Vision and Values


VISION AND VALUES This articulation of our vision and values guides the work of the Simeon Course on Biblical Exposition and functions as a supplement (not replacement) of our organizational Vision (and doctrinal statement). OUR VISION Our vision is that a new generation of Biblical preachers and teachers would be equipped and encouraged in the faithful exposition of God’s Word. OUR VALUES —the vital importance and power of the gospel —the sufficiency of Scripture in fully equipping the people of God —the central role of God in the Bible and Biblical ministry —the essential practice of prayer in seeking God —the importance of modeling godliness —the fellowship of learning together and growing in Christ OUR MISSION This course is about one thing: equipping people to handle the text. It is not about management, leadership style, effective uses of multimedia or the 5, 7 or 11 steps to rapid church growth. Our goal is that course graduates will be able to communicate the gospel of Christ with clarity and conviction. We expect our students to take their next steps in ministry and ministry training with these values:
		Confidence Our students should first be students of the Bible, learning God’s Word through personal study, preparing to teach others and being formally taught by those more experienced and more knowledgeable. Our students must also learn to think theologically. That is, they must learn to relate Biblical knowledge of God to all of life and every issue—social, political, personal or public. Character Faithful preachers and teachers of God's Word need to be devoted to prayer and holiness, developing integrity through a life of faith, hope and love. Accordingly, our course will be one where godliness is a high priority for our students, both implicitly in all that we do and explicitly in the content of our classes. Competence Our students will become proficient in Biblical instruction, learning how to teach the Word of God in every setting. They will also become invested in training others, participating in the multiplication of Word-focused ministries and ministry leaders. Community Our students will participate in a community of pastors and students, gathering together for refreshment in the Word and training in the preaching of the Word. Experienced preachers will lead the less experienced and skilled preachers will teach the unskilled. Our students will learn to value this community and develop lifelong habits of being in fellowship with other preachers, sharpening each other constantly to preach with skill and relevance.