Educational Philosophy

IGSL applies the teaching approach of Jesus Christ to prepare students for positions of responsibility and leadership in their areas of work. Jesus taught His disciples verbally, explaining the Word of God in both large and small group settings, and practically, by modeling these principles in real-life situations. He also encouraged them to learn and grow in a loving and supportive community.

As in any other graduate school, verbal instruction at IGSL occurs primarily in the classroom (formal education), where students are taught essential concepts to prepare them for their future work and ministries.

Education also takes place in the context of ministry weeks, where faculty demonstrate, coach, and mentor students in their leadership development (non-formal education). Through ongoing field ministry and internships, students experience first-hand the reality of having ministries of transformation and spiritual multiplication.

Finally, faculty and students are committed to each other in a relational learning environment of spiritual encouragement in which the deepest values of Christian life are more “caught than taught” (informal education). The small group program of IGSL sets the stage for lunches together, fun times, and personal counseling that bring the love of God out of theory and into life.