Commitments of the School
The Nairobi International School of Theology is committed to the following:

Evangelical Doctrine
NIST is a non-denominational Bible School designed to serve the church in Africa. We are committed to the belief that the Scriptures contain no errors.  Our "Statement of Faith" is a strong, orthodox statement of basic doctrines on which evangelicals have agreed historically.  We allow latitude of beliefs on matters not specifically mentioned in the "Statement of Faith."

Building of Character
According to 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1, the primary pre-condition for leadership in the body of Christ is godly character.  Development of godly character and biblical convictions are emphasised both in the classroom and ministry situations.  We believe that Christian ministry should be an overflow of an intimate relationship with God.

Cultural Relevancy
NIST seeks to make its theological training relevant to Africa’s needs.  We offer effectual theological training, which attends to issues facing the African church, such as syncretism, liberation theology, urbanization and church-state relations.
NIST is strategically located in central Nairobi making it favourable to a student's commitment to urban ministry.  NIST students learn to minister to a broad spectrum of people- from slum dwellers to leaders in society- with appropriate means, all in an urban locale.

Academic Excellence
Christian stewardship holds that God will hold all accountable for how we managed that which is given to us (Luke 19:12-27; 2 Cor.5:10).  NIST is committed to the highest standards of academic and spiritual excellence. The programmes are continually being evaluated to make room for improvement.  So whether teaching in the classroom, writing articles for publication, critiquing an ethical position, delivering a sermon, or conducting a Bible study NIST strives for excellence.

Ministry to Students' Spouses
NIST considers a man and a woman to be partners in their relationship with Christ, both in marriage and ministry (Eph. 5:22-31).  Therefore, NIST provides training for the wives and men in our master's degree & diploma programmes. Training is provided in the basic skills of biblical interpretation, evangelism, follow-up and disciple-building, along with other leadership skills, to enable spouses to complement one another in the ministry.
Ministry Involvement by the Academic Staff
Training of church ministers necessitates godly guidance. One of NIST's primary concerns is the selection of lecturers.  NIST faculty are expected to live an exemplary life of Christian leadership, reflecting the school’s mission.  NIST seeks faculty who are involved in a ministry of evangelism, discipleship and are academically qualified.

Local Church
NIST promotes the involvement of students in local Christian congregations. Each student is required to identify a local Christian community and focus significant ministry efforts to benefit that community.  A graduating student will therefore have extensive congregational association and is better placed to develop ministry skills.

Personal Ministry Training
NIST is committed to facilitating the propensity of each student to develop effective ministry skills.  All students are required to initiate evangelism and discipleship opportunities under the supervision of a ministry supervisor throughout the regular academic year.  While the initial training is in the use of contextualized, Campus Crusade for Christ materials, the student is not confined exclusively to these methods.  Rather, they serve as a springboard for the development of relevant approaches and materials as the student develops ministry skills.

Code of Conduct

Standards of Conduct
Since students are developing as Christian leaders, they are expected to walk in the Spirit, living lives that reflect the character of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Conduct unbecoming of a Christian, or which reflects adversely upon the welfare or reputation of the institution or other students, will result in disciplinary action.

• All students of the School are expected to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to a community of Christians who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, whose members seek to shape their values, attitudes, relationships and conduct according to the precepts of the Bible.

• Since the School has a responsibility to maintain a public witness that is above reproach concerning male-female relationships, all members of the School are expected to conduct themselves with members of the opposite sex in a manner that minimizes temptation and reproach from the community.

• The Academic Council may make further regulations governing the conduct of students and staff of the School which are published in the Student Handbook, Staff Manual, and Faculty Handbook. Copies of the Student Handbook, Staff Manual and Faculty Handbook will be supplied to every respective member of the School.  Where any regulation is added, amended or rescinded or other information in the Handbooks or Staff Manual needs to be updated, unless a revised Handbook or Manual is used incorporating these changes, a supplement to the Handbook or Manual detailing such changes will be published with a copy provided to members of the School.

• All members of the School are required to affirm the School’s Statement of Faith by affixing their names on the School Doctrinal Affirmation Form.

Student Disciplin
For all matters of discipline, students must comply with provisions of the School Code of Conduct and the Student Handbook.
Emphasis in student discipline is put on counselling and support rather than on imposing penalties.  The primary aim of this approach is to enable students to develop self-discipline and character necessary in their intended ministry.  A student’s gross misconduct shall result in expulsion from NIST.

 

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