perhaps one of the
most important decision making processes that will go into the university. The apostle
Paul directs the type of learning the Corinthian believers were to receive when he told
them his concern, “For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would
not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me” (I Corinthians 4:15-16). The recruitment
plan does not refer to the Board of Governors since it already exists separately as the
Christ Church Kirkland eldership.
I. Qualifications for all faculty and staff
A. Called to the mission, vision and values of CCU
B. Embraces the philosophy and practice of spiritual sonship
C. In agreement with CCU philosophy of education, worldview statement and
statement of faith.
D. Is a discipler and is being discipled
E. Spirit filled and Spirit led
F. Genuine Christ-centered and daily intimate relationship with Christ.
G. Reads and applies the Word of God
H. Committed and active member of a local church (CCK for all local staff and
faculty).
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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II. Additional qualifications for faculty
A. Academic credentials
B. Published materials
C. Teaching experience
D. Professional experience
III. Recruitment of faculty
A. Prayer and discussion among Board of Governors
B. Consider potential faculty from CCK
C. Consider potential faculty from existing network relationships
IV. Faculty benefits package
A. Stipend for visiting professors
B. Travel expenses for visiting professors
C. Compensate for training, expertise and experience
D. Health coverage for full time professors
E. Scholarships for advanced degrees
V. Recruitment of staff
A. Consider staff from within CCK
B. Consider staff from Master’s Commission graduates
C. Consider staff from existing network relationships
VI. Staff benefits package
A. Compensate for training, expertise and experience
B. Training and equipping seminars
C. Health coverage for full time staff
VII. Selection process
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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A. Governing board reviews all written applications and narrows applicants for
interview.
B. Contact references
C. Governing board conducts interviews
D. Request writing/teaching/work samples of necessary
E. Senior administration conducts interviews
F. President confers with governing board for final decision
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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8. Curriculum Plan
I. Introduction
CCU’s curriculum design reflects the character and mission of the school;
where spiritual fathers impart to spiritual sons and daughters using classical
approach for academic content and the Hebrew model of training and discipleship
for the academic structure. We believe this dual approach will enable the students
to function most effectively in the world, while maintaining the integrity of a
biblical and relational academic context.
A classical Christian program places the emphasis on revealing God’s
truth that is relevant to every academic discipline and not just too theological
studies alone.
The components given in this curriculum plan are derived from Demuth
(1995, p. 209).
II. Develop educational goals
The goals for the CCU curriculum plan are derived from the list of outcomes
that make-up the ideal graduate from CCU. A full description of the CCU
graduate can be read in Appendix F.
It should be noted that while these goals are listed as specific area goals they
should be no means be viewed as being independent from each other. These goals
are highly integrated because God’s truth our obedient response pertains to all
areas of life, not just the spiritual.
A. Calling: A graduate of Christ Church University will have a clear sense of
God’s calling for “such a time as this,” recognizing the pivotal era of history
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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that we find ourselves in and take responsibility to be a history-making
prophetic people to society.
B. Devotion: A graduate of Christ Church University will have a dynamic
relationship with Christ, demonstrated through a life of obedience, worship
and prayer.
C. Worldview: A graduate of Christ Church University will have developed a
robust biblical worldview that they can apply to specific academic disciplines
which enables them to be independent thinkers capable of discerning the
fallacies of humanist philosophies and their application upon society.
D. Character: A graduate of Christ Church University will have developed a high
degree of moral character, integrity and personal discipline. Graduates
understand that character development is a process of maturity that is
especially furthered through the engaging of discipleship relationships.
E. Sonship: A graduate of Christ Church University carries the servant heart of a
son or daughter, who desires to be a faithful steward of another’s vision and
resources before fulfilling their own.
F. Excellence: A graduate of Christ Church University demonstrates a spirit of
excellence and diligence in their academics, their work ethic and their social
skills.
G. Citizenship: A graduate of Christ Church University takes seriously their civic
responsibility to vote and participate in the support of biblical principles of
freedom and liberty that pertain to public policy.
H. Ministry: A graduate of Christ Church University seeks to honor and serve the
responsibility of the Church to train and equip its members in their calling to
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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carry out the Dominion Mandate and the Great Commission to serve and
speak prophetically in all jurisdictions of society.
III. Select an educational approach
A variety of different approaches will be used for different elements of the
curriculum plan. Many of the classes will be conducted over a three week period
where the student’s will take no more than one or two classes at a time so that
subject concentration will be highly focused. Since many of our faculty will be
visiting rather than permanent, the classes will have three component parts. The
first part will be where students have one full week of pre-lecture assignments
that will be predominantly based on an independent approach. The second part
will be where the visiting professor will be in class for lectures and the approach
will be teacher directed. The third part is the post lecture which is a mix of
independent approach as students write follow up papers, and facilitator led class
discussions.
IV. Content matter and subjects
Figure 1 below lays out all the content matter in their respective classes in
consecutive order that is organized according to the classical core program and
the major studies programs.
A. Classical core
The essence of a classical liberal arts program lies in the strength of its
core studies common to all students. It is here that each 1st and 2
nd year
student will fulfill their core study requirements. For both years, each
semester has a class in the following core disciplines: Theology, philosophy,
history, literature, and the Trivium.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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At the end of the student’s 2nd
year they will also take a business core and
a government core. There is a two-fold purpose to this; first to give the
students a multi-jurisdictional education so that even if they are not called into
one of these field they still have a general understanding of them in order to
relate to those that do. Second, if a student does not know which jurisdiction
to major in during the 3rd
and 4th
year, these classes will give the student
exposure to these areas in hope that it may spur a greater degree of interest in
one of the jurisdictions.
B. Major studies program
Upon becoming upper classman, students decide which major studies
program to choose from based on their calling to jurisdictions that best fit
these programs. As university grows we hope to add more specific major
studies programs. Major studies programs planned for the beginning of the
university would include:
College of Biblical Studies
College of Market Place Ministries
College of Government & Politics
Each student will take a minimum of 16 credits per semester. 12 credits
must be taken from their respective college. An additional 4 elective credits
can be taken from within the same college or from the other colleges.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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Fall Semester Spring Semester
1st
Year Classical Core
Theology Core: Old Testament (3) New Testament (3) Philosophy Core: The Ultimate Intention (2) Presuppositionalism & Worldview Pt 1(2) History Core: Ancient & Classical History (3) Classical Literature & Writing Core: The Great Books (3) Trivium Core: Introduction to Latin (2)
Theology Core: Old Testament (3) Kingdom of God – Part I (2) Philosophy Core: The Ultimate Intention (2) Presuppositionalism & Worldview Pt 2(2) History Core: Ancient & Classical History (3) Classical Literature & Writing Core: The Great Books (3) Trivium Core: Introduction to Latin (2)
2nd
Year Classical Core
Theology Core: Covenant Theology (2) Discipleship & Advanced Leadership (2) History Core: U.S. History (3) Classical Literature & Writing Core: The Great Books (3) Trivium Core: Formal Logic II (2) Business Core: (6) Foundations of Biblical Economics (3) Foundations of Business Leadership (3)
Theology Core: Kingdom of God – Part II (2) The Spirit-led & Spirit-filled Life (2) History Core: Twentieth Century World History (3) Classical Literature & Writing Core: The Great Books (3) Trivium Core: Rhetoric (2) Government Core: Philosophies & Principles of Government (3) U.S. Government: Local & National (3)
3rd
Year Major Studies
College of Biblical Studies College of Market Place Ministries College of Government & Politics (16 credits: 12 from 1 College & 4 from another, or electives)
College of Biblical Studies College of Market Place Ministries College of Government & Politics (16 credits: 12 from 1 College & 4 from another, or electives)
4th
Year Major Studies
College of Biblical Studies College of Market Place Ministries College of Government & Politics (16 credits: 12 from 1 College & 4 from another, or electives)
Electives or Guided Independent Study (6) Senior Research Paper and faculty oral exam (4) Internship (4) GRE Prep & Exam (2) (Required)
Total: 136 Required Credits Figure 1. Curriculum Plan: Classical Core and Major Studies
C. Select texts
Each professor will select their own recommended texts to the Academic
Dean for approval. Given the nature of the classical approach, the university
strongly encourages professors not to use text books but rather original source
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
- 31 -
material and secondary sources that are derived from notable academic
backgrounds.
In most cases the classes will likely have an anthology of reading
assignments from numerous sources that represent a wide range of relevant
primary and secondary sources.
D. Establish School Parameters
1. Length of school year and calendar: Two semesters 16 weeks each from
late August to mid December, and early January to mid May.
2. Length of school day: 4 hours of classes from Monday to Friday.
3. Length of class period: 55 minutes.
4. Attendance policy: Board of Governors to decide.
E. Institute a college credit system
F. Develop grading systems: Faculty to use rubrics for clear understanding of the
criteria involved in assessments.
G. Schedule teachers and classes: (See Appendix G)
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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9. Board Orientation and Operations Manual
The Board of Governors of CCU is the existing eldership team of Christ Church
Kirkland which functions aside from the university. As such some of the typical
functions of a board are not necessary to the board function and structure of CCU.
Below is an outline with some detail reflecting board orientation and operations.
I. Mission Statement
The mission of Christ Church University is to build future generations of cultural
reformers with clear Kingdom purpose, to preserve, restore and advance the legacy of
truth, liberty and justice, through the mission of the Church going into every
jurisdiction of society, establishing a Kingdom culture in their wake.
II. Vision Statement
1. To firmly establish each student in a biblical worldview that can be applied to
the study of any subject, discipline or jurisdiction.
2. To train students with a distinctively Christian classical liberal arts
methodology placing an emphasis on the student’s ability to:
Create a sense of excellence in the student’s ability to apply biblical
principles to the solving of problems
Develop their understanding by analyzing original sources from antiquity
through to the present and,
Form and articulate their views with the goal to inform accurately
persuade respectfully and defend logically.
3. To develop centers and fellowships for creative and strategic biblical thinking
in the areas of public policy development; scientific, technological and
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
- 33 -
medical research; media, the arts and communication; education reform;
business strategy and economic development.
4. To publish scholarly research that addresses theological, social, ethical,
political, and business issues that use quantitative and qualitative research,
and analysis of different theories, but conclude with biblical models and
proposals for cultural solutions.
III. Role of the Governing Board
A. Summary functions of the Governing Board (from Section 2 of Foundational
Documents)
Provide spiritual and executive headship, oversight and vision for the
university.
Provides accountability that in all things the integrity of the mission of the
university is preserved and advanced.
Provide input and review of university policies.
Provide oversight to the selection and employment of staff and faculty.
Provide direction for the funding and planning of building facilities.
Provide oversight of the university budget.
B. Specific functions of the Governing Board
Fundraising: Board oversees the administration’s efforts at fundraising and
contributes to fundraising efforts through their own personal networks and
relationships also.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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Planning: The vision statement will require regular review and
development of plans that the Governing Board will give input to and
provide approval of.
Mission: The Governing Board is considered to be the trustee of the
mission and will evaluate all of its oversight in view of the
accomplishment of the mission statement.
Articulating the vision: The Board of Directors will ensure that the vision
of CCU is correctly communicated in all of the marketing and enrollment
literature, and also that the vision is consistently integrated into the
academic content of the university. As board members have the
opportunity to represent the university, they shall also use the opportunity
to communicate the vision of the university to existing and potential
stakeholders.
IV. Distinctives of the CCU Governing Board: (from Section 2 of Foundational
Documents)8
Constructive partnership: Interdependency among members of the board
reflects our commitment to covenant relationships. This creates a culture of
respect, loyalty and honest communication.
Mission driven: The primary mandate of the Governing Board is to ensure that
the university is using its full resources: faculty, staff, students, facilities,
budget, etc., to fulfill the mission of the university.
8 National Center for Non Profit Board (Board Source, 1995)
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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Strategic thinking: The board will regularly review the vision statement of the
university and seek to provide accountability and direction to the strategic
planning regarding the fulfillment of the vision statement.
Culture of enquiry: The senior administration and faculty will serve the Board
of Governors requests for input, discussion, and counsel on whatever issues
the board deems necessary.
Independent-mindedness: The board will have the prerogative to stand on its
own convictions and will consider the opinion of, but will not be directed by
donors, faculty, or senior administration.
Ethos of transparency: The Board of Governors will ensure transparency with
stakeholders concerning the university finances and policies.
Compliance with integrity: The Board of Directors will ensure that the Senior
Administration is conducting the operation of the university with all integrity,
particularly regarding issues pertaining to financial management, legal
mandates, and ethical conduct.
Results oriented: The Governing Board is going to be expecting a culture
increase in regards to the universities operations, budgets and academic
quality.
V. Board leadership and accountability
A. Board leadership
The Senior Pastor from the eldership of Christ Church Kirkland will lead
the board. He will direct the agenda of the meeting and bring items to a
conclusion for decision or for more time to be research if necessary.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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The Senior Pastor will meet with the CCU President on a regular basis, 2-
4 times a month which will provide the Senior Pastor with the
understanding necessary of what issues and topics would be relevant to
form an agenda of the Board of Governors. The board will consult the
President who will attend the meetings and the faculty who will assemble
at the request of the board. All policy making decision made by the board
will be the responsibility of the President to carry out unless otherwise
directed by the board.
B. Board accountability
Accountability refers to
o A culture of openness that embraces insight and direction from other
legitimate and trustworthy sources.
o Undergo verification and scrutiny of operating procedures in order to
clarify if any activity, attitude, communication or behavior needs
adjustment, correction, or warning.
o A body of people who check to ensure that the integrity of the
organizations purpose as stated in the mission and vision statements,
are being kept and advanced
o A body of people who check to ensure the values of the organization
are reflected in everything the university does and in all its officers and
employees.
The Senior Pastor is accountable to the Board of Governors, and to the
Apostolic Council of Kingdom Ministries International, the apostolic
covering for Christ Church Kirkland.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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The Board of Governors itself is also accountable to the Apostolic Council
of Kingdom Ministries International.
The President, senior administration, and faculty are accountable to the
Board of Governors.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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10. Administrator Handbook
I. School Description
A. Mission Statement
The mission of Christ Church University is to build future generations
of cultural reformers with clear Kingdom purpose, to preserve, restore and
advance the legacy of truth, liberty and justice, through the mission of the
Church going into every jurisdiction of society, establishing a Kingdom
culture in their wake.
B. Vision Statement
1. To firmly establish each student in a biblical worldview that can be
applied to the study of any subject, discipline or jurisdiction.
2. To train students with a distinctively Christian classical liberal arts
methodology placing an emphasis on the student’s ability to:
Create a sense of excellence in the student’s ability to apply biblical
principles to the solving of problems
Develop their understanding by analyzing original sources from
antiquity through to the present and,
Form and articulate their views with the goal to inform accurately
persuade respectfully and defend logically.
3. To develop centers and fellowships for creative and strategic biblical
thinking in the areas of public policy development; scientific,
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
- 39 -
technological and medical research; media, the arts and communication;
education reform; business strategy and economic development.
4. To publish scholarly research that addresses theological, social, ethical,
political, and business issues that use quantitative and qualitative
research, and analysis of different theories, but conclude with biblical
models and proposals for cultural solutions.
C. Statement of Faith
Taken from New St. Andrews and to be discussed by the Board of
Governors as an example.9
1. Preamble: Authority and Witness
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are our only infallible
rule of faith and practice. The Lord Jesus Christ committed these inspired
Scriptures to His Church (1 Tim. 3). We therefore defer to the witness of
the historic Christian Church as a genuine but fallible authority,
subordinate to the Scriptures themselves, in discerning what the Scriptures
teach. Because they faithfully witness what is taught in the Word of God,
we receive the great creedal statements the Church has affirmed
throughout the ages: The Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the
Definition of Chalcedon . Moreover, we believe that the reformational
confessions of the 16th and 17th centuries (including the Westminster
Confession of Faith of 1646, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic
Confession, and the Canons of Dort), of all historic statements, most fully
and accurately summarize the system of orthodox Christian doctrine
9New St. Andrews College Statement of Faith http://www.nsa.edu/mission/faith.html Accessed 6/25/07
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
- 40 -
revealed in Scripture. Therefore, the specific headings below do not
exhaust our doctrinal understanding, but rather identify those doctrines
that merit greater attention today.
2. The Triune Majesty
The Triune God is the one uncreated Creator of all things that exist;
between the Creator and His creation is a fundamental divide. This one
God is eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
His Majesty is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient, and limited by
nothing other than His own nature and character. He is holy, righteous,
good, stern, loving, and full of mercy.
3. Revelation
The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of
God, inerrant in all they affirm. The Word has divine authority in
everything it addresses, and it addresses everything. In no way should the
Scriptures be brought to the judgment seat of human reason; rather, we
must rationally and submissively study the Word granted to us.
4. Creation
In the beginning, God created the material universe from nothing in six
ordinary days. He spoke, and by the Word of His power, it was. Our
science on the nature and time of this event must be determined in full
submission to the Word of God.
5. Sin
Our first father Adam was our federal head and representative. He was
created innocent, but through his rebellion against the express Word of
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
- 41 -
God, plunged himself and his entire posterity, represented in him, into the
hopelessness of death in sin. This sin is lawlessness, an attempt to live
apart from the Law and Word of God. Since that first great apostasy, no
descendant of Adam has escaped from the death of lawlessness apart from
efficacious grace.
6. The Incarnate Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is, according to the flesh, a descendant of David,
and sits on David's throne. He is, at the same time, God enfleshed. He is one
individual with two natures, fully man and fully God. As a man, He is our
elder brother and High Priest before God, representing us to God the Father.
As God, He is the visible image of the invisible Father, representing God to
us.
7. Salvation
Because all sons of Adam are spiritually dead, they are consequently
incapable of saving themselves. But out of His sovereign mercy, God the
Father elected a countless number to eternal salvation, leaving the
remainder to their sinful desires. When the time was right, the Lord Jesus
Christ died on the cross and was raised to life as an efficacious redemption
for the elect. Thus He secured the salvation of His church, for which He
laid down His life. And at the point of each individual's conversion, the
Holy Spirit brings resurrecting grace, effectually calling him by His
power, with the result of repentance and faith.
8. Law
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The grace of God in the gospel does not set aside the law of God;
rather, it establishes it. To the one who believes, the law of God is
precious, and through faith the law is established. The law stands as God's
testimony of His own righteous character; as such, it cannot be altered by
anything other than God's express Word. Consequently, we receive the
entire Bible, Old and New Testaments, as fully containing the will of God
for us. To all who do not believe, the law of God condemns them in self-
righteousness.
9. Covenant
When God is pleased to bless the proclamation of His gospel, the result
will always be a visible collection of saints bound in covenant to Him.
They will be characterized through their assembly around the preached
Word, their faithful administration of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and
their orderly and disciplined government according to the Word of God.
10. Witness
As believers present the gospel to those who remain in rebellious
unbelief, there must be no halfway compromise with that unbelief. The
ground and precondition for all creaturely ventures is the Word of God,
which necessarily includes our teaching, apologetics, and evangelism. Every
thought is to be made captive to the Lord Christ, and every tongue is to
glorify the Father.
11. Eschatology
As the gospel of Christ is proclaimed throughout the world, the result
will be the gradual transformation and salvation of the world. Prior to
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
- 43 -
Christ's return, the earth will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the
waters cover the sea, and the whole earth will be full of His glory.
D. Core Values
We honor God by seeking to bring glory and pleasure to Him through all
our life, our work, our thoughts, and our relationships.
We honor God’s Word as the complete, sufficient, and inherent Word
that speaks to all things pertaining to life and godliness in our personal
lives and the life of the wider community and society.
We honor the fear of the Lord as the beginning of His intention to
bestow wisdom, understanding and knowledge on those who diligently
enquire of Him by the Holy Spirit.
We honor the life of the community of God as we seek to provide
instruction through the relational model of discipleship between the
student and the teacher.
We honor the pursuit of Christ-centered excellence in our work of
preparing students spiritually, academically, relationally and
vocationally.
II. School Philosophy and Methodology
A. Philosophy of Education
Our philosophy of education is centered on three foundational precepts.
These three are currently being worked upon in terms of their application to
CCU by the Board of Governors.:
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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1. The Covenant of God
2. The Paideia of God
3. Tutorial/Relational model that brings students into the fullness of
Sonship.
B. Methodology
Educational Approach
A variety of different approaches will be used for different elements of
the curriculum plan. Many of the classes will be conducted over a three week
period where the student’s will take no more than one or two classes at a time
so that subject concentration will be highly focused. Since many of our
faculty will be visiting rather than permanent, the classes will have three
component parts. The first part will be where students have one full week of
pre-lecture assignments that will be predominantly based on an independent
approach. The second part will be where the visiting professor will be in
class for lectures and the approach will be teacher directed. The third part is
the post lecture which is a mix of independent approach as students write
follow up papers, and facilitator led class discussions.
III. The Curriculum
A. Curriculum design
1. Classical core
The essence of a classical liberal arts program lies in the strength of
its core studies common to all students. It is here that each 1st and 2
nd
year student will fulfill their core study requirements. For both years,
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
- 45 -
each semester has a class in the following core disciplines: Theology,
philosophy, history, literature, and the Trivium.
2. Major studies program
Upon becoming upper classman, students decide which major
studies program to choose from based on their calling to jurisdictions that
best fit these programs. As university grows we hope to add more specific
major studies programs. Major studies programs planned for the beginning
of the university would include:
College of Biblical Studies
College of Market Place Ministries
College of Government & Politics
Each student will take a minimum of 16 credits per semester. 12
credits must be taken from their respective college. An additional 4
elective credits can be taken from within the same college or from the
other colleges.
B. Texts
Each professor will select their own recommended texts to the
Academic Dean for approval. Given the nature of the classical approach, the
university strongly encourages professors not to use text books but rather
original source material and secondary sources that are derived from notable
academic backgrounds.
In most cases the classes will likely have an anthology of reading
assignments from numerous sources that represent a wide range of relevant
primary and secondary sources.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
- 46 -
IV. School Board
A. Organization and Operation of the Board of Governors
The Christ Church Kirkland elders will form the Board of Governors.
The board will be led by the Senior Pastor who will meet regularly with the
university President. This meeting will provide an impetus on the agenda for
the board meeting.
B. Major Responsibilities
Provide spiritual and executive headship, oversight and vision for the
university.
Provides accountability that in all things the integrity of the mission of the
university is preserved and advanced.
Provide input and review of university policies.
Provide oversight to the selection and employment of staff and faculty.
Provide direction for the funding and planning of building facilities.
Provide oversight of the university budget.
C. Board Calendar
The board will meet once a month, unless otherwise directed by the
Senior Pastor, or requested by the President.
D. Policy Making Procedures
The Senior Pastor from the eldership of Christ Church Kirkland will
lead the board. He will direct the agenda of the meeting and bring items to a
conclusion for decision or for more time to be research if necessary. The
board will consult the President who will attend the meetings, and the faculty
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
- 47 -
who will assemble at the request of the board. All policy making decision
made by the board will be the responsibility of the President to carry out
unless otherwise directed by the board.
V. Financial Management
A. Compensation and Benefits
Will be decided upon by the board on an individual and confidential
basis.
B. Fundraising
Primarily the responsibility of the Business Development office and the
Board of Governors.
C. Fee Collection
Fees from students will be collected by the Business Office. If after two
attempts to collect fees from a student, the Dean of Students will meet with
the student privately to discuss the issue and communicate with parents. The
outcome of these meetings will be discussed with the President.
D. Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditure must be approved by the Board of Governors for
the purpose of accountability and to ensure that the funds are being used to
bring increase to the mission and vision of the university.
VI. Administration
A. Responsibilities of the President
To report to the Board of Governors and carry out the policy and
directives of the board.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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To advance the mission and vision statement of the university.
To oversee the university departments and ensure their growth and
development in accordance to the mission and vision statements of the
university.
To ensure the values of the university are inculcated into the message,
the academic content, the campus life and the spiritual life of the
university.
To oversee the overall day-to-day spiritual direction of the student body.
To oversee the academic content and quality and ensure that it aligns to
the vision and worldview statements, and the statement of faith of the
university.
B. Responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant
To assist with administrative details that will enable the President to
fulfill the responsibilities of his office.
C. Responsibilities of the Faculty
1. Curriculum design: To design their curriculum in a manner that reflects
the mission and vision statement of the university, and in accordance
with the educational philosophy of the university.
2. To always be in a process of personal development and training,
whether formally or informally. CCU may assist with more formal
ongoing training and development.
3. Impart with excellence: To impart to the students in such a way as to
reproduce mastery of the subject within the student.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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4. Discipleship: To disciple different members of the student body on a
formal and informal basis, by being willing to give correction, advice,
career/calling input, accountability, character training, etc.
5. Model character: The faculty will always model the values of the
university and uphold to the same community standards outlined in the
student handbook, where appropriate.
6. Homework policies: Homework should be graded and returned to the
students in a timely fashion. Grading should be seen as part of the
discipleship process where the student is being corrected in order to
bring change. Without regular and timely input from the faculty the
student will not know specifically the areas they need help in
improving and developing.
7. Communication skills: Faculty members are expected to communicate
concerns or grievances with those who give oversight in accordance
with the principles of Matthew 18. Gossip and undermining of other
staff, faculty, or board members is not appropriate. Appeals will be
considered when conducted in proper order, with humility, and
according to the principles of Matthew 18.
VII. The Staff
A. Staff Hiring
1. Procedure
Governing board reviews all written applications and narrows
applicants for interview.
References will be contacted by the administration.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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Governing board conducts interviews.
Request writing/teaching/work samples of necessary.
Senior administration conducts interviews
President confers with governing board for final decision
2. Church Attendance: Staff members must be committed and involved in
CCK or related churches.
3. Personal leave: Requests will be evaluated by the VP for Operations.
4. Evaluations/ Personnel File: Will be conducted annually by the VP for
Operations. Personnel files will be held confidentially in the office of
VP for Operations.
5. Emergency/Sick Leave Policy: Please consult with your immediate
oversight and ensure that the VP for Operations is also aware of the
situation.
B. Staff Meetings
Administrative staff will meet with the senior administrative team
weekly. All faculty will meet with the President weekly. A joint meeting will
be called at the direction of the President if necessary.
C. Staff Policies
1. Community standards: The staff will always model the values of the
university and uphold to the same community standards outlined in the
student handbook, where appropriate.
2. Office hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM
3. Dress Code: Modest business casual
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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4. Staff relationships and grievances: Faculty members are expected to
communicate concerns or grievances with those who give oversight in
accordance with the principles of Matthew 18. Gossip and undermining
of other staff, faculty, or board members is not appropriate. Appeals
will be considered when conducted in proper order, with humility, and
according to the principles of Matthew 18.
VIII. Staff Procedures
A. Keys: Issued by VP for Operations.
B. Parking: Upper parking lot. Please lock your car, the campus is not always
secure and the university or the church will not assume responsibility for
loss/damages.
C. Request for personal leave: Please see your immediate oversight and final
approval by VP for Operations.
D. Request for reimbursement: Reimbursement forms are held by the business
office.
E. Request for building use, outside of regular school activities: Please see VP
for Operations.
F. Request for building maintenance: Please see maintenance request form in
CCK office.
G. Fire drills/evacuation plans and postings: Drills will be carried out annually.
Evacuation plans and instructions are posted in every room.
H. Inclement weather – delayed opening/closings: The VP for Operations will
activate a staff phone tree before 7AM. Please check your email and
voicemail regularly from home before leaving.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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I. Library Use: Staff members will be given library card privileges and are not
expected to pay the annual library fee.
IX. Student discipline
A. Academic violation
If the faculty member is not satisfied that their attempts to address the
student’s lack of quality academic work, (missing assignments, late work,
poor quality work, class absence) the following procedure shall followed:
1. Meet with faculty member and academic dean. Student will be grounded
on campus until satisfactory work is complete. Parents will be notified.
2. Repeated violation: Meet with faculty member, academic dean and the
President. Student will be grounded on campus until satisfactory work is
complete. Parents will be notified.
3. Repeated violation: Student will be placed on academic probation.
B. Community standard violation
1. Depending on the nature of the violation, student will meet with Dean of
Students for adjustment or correction. Student will be grounded over
weekend.
2. Dean of Students will evaluate whether to escalate the meeting to include
the President, depending on the nature and frequency of the violation.
Any meeting with the President will automatically result in a follow up
call to the parents.
3. Repeated violation: Administration will discuss possible expulsion.
CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONAL DOCUMENTS
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11. Faculty Handbook
X. School Description
A. Mission Statement
The mission of Christ Church University is to build future generations
of cultural reformers with clear Kingdom purpose, to preserve, restore and
advance the legacy of truth, liberty and justice, through the mission of the
Church going into every jurisdiction of society, establishing a Kingdom
culture in their wake.
B. Vision Statement
1. To firmly establish each student in a biblical worldview that can be
applied to the study of any subject, discipline or jurisdiction.
2. To train students with a distinctively Christian classical liberal arts
methodology placing an emphasis on the student’s ability to:
Create a sense of excellence in the student’s ability to apply biblical
principles to the solving of problems
Develop their understanding by analyzing original sources from
antiquity through to the present and,
Form and articulate their views with the goal to inform accurately
persuade respectfully and defend logically.
3. To develop centers and fellowships for creative and strategic biblical
thinking in the areas of public policy development; scientific,
technological and medical research; media, the arts and communication;
education reform; business strategy and economic development.
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4. To publish scholarly research that addresses theological, social, ethical,
political, and business issues that use quantitative and qualitative
research, and analysis of different theories, but conclude with biblical
models and proposals for cultural solutions.
C. Statement of Faith
Taken from New St. Andrews and to be discussed by the Board of
Governors as an example.10
1. Preamble: Authority and Witness
The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are our only infallible
rule of faith and practice. The Lord Jesus Christ committed these inspired
Scriptures to His Church (1 Tim. 3). We therefore defer to the witness of
the historic Christian Church as a genuine but fallible authority,
subordinate to the Scriptures themselves, in discerning what the Scriptures
teach. Because they faithfully witness what is taught in the Word of God,
we receive the great creedal statements the Church has affirmed
throughout the ages: The Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the
Definition of Chalcedon . Moreover, we believe that the reformational
confessions of the 16th and 17th centuries (including the Westminster
Confession of Faith of 1646, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic
Confession, and the Canons of Dort), of all historic statements, most fully
and accurately summarize the system of orthodox Christian doctrine
revealed in Scripture. Therefore, the specific headings below do not
10
New St. Andrews College Statement of Faith http://www.nsa.edu/mission/faith.html Accessed 6/25/07
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exhaust our doctrinal understanding, but rather identify those doctrines
that merit greater attention today.
2. The Triune Majesty
The Triune God is the one uncreated Creator of all things that exist;
between the Creator and His creation is a fundamental divide. This one
God is eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
His Majesty is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient, and limited by
nothing other than His own nature and character. He is holy, righteous,
good, stern, loving, and full of mercy.
3. Revelation
The sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of
God, inerrant in all they affirm. The Word has divine authority in
everything it addresses, and it addresses everything. In no way should the
Scriptures be brought to the judgment seat of human reason; rather, we
must rationally and submissively study the Word granted to us.
4. Creation
In the beginning, God created the material universe from nothing in six
ordinary days. He spoke, and by the Word of His power, it was. Our
science on the nature and time of this event must be determined in full
submission to the Word of God.
5. Sin
Our first father Adam was our federal head and representative. He was
created innocent, but through his rebellion against the express Word of
God, plunged himself and his entire posterity, represented in him, into the
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hopelessness of death in sin. This sin is lawlessness, an attempt to live
apart from the Law and Word of God. Since that first great apostasy, no
descendant of Adam has escaped from the death of lawlessness apart from
efficacious grace.
6. The Incarnate Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is, according to the flesh, a descendant of David,
and sits on David's throne. He is, at the same time, God enfleshed. He is one
individual with two natures, fully man and fully God. As a man, He is our
elder brother and High Priest before God, representing us to God the Father.
As God, He is the visible image of the invisible Father, representing God to
us.
7. Salvation
Because all sons of Adam are spiritually dead, they are consequently
incapable of saving themselves. But out of His sovereign mercy, God the
Father elected a countless number to eternal salvation, leaving the
remainder to their sinful desires. When the time was right, the Lord Jesus
Christ died on the cross and was raised to life as an efficacious redemption
for the elect. Thus He secured the salvation of His church, for which He
laid down His life. And at the point of each individual's conversion, the
Holy Spirit brings resurrecting grace, effectually calling him by His
power, with the result of repentance and faith.
8. Law
The grace of God in the gospel does not set aside the law of God;
rather, it establishes it. To the one who believes, the law of God is
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precious, and through faith the law is established. The law stands as God's
testimony of His own righteous character; as such, it cannot be altered by
anything other than God's express Word. Consequently, we receive the
entire Bible, Old and New Testaments, as fully containing the will of God
for us. To all who do not believe, the law of God condemns them in self-
righteousness.
9. Covenant
When God is pleased to bless the proclamation of His gospel, the result
will always be a visible collection of saints bound in covenant to Him.
They will be characterized through their assembly around the preached
Word, their faithful administration of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and
their orderly and disciplined government according to the Word of God.
10. Witness
As believers present the gospel to those who remain in rebellious
unbelief, there must be no halfway compromise with that unbelief. The
ground and precondition for all creaturely ventures is the Word of God,
which necessarily includes our teaching, apologetics, and evangelism. Every
thought is to be made captive to the Lord Christ, and every tongue is to
glorify the Father.
11. Eschatology
As the gospel of Christ is proclaimed throughout the world, the result
will be the gradual transformation and salvation of the world. Prior to
Christ's return, the earth will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the
waters cover the sea, and the whole earth will be full of His glory.
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D. Core Values
We honor God by seeking to bring glory and pleasure to Him through all
our life, our work, our thoughts, and our relationships.
We honor God’s Word as the complete, sufficient, and inherent Word
that speaks to all things pertaining to life and godliness in our personal
lives and the life of the wider community and society.
We honor the fear of the Lord as the beginning of His intention to
bestow wisdom, understanding and knowledge on those who diligently
enquire of Him by the Holy Spirit.
We honor the life of the community of God as we seek to provide
instruction through the relational model of discipleship between the
student and the teacher.
We honor the pursuit of Christ-centered excellence in our work of
preparing students spiritually, academically, relationally and
vocationally.
XI. School Philosophy and Methodology
A. Philosophy of Education
Our philosophy of education is centered on three foundational precepts.
These three are currently being worked upon in terms of their application to
CCU by the Board of Governors:
1. The Covenant of God
2. The Paideia of God
3. Tutorial/Relational model that brings students into the fullness of
Sonship.
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B. Methodology
Educational Approach:
A variety of different approaches will be used for different elements of
the curriculum plan. Many of the classes will be conducted over a three week
period where the student’s will take no more than one or two classes at a time
so that subject concentration will be highly focused. Since many of our
faculty will be visiting rather than permanent, the classes will have three
component parts. The first part will be where students have one full week of
pre-lecture assignments that will be predominantly based on an independent
approach. The second part will be where the visiting professor will be in
class for lectures and the approach will be teacher directed. The third part is
the post lecture which is a mix of independent approach as students write
follow up papers, and facilitator led class discussions.
XII. The Curriculum
A. Curriculum design
1. Classical core
The essence of a classical liberal arts program lies in the strength of
its core studies common to all students. It is here that each 1st and 2
nd
year student will fulfill their core study requirements. For both years,
each semester has a class in the following core disciplines: Theology,
philosophy, history, literature, and the Trivium.
2. Major studies program
Upon becoming upper classman, students decide which major
studies program to choose from based on their calling to jurisdictions that
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best fit these programs. As university grows we hope to add more specific
major studies programs. Major studies programs planned for the beginning
of the university would include:
College of Biblical Studies
College of Market Place Ministries
College of Government & Politics
Each student will take a minimum of 16 credits per semester. 12
credits must be taken from their respective college. An additional 4
elective credits can be taken from within the same college or from the
other colleges.
B. Texts
Each professor will select their own recommended texts to the
Academic Dean for approval. Given the nature of the classical approach, the
university strongly encourages professors not to use text books but rather
original source material and secondary sources that are derived from notable
academic backgrounds. In most cases the classes will likely have an
anthology of reading assignments from numerous sources that represent a
wide range of relevant primary and secondary sources.
XIII. Administration
A. Responsibilities of the President
To report to the Board of Governors and carry out the policy and
directives of the board.
To advance the mission and vision statement of the university.
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To oversee the university departments and ensure their growth and
development in accordance to the mission and vision statements of the
university.
To ensure the values of the university are inculcated into the message,
the academic content, the campus life and the spiritual life of the
university.
To oversee the overall day-to-day spiritual direction of the student body.
To oversee the academic content and quality and ensure that it aligns to
the vision and worldview statements, and the statement of faith of the
university.
B. Responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant
To assist with administrative details that will enable the President to
fulfill the responsibilities of his office.
C. Responsibilities of the Faculty
1. Curriculum design: To design their curriculum in a manner that reflects
the mission and vision statement of the university, and in accordance
with the educational philosophy of the university.
2. To always be in a process of personal development and training,
whether formally or informally. CCU may assist with more formal
ongoing training and development.
3. Impart with excellence: To impart to the students in such a way as to
reproduce mastery of the subject within the student.
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4. Discipleship: To disciple different members of the student body on a
formal and informal basis, by being willing to give correction, advice,
career/calling input, accountability, character training, etc.
5. Model character: The faculty will always model the values of the
university and uphold to the same community standards outlined in the
student handbook, where appropriate.
6. Homework policies: Homework should be graded and returned to the
students in a timely fashion. Grading should be seen as part of the
discipleship process where the student is being corrected in order to
bring change. Without regular and timely input from the faculty the
student will not know specifically the areas they need help in
improving and developing.
7. Communication skills: Faculty members are expected to communicate
concerns or grievances with those who give oversight in accordance
with the principles of Matthew 18. Gossip and undermining of other
staff, faculty, or board members is not appropriate. Appeals will be
considered when conducted in proper order, with humility, and
according to the principles of Matthew 18.
XIV. The Staff
A. Staff Hiring
1. Procedure
Governing board reviews all written applications and narrows
applicants for interview.
References will be contacted by the administration.
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Governing board conducts interviews.
Request writing/teaching/work samples of necessary.
Senior administration conducts interviews
President confers with governing board for final decision
2. Church Attendance: Staff members must be committed and involved in
CCK or related churches.
3. Personal leave: Requests will be evaluated by the VP for Operations.
4. Evaluations/ Personnel File: Will be conducted annually by the VP for
Operations. Personnel files will be held confidentially in the office of
VP for Operations.
5. Emergency/Sick Leave Policy: Please consult with your immediate
oversight and ensure that the VP for Operations is also aware of the
situation.
B. Staff Meetings
Administrative staff will meet with the senior administrative team
weekly. All faculty will meet with the President weekly. A joint meeting will
be called at the direction of the President if necessary.
C. Staff Policies
1. Community standards: The staff will always model the values of the
university and uphold to the same community standards outlined in the
student handbook, where appropriate.
2. Office hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM.
3. Dress Code: Modest business casual.
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4. Staff relationships and grievances: Faculty members are expected to
communicate concerns or grievances with those who give oversight in
accordance with the principles of Matthew 18. Gossip and undermining
of other staff, faculty, or board members is not appropriate. Appeals
will be considered when conducted in proper order, with humility, and
according to the principles of Matthew 18.
XV. Staff Procedures
A. Keys: Issued by VP for Operations.
B. Parking: Upper parking lot. Please lock your car, the campus is not always
secure and the university or the church will not assume responsibility for
loss/damages.
C. Request for personal leave: Please see your immediate oversight and final
approval by VP for Operations.
D. Request for reimbursement: Reimbursement forms are held by the business
office.
E. Request for building use, outside of regular school activities: Please see VP
for Operations.
F. Request for building maintenance: Please see maintenance request form in
CCK office.
G. Fire drills/evacuation plans and postings: Drills will be carried out annually.
Evacuation plans and instructions are posted in every room.
H. Inclement weather – delayed opening/closings: The VP for Operations will
activate a staff phone tree before 7AM. Please check your email and
voicemail regularly from home before leaving.
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I. Library Use: Staff members will be given library card privileges and are not
expected to pay the annual library fee.
XVI. The School Calendar
Schedule:
Length of school year and calendar: Two semesters 16 weeks each from
late August to mid December, and early January to mid May.
Length of school day: 4 hours of classes from Monday to Friday.
Length of class period: 55 minutes.
XVII. Student discipline
A. Academic violation
If the faculty member is not satisfied that their attempts to address the
student’s lack of quality academic work, (missing assignments, late work,
poor quality work, class absence) the following procedure shall followed:
1. Meet with faculty member and academic dean. Student will be grounded
on campus until satisfactory work is complete. Parents will be notified.
2. Repeated violation: Meet with faculty member, academic dean and the
President. Student will be grounded on campus until satisfactory work is
complete. Parents will be notified.
3. Repeated violation: Student will be placed on academic probation.
B. Community standard violation
1. Depending on the nature of the violation, student will meet with Dean of
Students for adjustment or correction. Student will be grounded over
weekend.
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2. Dean of Students will evaluate whether to escalate the meeting to include
the President, depending on the nature and frequency of the violation. Any
meeting with the President will automatically result in a follow up call to
the parents.
3. Repeated violation: Administration will discuss possible expulsion.
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12. Ancillary Programs
Our goal is to provide additional activities that will give students more
opportunity to take initiative in the development of their particular ministry gifts and
callings. The following is an initial list of ancillary programs we would like to start in
the first two years of operation.
The ancillary programs offer another means to fulfill the mission of the school in
giving the students more practical hands-on experiences in applying truth in a
relevant way to work, art, culture, and the society as a whole.
Local ministry trips to churches: Worship, dance, speaking, prayer team.
Once per semester.
Campus outreaches: “Treasure hunts” and dance presentations. Twice per
semester.
Future Business Leaders of America: Competing in speech making,
business ethics. Meets weekly.
Statesmanship Society: Serves regional chapter of Churchill Society by
facilitating events. Monthly
Music: Worship band for chapel and ministry teams. Weekly.
International missions trip: Ministry team in Africa. Annual.
Summer history tour: History of Western Civilization: Tour through the
ancient world of Israel, Greece, Renaissance Italy, German reformation,
and England. (Between Junior and Senior year)
Athletics: Basketball program. Track and field. Annual.
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Outdoorsman: Mountain hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing,
hunting. All year round.
Golf league.
Culinary arts. Weekly.
Prophetic painting. Weekly.
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Demuth, D.M. & Demuth, C.M. (1995). Christian schools. How to get a school
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