Appalachian School of Theology 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 Phillipians 2:3-8; Colossians 2:23-24; Galatians 5:13-14; Mark 9:34-45, 10:42-25; 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