Why Choose a Christian University? A Guide to Pursuing Faith-Based Education Online

Christian education is certainly rooted in spiritual growth, but that’s only one of the important benefits of a faith-based curriculum. Faith-based education is not just about strengthening your relationship with God, but your relationship with yourself, your community, and the rest of the world. By instilling values such as integrity and self-assuredness, a faith-centered education enriches students academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.

Naturally, the widespread adoption of e-learning and online instruction extends to Christian universities, enabling increased access to faith-based education programs. This piece will explore the unique benefits of online faith-based education, specifically at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

What Is Faith-Based Education?

Faith-based education lies at the intersection of academic and spiritual growth. Christian universities like Mount Vernon Nazarene University feature curriculums rooted in compassion and service, paying particular attention to aligning learning efforts with both personal and educational goals. Students receive an education while working for justice and bearing witness to the kingdom of God.

Love is a fundamental part of the intentionally, unapologetically Christian mindset at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. We place heavy emphasis on loving God, one’s neighbors, and one’s self with all of one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength. By integrating Christian values into everyday learning activities, including those hosted online, students can easily apply these principles to their personal and professional lives.

Values Instilled by Christian Education

At a Christian university, spiritual connection and academics go hand in hand. The educational philosophy of an institution like Mount Vernon Nazarene University seeks to impart actionable knowledge of the world to its students while improving the quality of life for all through the love of Jesus Christ. Students are nurtured and empowered as they offer their hearts and lives in service to God and others, developing values such as:

Integrity

Christian university students are taught to cultivate a strong moral compass and follow the word of God while respecting others and themselves. Values such as honesty, fairness, and integrity are crucial characteristics of a virtuous Christian. Thus, Mount Vernon Nazarene University and similar institutions celebrate diversity and embrace fellowship, fostering an environment of acceptance.

Self Exploration

College is a time to find yourself, and faith-based learning promotes introspection and curiosity. Enrolling in a Christian college enables you to grow into your faith while exploring your personal beliefs and virtues. What do you stand for? The intuitive and meditative nature of religious instruction offers insight into who you are and what your goals might be moving forward. 

Additional Benefits of Faith-Based Education

The values instilled by Christian education aren’t the only benefits of attending online universities like Mount Vernon Nazarene University. A faith-based education also allows you to:

Pursue Spiritual Growth

Abundant opportunities to nurture your spiritual life are a huge advantage of pursuing a Christian education. Christian universities like Mount Vernon Nazarene University work to integrate faith-based ideals into the overarching educational experience, no matter what career path you choose.Mount Vernon Nazarene University also offers online ministry degrees grounded in Christian beliefs at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Such programs feature Bible-based instruction that puts students on the path toward various ministry and church leadership roles, such as youth pastor or religious educator.

Nurture Personal Growth

Personal growth is about more than just learning new things—it involves strengthening your relationship with God and yourself through self-discovery. What do you want from life, and what do you need to achieve it? A faith-based education offers students the resources and knowledge necessary to answer these questions and become the best versions of themselves. 

Additionally, the development of executive functioning skills is a critical aspect of higher education in any form, because such skills are highly sought after by today’s employers. Skills such as self-discipline, time management, and digital literacy are key capabilities instilled through an online degree program at a Christian university like Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Administrators are committed to putting students on the path toward their personal goals, including intended careers, continuing education, and advanced degrees. 

Connect with Your Community

Finding opportunities to connect with and give back to your community can be difficult as a student, especially if you’re pursuing your degree online. Because you don’t learn in a physical classroom, fostering relationships with your classmates, administrators, and fellow congregants is more challenging than in a traditional university.

But community connections aren’t always physical. Online and digital interactions have become more unifying as technology advances and online degree programs offer all the support and guidance that learners need to succeed academically and socially. Plus, faith-based educational programs prioritize a supportive culture through community building, religious services, and practical resources for a rewarding college experience. For example, Mount Vernon Nazarene University students can participate in virtual religious activities such as streamed chapel services and online prayer groups.

Gain a Global Perspective

Lastly, online Christian universities make a point to connect students with other devoted Christians all over the globe, allowing for a more diversified worldview. Online faith-based education takes learners far beyond the classic limitations of classroom walls by leveraging digital technology to expose them to an entire world of Christian values. 

The flexibility of online degree programs also enables students to complete their studies from virtually anywhere, including while attending mission trips or other faith-based travel initiatives. This type of asynchronous learning takes a boundaryless approach to higher education, creating an inclusive and accessible student environment for all.

The Intersection of Faith and Learning

Faith-based education allows students to freely explore the intersection of their major with fundamental Christian values. Accessible faith integration means learners can cultivate a rich spiritual life by participating in religious activities while pursuing a degree in their desired field. 

Online Christian universities like Mount Vernon Nazarene University help attendees balance religious and spiritual growth with academic and personal success by providing comprehensive faith-based education. To learn more about faith and learning at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, read our mission and bear witness to our intentionally Christian way of life.