Head, Heart and Hands

At IBI we value men and women as individuals created in the image of God. We believe that spiritual character formation is an essential element of preparation for Christian ministry. We want to see our students living lives motivated by love, informed by God's Word and committed to Christ. Our training is designed to develop the whole person, head (mind), heart (attitudes) and hands (skills).

We teach from an evangelical understanding of Scripture that affirms both its authority and relevance to our modern world. We want to enable students to bridge the gap between 'Word and World' and so develop in their ability to relate God's truth to contemporary culture. Courses are designed to stretch minds but also warm hearts. Students are encouraged to develop Christian thinking alongside a deep love and appreciation for God's Word. Teaching is done in a variety of ways, whether in class, seminars or group discussions. Assessment can take the form of essays, tutorials, reading, assignments, group work, practical experience, or joint tutor/student evaluation.

While academic achievement is valuable and necessary, on its own it forms an inadequate basis for Christian training. We emphasise a holistic approach that gives equal weight to individual Christian character, alongside a student's capacity to study and their ability to do a job. For this reason, assessment and evaluation of a student's level of spiritual maturity forms an essential part of all our qualifications. Our goal is to encourage each student towards a realistic self-awareness of his or her unique gifts and abilities (Romans 12:3).

We want our students to be equipped for service and to know how to apply theory 'on the ground'. Because we are committed to giving students 'hands on' ministry experience in order to develop their gifts and skills we seek to ensure that both the local church and the Institute work together to equip students for effective ministry. During their time students serve in an apprenticeship with their local church or ministry. The purpose of the apprenticeship is to enable students to develop under the direct guidance and supervision of established church leadership.  

Since the core of the Christian life revolves around loving God and loving neighbours, it is more important than ever in an individualistic and fragmented world that students learn, pray, relax and work together. Learning from difference, accepting diversity, teamwork and worshipping together all form a vital part of Christian training at IBI.