Values Underlying the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Faith Community

WE ARE GUIDED BY A FIRM FOUNDATION:

If you are a parent or a student seriously interested in Mount Vernon Nazarene University, the following document will matter to you.

Its purpose is to give you an overview of the basic values that characterize our campus community. The fact is, nearly every college in our nation was originally founded on Christian principles. And while many still speak of these principles in their mission statements, few actually practice them.

At Mount Vernon Nazarene University, we have not only remained committed to our founding precepts, but we also continue to apply them to everyday living. Consequently, the values outlined in the following pages are not merely statements on paper; they literally drive all aspects of university life.

These affirmations reflect MVNU's conviction that the biblical mandate for the holy life, to which God calls all believers, is summarized in the scriptural commands to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength and thy neighbor as thyself" (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31).

In times like these, when Judeo-Christian values are no longer the moral centerpiece of our culture, we believe the need for a college that practices these standards is greater than ever. If you believe that too, we invite you to become involved with our campus community.

Dr. Henry Spaulding, President
President, Mount Vernon Nazarene University


For This We Stand...

AFFIRMATION # 1 WE LOVE GOD; THEREFORE, WE SEEK TO EXPRESS THESE FOUNDATIONAL VALUES: A Worshipping Community A Biblical Faith A Christlike Lifestyle A Holiness Ethic A Global Mission A Creation Vision A Spirit-Empowered Devotion	Click here for full text of Affirmation #1 available in *pdf format.
AFFIRMATION # 2 WE RESPECT OTHERS; THEREFORE, WE STRIVE TO PRACTICE THESE BEHAVIORS: A Magnanimous Spirit A Servant Mentality A Trustworthy Character A Positive Influence A Courteous Response A Giving Motivation An Appreciative Attitude	Click here for full text of Affirmation #2 available in *pdf format.
AFFIRMATION # 3 WE BELIEVE IN PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY; THEREFORE, WE SET THESE EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS: An Inquisitive Mind A Disciplined Schedule A Modest Appearance A Balanced Diet A Physical Fitness Commitment A Reliable Word A Lifelong Learning and Growth Perspective	Click here for full text of Affirmation #3 available in *pdf format.

*If you don't have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, click here to download it for free.

A LIFE LIVED BY GRACE ALONE

DO WE LIVE EVERY DAY BY THE VALUES WE AFFIRM?
We try. As Spirit-filled Christians, these values serve as a guide - they characterize us at our best, convict us at our worst. We acknowledge that the life of holiness is both crisis and process; a commitment to establish Jesus as Lord of our lives, and a desire to continually grow and mature in the Christian faith and in our walk with the Lord.

It is by God's grace alone - though undeserved - that we are enabled and empowered through faith in Jesus Christ to live the life to which we have been called. Not by our own efforts; it is a gift of God. As scripture records: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

At Mount Vernon Nazarene University, this is our highest goal: that students be strengthened in these values through their experiences here. We believe the greatest compliment we can receive is for a graduate to say: "I am much stronger in mind, body, and spirit than when I began my journey at MVNU."

IF YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME PART OF THIS ACADEMIC COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS, WE PRAY THE SAME WILL BE TRUE FOR YOU.