Purpose
The purpose of the International College for Christian Studies (ICCS) is to train and equip Christians to fulfill their calling to share the gospel in accordance with the Great Commission. ICCS is an institution of higher learning specifically structured to train students to attain the important education and training needed to prepare them to serve in either lay or ordained ministry, either of which may or may not be professional in nature. ICCS currently offers two programs of study that can lead to a Bachelor’s Degree: “Christian Studies” for lay ministry and “Christian Ministry” for ordained ministry. Additionally, the College offers a Chaplain Training Program Certificate, a Missionary Training Program Certificate, a Confirmation Training Program Certificate (for youth), and various other individual courses for personal and professional spiritual development.
The lay ministry track, CIP Code 39.0705, prepares non-ordained individuals to serve as lay leaders, religious educators, youth leaders, and other professional or volunteer positions open to the laity in local churches and other settings. This program includes instruction in Bible studies, theology, spirituality, pastoral counseling, foundations of ministry, effective communication, and church leadership.
The ordained ministry track. CIP Code 39.0602, prepares individuals for ordination as ministers or priests in any of the Christian religious traditions, whether professional or volunteer. This program includes instruction in the theology and polity of the Christian church, church law, liturgy and ritual, principles of pastoral ministry, homiletics, evangelism, church organization and management, Christian ethics, church history, and related studies.
ICCS is non-denominational in nature. Prospective students who wish to become ordained in a particular church must ensure the church recognizes the ICCS program(s) prior to starting a program. It is incumbent upon the student to ensure they meet the specific requirements necessary for ordination in their particular church or denomination. Some denominations, for example, require specific educational requirements and only recognize their own denominational institutions. Prospective students should also ensure their educational plans include the appropriate level of education required by their churches or denominations. Some churches or denominations require no education or training for ordination, others required a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, Ministry, or Divinity, and some require a Master of Divinity.
The International College for Christian Studies is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation offering Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Associate Degree, and Bachelor Degree programs in Christian Studies and Christian Ministry. The main campus is located in San Antonio, Texas. Academic programs are primarily provided via synchronous distance learning (online).
Vision
ICCS will be the institution of choice for anyone seeking world-class non-denominational and inter-denominational Christian education and training; where teaching is purposeful, learning is powerful, and the future is full of hope.
Motto
The motto, “Disciples Making Disciples Who Make Disciples” is self-explanatory.
Mission
The mission of the International College for Christian Studies is to offer programs, services, and instruction that provide students the ability to become stronger Christians and Christian leaders throughout the entire world to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20. We will strive to fulfill this mission by providing the best education and training possible at an affordable cost for anyone who wants to participate in our programs. The programs are designed to meet the strict guidelines of multiple accreditation agencies and laws of the State of Texas. To successfully accomplish our mission, we provide:
1. Academic programs leading to Certificates in Christian Studies and Christian Ministry, Associate of Arts Degree in Christian Studies, and Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Christian Studies and Christian Ministry.
2. Continuing education for academic, occupational, personal, and professional enhancement, in conjunction with, or in alignment with, various Christian organizations and associations.
3. Tutorial assistance to help under-prepared students and others who require special assistance to achieve their educational goals.
4. A continuing program of counseling and advising designed to assist students in achieving their individual educational and occupational goals.
5. A program of technology, library, media, and testing services to support instruction.
The intended result of these programs is to help graduates have the education they need to further their own personal ministries as well as ministering to others, whether as laity or ordained clergy. Although the programs are specifically geared towards people who have a passion for fulfilling the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20, and who plan to pursue ministry as a life-long career, this College is also for others who are only engaged in the field for personal development and lay leadership opportunities. Declaration of this intended goal does not guarantee that graduates of any offered programs will be able to pursue a professional ministry career after graduation.
Doctrinal Position/Essential Doctrines of the Christian Faith
The International College for Christian Studies has adopted specific doctrines which we believe are essential for salvation. The purpose in laying out these essential doctrines is to ensure all stakeholders are aware of what we recognize as the foundation for the Christian faith, which is our “Statement of Faith.” As an academic institution, we expect faculty members and students who profess to be Christians to subscribe to these essentials. Faculty members, staff, and students from all faith backgrounds are welcome to attend, participate in, and be employed by the College, however, only those who subscribe to these essentials will be considered Christians by this College. We also recognize that there are other doctrines of varying importance which are not essential to salvation. We respect the right of fellow Christians with different theological persuasions to believe differently regarding non-essentials of the Christian faith, and commit to cooperate with them in the greater cause of unity for the Kingdom of God and fulfillment of the Great Commission.
1. The Nature of God: There is only one God in all existence (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6, 8).
2. The Holy Trinity: God exists as a Trinity of Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19, Genesis 1:26, Galatians 3:20)
3. The Deity of Jesus Christ: Jesus is God, but also still man, born of the Virgin Mary (John 1:1, 14; 8:24; Colossians. 2:9; 1 John 4:1-4, Matthew 1:18-25).
4. The Gospel: The gospel consists of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus according to the scriptures, as a substitutionary payment for the sins of people who accept His gift, which all people need because all people are sinners (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Galatians 1:8-9; Romans 3:23, 2 Corinthians 5:21).
5. The Nature of Salvation: Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone (not works) in Jesus Christ alone (Jesus is the only way to the Father) (Romans 3:28; 5:1; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 3:1-2; 5:1-4, John 14:6).
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity.” – John Wesley
History
The International College for Christian Studies (ICCS) was founded in 2019 in San Antonio, TX. The initial purpose for the establishment of ICCS was as an outreach of Crossroads Christian Fellowship (Church) to provide non-denominational Christian education for lay leaders and ministers. ICCS is currently an online college providing academic certificates, Associate degrees, and Bachelor degrees in Christian Studies and Christian Ministry with future plans to establish a residential campus in the San Antonio, TX area. ICCS was founded as a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Texas.