Leadership Development Strategy
In developing character and leadership, BJU seeks to follow the three-fold strategy of Jesus Christ in His training of disciples.
Example
Jesus “ordained twelve, that they should be with him” (Mark 3:14). The disciples gained His vision for the lost, learned the lessons of servanthood and acquired a desire for personal godliness as they observed His life and character. Jesus was always an example of what He was teaching.
In a similar fashion, at BJU godly faculty, staff, graduate assistants and student leaders provide real-life examples of what godly character and leadership look like in this current age.
Exhortation
Jesus taught His disciples in public settings with the masses (Matt. 5-7; 24-25) and in private. At times the private instruction was before He gave them a new assignment (Matt. 10) or was part of a rebuke for failure (Matt. 17:14-21). At other times it was after a great miracle or victory (John 5, 6).
Instruction is a core component of a university setting. Students are taught in chapel, in the classroom and in more private interchanges with the leaders who oversee them.
Experience
Jesus sent the twelve disciples on errands and evangelistic missions, took a few with Him to important meetings (Matt. 17) and insured that they had plenty of opportunity to practice what they had been taught. They reported back to Him (Luke 10:17-20), and He held them accountable for the results.
BJU provides a broad range of experiences for the development of character and leadership. Daily academic assignments, residence hall responsibilities, campus regulations, academic internships, sports and co-curricular activities, participation in student organizations and ministry opportunities are all intentional parts of the BJU strategy to develop godly character and leadership in redeemed students for the glory of God.
