Spiritual Formation

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Student Life

Great Commission University aims to provide an atmosphere of spiritual enrichment through Christian living so that students, staff and faculty may receive the power of the Holy Spirit and live emboldened by Jesus Christ.

To achieve the end of personal spiritual formation, GCU actively seeks to cultivate the habit of continuous scriptural study and the practice of discipleship in our students.

Worship practices and congregational life differ from church to church, sometimes drastically. Even though the specific elements you might experience in practice may differ, active participation in a living community of worship cannot be replaced by distance instruction, and therefore will not. It is a crucial component anchoring all learning happening within a community of believers. An institutional goal of GCU is to “honor our Bible-based identity and heritage” and therefore it is important to be an active part of such a community.

Student Life

DAILY “QUIET TIME

GCU encourages students to devote time each day to bible reading, “Quiet Time”, meditation, and prayer. However, this foundation of biblical knowledge should not be the end, but rather the start of a deepening relationship with Scripture. Such a relationship requires reflection, especially in the forms of meditation and writing. Local Olivet Assembly churches provide collective “Quiet Time” (QT) in the early morning of each weekday, which students are encouraged to participate in to develop rhythmic habits of “corporate worship and church life.”

OUTREACH

GCU desires to train disciples of Jesus Christ to serve as leaders in Christian mission and ministry. Thus, Olivet’s community members should not conclude by knowing God. Rather, they must practice the teachings of the scriptures by actively seeking to make Him known to the world. To this end, GCU strongly encourages students to incorporate daily evangelism into their academic and personal routines.

PRAYER

GCU strongly encourages students to maintain a daily prayer-time. Students are encouraged to establish “set-time prayer”, a prayer given at a specific time of day over a period of time. Students can also do “Continuous prayer”, which can be done spontaneously. Olivet Assembly churches are open to students to frequent for morning and evening prayer. Students are encouraged to attend live worship broadcasts, or view the taped recordings later on.

RETREATS

Regular retreats co-sponsored by affiliate OA churches and ministries feature sustained time for prayer, biblical studies, and fellowship. These gatherings usually take place seasonally and are led by a group of OA pastors, worship leaders, and administrators at GCU. Students frequently assume leadership roles at these gatherings and hold responsibility for organizing event activities. Participants often testify that retreats encourage a deeper spiritual experience at GCU, while cultivating stronger community bonds. Retreat locations will vary. Broadcast links are provided.

FASTING

Fasting is abstaining from food for a period of time in order to master the cravings of the physical realm, thus opening the self to the spiritual world. Fasting is more than a diet adjustment – it involves spiritual intensity and prayer intercession. Fasting should always be accompanied with prayer, meditation, and scriptural study. Anyone may fast voluntarily for a personal prayer topic or for self-discipline. However, students are strongly advised to counsel with a local OA church pastor or University Chaplain before deciding to fast.

COUNSELING

Students are encouraged to communicate openly, but respectfully, with all GCU staff members, and to seek spiritual guidance at any time. Personal counseling is intended to help students better adjust to their University experience and to provide support for their personal walks of faith. GCU also encourages students to maintain ties with OA church leaders throughout their studies. Students can receive counseling regarding personal spiritual formation from the Chaplain’s Office and / or local OA church pastors. GCU also assists students to seek counseling services available in their local areas through referrals from our office.

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Great Commission University serves the global church by educating mission leaders to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.

Great Commission University Mission Statement

Public notification on upcoming accreditation site visit.

Student Life