What Does It Mean to be a Christian College? Grace’s Approach

By Elizabeth West (BA 26)

A lot of colleges claim to be Christian, but the reality of their campus life and curriculum don’t stand apart all that much from their secular counterparts. So what does it actually mean to be a Christian college? At Grace, we believe it should be more than a title or heftier education price tag. 

As a Christian school, Grace wants our faith to drive everything we do. We intentionally integrate our faith into our day-to-day life on campus by directly learning about God and His Word in class, in chapel, and from each other. We then apply this knowledge to our specific disciplines and fields, putting it into practice in the community and future careers. 

What Does the Term “Christian College” Mean to Grace?

 At Grace we believe that a Christian college means much more than being a private institution or checking off a criteria list. It means when we think about expanding, we ask ourselves how this expansion honors God. When a fellow student is struggling, their classmate will stop to pray with them. It means we help students be excellent at their craft so that they can glorify God in whatever career they choose. Being a Christian college means that our chapels are not just stiff, boring add-ons to our schedule, but rather life-giving integral parts of student development. A Christian college, to us, means genuine desire to honor God through the largest and smallest interactions we have with students and our community..

Grace College is affiliated with the Charis Fellowship, which means we are in a supportive network of churches, nonprofits, and other colleges that work together to spread the Gospel. Our students come from a variety of denominations, but are all united under these central values:

• Truth — The Bible is our ultimate authority.
• Relationship — The Church is meant to provide support and care.
• Mission — The Great Commission can only be accomplished by working together.

A sign of a strong Christian college is a solid Covenant of Faith. If you’re looking for a school with core values that come straight from Scripture, Grace is a great fit for you! 

How is a Christian College Different from a Secular School?

One thing Christian colleges and secular schools have in common is a desire to provide a quality education. The difference with a Christian college is that they also integrate faith into the classroom. 

Grace’s education is set apart from others because our foundational values are built on the truth. Faith doesn’t weaken our education, but rather strengthens it. Our Christian worldview provides the why behind the what. Our passion is to not only provide a prayer or devotional at the beginning of a class, but to also incorporate course material in the workplace and “real life” to spread the Good News of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. 

If you’re wondering if the cost of a faith-based education is worth it, read Bam’s story, who came to Grace with a Buddhist background and discovered a life-changing Christian education. 

Another element that sets Christian colleges apart from secular colleges is the Christian community. At Grace, we are well-known and loved for our homey feel and friendly faculty and students. Our goal is to maintain a campus that is engaged in thoughtful scholarship and career preparation that develops compassionate, confident, and skilled graduates who lead lives of purpose. Are you looking for a community where you will be loved, supported, and even kept accountable? Learn more about Grace’s Christian community.

Wondering how a Christian school is different from a Bible College? Read our blog to explore the differences. 

Is a Christian College Right For Me?

What does it mean to be a Christian college? To Grace, it means choosing a community that wants to honor God in everything they do. Whether our students are in the classroom, with their friends, or starting their professional career, anyone who meets them should see the light of Christ. 

Here are some signs that a Christian college is the right choice you: 

• You are seeking a community that is not only fun but centered on Christ-honoring relationships.
• You want to see clear connections between Scripture and your classwork.
• You want mentorship and a safe place to question your faith and find answers. 

Are you looking for a college that will challenge you in your faith as you are educated in your chosen career field? Visit or Apply to Grace College today.