Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2016

2 | Cedarville Magazine by Thomas White Last May, nearly 800 graduates walked across the commencement stage at Cedarville University.They graduated unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, headed into the world on mission to stand for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. Many of them entered into secular graduate programs where their biblical worldview will be challenged by an opposing humanistic worldview. We welcome that exchange, believing our graduates are ready to face those and even more fierce challenges. Even so, it’s not a fear of losing the battle, but the lost opportunity that poses a bigger concern. Few options exist for academic training in graduate and doctoral programs that include a commitment to a biblical worldview. What if that weren’t the case? What if at the highest level of education, experts trained students to deepen their thinking of how God’s truth intersects with their discipline? The best thinkers using their God- given ability with excellence, in submission to scriptural authority, training others to articulate and defend truth. What would happen if Christian universities permeated the educational enterprise at the highest level with a commitment to the Word of God? What if every realm of learning embraced the supremacy of Jesus Christ? We believe the resulting throng of ambassadors would build platforms of excellence to fill the world with embassies of truth. In our University vision statement, we state that we aim for intentional discipleship that transforms lives for godly service, vocational distinction, and cultural engagement. This is true for undergraduate and graduate students alike. We are committed to providing education at the highest possible levels, influencing the influencers through vocational distinction while creating God-honoring culture and unleashing truth on a world filled with Satan’s deceptive, destructive myths. Of course, Cedarville has already been engaged in this endeavor for several years. However, in our newly developed strategic plan, we have made graduate programs an area of special emphasis. Over the next five years, we will continue to expand our graduate programofferings in obedience to the Great Commandment — to love God with all of our minds, learning about Him, His creation, and His truth that shapes our existence. To love THINK GRAD SCHOOL, THINK CEDARVILLE