CBTS
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
The Method and Authority of Education
The seminary is committed to the direct method of presenting divine truth from the Bible, using its original languages as its primary foundation, which it views as the authoritative and exclusive revelation from God to man in this age of Grace. In addition, it rejects all forms of secular relativism, which denies the complete authority of the Holy Scriptures. It believes that true scholarship is that which submits to the authority of Holy Scripture and in so believing rejects the exaltation of human intellect above the written Word of God.
The Curriculum
The seminary emphasizes a Biblical rather than a philosophical approach to education. It is not merely evangelical, but specifically Baptist in approach with an emphasis on creating a global biblical vision within each student. A dispensational theological system is followed rather than a covenant or Reformed system. The pretribulational, premillennial coming of Christ is accepted. The normal (literal)-grammatical-historical method of Biblical interpretation is followed. Both the presentation of Biblical truth and the refutation of theological error are included in classroom teaching.
Educational Objectives
Central Seminary is a local church based graduate school. It is our desire as an independent Baptist institution to positively contribute to the larger body of Christ through godly scholarship and through the preparation of humble servants who can rightly divide the Word of God.
Faculty members are expected to be Christian scholars committed to a Baptist, dispensational model of theology and education. Commitment to the seminary’s foundational principles includes guarding truth, explaining truth, and proclaiming truth. Annually, faculty members will affirm their commitment to the Seminary’s Biblical Foundations Statement and constitution. When each full-time faculty member, along with his family, actively participates in the ministries of Colonial Baptist Church the goals and objectives of Central Baptist Seminary are affirmed.
Faculty and staff will manifest a thorough going commitment to the biblical text in all teaching, preaching, and practice. Graduate level course content must be presented accurately, graciously, and creatively. In every ministry endeavor we will rally around truth courageously and comprehensively.
As Christian scholars, Faculty should accurately handle the subjects assigned to them. However, the scholarship of Central Seminary must never be devoid of affection for the glory of God. Practically, this involves developing a positive classroom atmosphere where truth is communicated accurately, enthusiastically, and graciously.
At Central, faculty will be encouraged to practice a scholarship that conforms to and produces godliness (1 Timothy 1:3-4; 6:3-5). This type of scholarship should manifest a humble submission to the Lord and the authority of the biblical text. Although it will include an exposure of alternative views, it will seek to be constructive, affirmational and avoid the unnecessary speculations that are unproductive. The faculty will be encouraged to practice a scholarship that ultimately benefits the body of Christ.
Faculty and staff will demonstrate a sincere reliance upon the grace of God for the outworking of the will of God in every aspect of life. This will involve being men of integrity who minister the Word of God and serve out of a life that demonstrates a biblical fear of the Lord.
Faculty and staff will demonstrate a willingness to share ourselves with the student body along with biblical content (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Faculty will be encouraged to pursue all available opportunities for student mentoring.
The faculty at Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Virginia Beach is entrusted with the task of spiritual mentorship—the unique opportunity to prepare students for a ministry of the Word (2 Timothy 2:2). This sacred stewardship of mentorship must be accomplished with integrity and skill (Psalm 78:72). Such a demanding goal requires a humble dependence upon all the divine resources (2 Peter 1:3) associated with one’s position in Christ. In light of this, Central’s faculty members are encouraged to consistently model a love for God, a love for the Truth, a love for the believer, and a burden for the lost. Essentially, faculty should model and mentor a grace philosophy of ministry.
Faculty and staff will be committed to team building and to pursing a bond of unity as a faculty and staff team.
Central Baptist Seminary Theological Seminary of Virginia Beach faculty members must strive to maintain a genuine unity of the Holy Spirit with one another (Philippians 2:1-11) and avoid a divisive critical spirit expressed toward colleagues, Seminary administration, chapel speakers, students, and/or ministries. The expectation is unity not uniformity (Ephesians 4:2-6). The goal is a genuine display of Christ-like behavior toward each other. Ultimately, this will provide the proper atmosphere for the faithful accomplishment of Central Baptist Theological Seminary’s mission, Sharpening Servants for Global Ministry.