Appalachian School of Theology Statement of Core Values
Statement of Core Values
Our core values and beliefs express the major emphasis of faith and life that define the Appalachian School of Theology, seeking to be within the great biblical traditions of faith.
About God –
God is the One who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are equal and are one God. See Genesis 1:1,26,27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14
About the Bible –
Holy Scripture is the inspired Word of God, revealing God’s divine will for the salvation of the world and is totally truthful in all it intends to affirm. Scripture is the true and authoritative rule of faith for all Christian belief and practice. See: 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5
About Humanity –
We are created in God's image and likeness but all persons (except Jesus Christ) come into the world under the curse of sin and need redemption. See Genesis 1:26-30; 2:5,7,18-22; 3; 9:6; Psalms 1; 8:3-6; 32:1-5; 51:5; Isaiah 6:5.
About Salvation –
Salvation is by God's grace alone through faith and that people cannot save themselves by works of righteousness but that works of righteousness are products of the Holy Spirit who indwells believers by faith. See Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1
About Jesus Christ –
Jesus Christ is God Incarnate, Savior and Lord of all creation; he is the perfect revelation of God, the only mediator between God and humanity. See John 1:1-14, 10:25-33, 14:6-11; Colossians 1:15-20, 2:9-10; Philippians 2:5-7
About the Church –
The church was instituted by Jesus Christ to be the people of God and is made up of all true believers in a local congregation regardless of race, gender, age or station in life. We regard evangelism and missions for the salvation of the lost and social transformation to be essential works of the church. See: Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47, 12; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Ephesians 2:19-22; Colossians 1:17-20
About Servanthood –
We believe that by following the example of Jesus, all true believers are called to servanthood, worship, prayer, the study of Scripture, faithful witness, and obedience to the commandments of the resurrected Christ. See Matthew 28:18-20, 25:35-40 Philippians 2:3-8; Colossians 2:23-24; Galatians 5:13-14; Mark 9:34-45, 10:42-45; Romans 12:6-13
Our Educational Goal –
We exist to provide a quality, bible-based education merging study, practical application, and life experiences so that lives are transformed through our practical Christian service. See Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17; Philippians 4:9
Educational Opportunities - Local, Across Virginia, & Globally
On Monday, January 20th, 2025 we will launch our Spring Semester wherein we will be studying "Church History. This course is a survey of the formative and developmental years of Christianity from its stages of infancy to contemporary times. You can audit the class or you can enroll in our Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate Programs we have developed and offer at affordable rates.
We are happy to announce that we are launching a sattelite location at Dover Baptist Association in Ashland, VA. The first class we're offering is "Introduction to the Old Testament" and will be led by Dr. Jim Goebel. This provides a wonderful opportunity for everyone in this area and beyond as it will be a hybrid class offered in person and online.
Just recently our Team in Uganda traveled across their beautiful country visiting Training Sites and connecting with their Coordinators who will be leading training events for pastors and church leaders. We share great excitement with them concerning the partnership we are engaged in and ask you to join us, praying for, and financially supporting the many good things God is accomplishing in Uganda
We provide a regional resource library, computer lab and free wi-fi to aid our students in their time of study. Our students and others have open access to this seven days a week at their convenience.
Make plans to visit us in a class before committing
There's much to see and experience here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our site and ask you to take a moment and drop us a line. But, better yet - plan a visit and sit in on one or more of our class gatherings before you make a commitment.