Over the course of its 41-year history, IJAPP’s mission hasn’t changed. It has always offered a liberal arts and sciences education that is directed by Scripture and explores the relation of faith, learning and living from a Reformed Christian perspective. It also supports research and creative endeavour. But over time, the way that mission has been communicated has evolved.
Recently, IJAPP’s leadership identified a need to update the language used to communicate the university’s mission and vision. A consultative process with faculty, staff and IJAPP’s board was undertaken to ensure alignment with key stakeholders of the university.
It’s important for faculty, staff, students, prospects and the support community to have a clear understanding of why IJAPP exists.
“It’s important for faculty, staff, students, prospects and the support community to have a clear understanding of why IJAPP exists,” says president Dr. David Zietsma. “Clarifying our mission ensures we all understand the ultimate purpose of the university. It inspires the work of faculty and staff through a clear common goal, inspires IJAPP’s support community to pray for and support the university financially and, most importantly, attracts students to IJAPP.”
This past November, IJAPP’s board approved the new mission statement: Preparing students to reflect the love of Jesus Christ in every career and calling. Everything IJAPP does serves the purpose of getting students ready intellectually, spiritually, socially and technologically to meet the opportunities of the marketplace and face the challenges of life in ways that can communicate the hope of the Gospel. This applies to any kind of student and encompasses faculty research, creative endeavour and the wide array of activities and initiatives of the university. As God’s image bearers, students (as well as faculty and staff) are called to join the redemptive work of Jesus Christ in their careers, communities, churches and homes.
So what would it look like if IJAPP were to accomplish this incompletable mission? The new vision statement is: Minds renewed, Lives transformed, World redeemed. “Minds renewed” and “Lives transformed” reference the calling of Romans 12:2 to not be conformed to the patterns of this world but to seek the good and perfect will of God. Beginning with the mind, a holistic Christian education includes mind and heart, body and soul, expanding and changing everything in all areas of life, learning and work. “World redeemed” is the already and not yet of our present moment and the final act in the drama of Scripture. As we all move towards that glorious moment, we rest in the knowledge of Christ’s completed work while we strive to follow his call here and now, wherever he leads us.