2021-22 Student Handbook

CHURCH PARTICIPATION The New Testament picture of a Christian includes commitment to a local congregation of believers covenanted together around the study of the Word of God, the practice of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and the proclamation of the Gospel (Matt. 26:26–29; 28:18–20; Eph. 4:1–6). The local church is God’s design for reaching the lost amongst the nations, growing His followers to spiritual maturity, providing for the needs of His children through fellowship, expressing love for God in worship, and meeting the needs of others through service (Matt. 16:13–20; 1 Cor. 12:12–28; Eph. 5:25–27). Therefore, we ask students to maintain the discipline of weekly corporate worship at a local evangelical church. Undergraduate students are also asked to participate in one additional opportunity for growth and service each week. This can include participating in a local ministry, discipleship group, additional church involvement, small-group Bible study, or an intentional mentoring relationship. To encourage accountability, students are expected to connect to a local church in their first semester, invite accountability from another growing believer, and develop strong spiritual disciplines. CHAPEL Chapel is a defining part of the Cedarville campus experience. Chapel helps to build a sense of community at Cedarville University by providing a shared experience of worship, biblical teaching, testimonies, community, and prayer. The first week of each semester begins with a special Bible or missions conference, including both morning and evening services. All undergraduate students taking more than six credit hours are required to attend daily chapel and scan in using their student ID card. Students may request an excused absence for chapels missed due to illness, funerals, direct work conflicts, job interviews, and University-sponsored ministry or athletic team involvement. Students are allowed eight chapel absences (skips) per semester to be used at their discretion. For any unexcused absences accumulated in addition to excused and the eight discretionary absences, fines are given as follows: 5 Unexcused Absences = $15 10 Unexcused Absences = $30 15 Unexcused Absences = $30 and Official Warning 20 Unexcused Absences = $30 and Probation (this includes notifying current faculty and academic adviser) Ultimately, students who show a pattern of disregard for chapel may be asked not to return for the following semester. In light of the opportunity for spiritual growth and the distinctive role chapel serves in the Cedarville experience, students are expected to maintain responsible use of technology during chapel services to encourage individual and collective attentiveness. PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY I n addition to corporate worship experiences like church and chapel, students are encouraged to develop and maintain the discipline of personal Bible study. Many students also voluntarily join small-group Bible studies that meet on campus to complement private and corporate worship. Find out about small-group Bible studies on the Discipleship Ministries website at cedarville.edu/discipleship . THE LORD’S DAY As a community, we protect Sunday to encourage the pattern of setting aside our work to rest, refocus our attention on Jesus Christ, and renew ourselves spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. This includes a campuswide adjustment of the usual daily pace and schedule and an effort to encourage involvement in worship, growth, and ministry. To support these efforts, the University does not schedule classes on Sundays and limits other types of scheduled activities. Facilities like the Stevens Student Center and the Recreation Center remain open to provide opportunities for social interaction and physical refreshment. CEDARVILLE’S POSITION ON SIGN GIFTS AND SPEAKING IN TONGUES Most of the issues discussed in this section deal with issues related to spiritual disciplines. One doctrinal issue that we wish to clarify is that of sign gifts. By sign gifts we are referring to things like speaking in tongues, uttering extrabiblical words of prophecy, or attempting to perform miraculous healings. We recognize that these gifts played an important role in the establishment and growth of the early Church, and we acknowledge that godly people hold a variety of opinions about the role of these gifts in the Church today. Historically, the use of these gifts in an unbiblical or improper manner has led to division within the body of Christ. At Cedarville, students agree to abstain from the public practice or promotion of the sign gifts on the Cedarville campus or at any University-sponsored event. This policy is not intended as a statement of judgment against fellow Christians who believe or practice these gifts. We also ask students in leadership positions or on traveling teams representing the University not to advocate theological positions that are inconsistent with the University doctrinal statement. 8 9