On The Road Again

Jeff Hicks, Federal Way, WA
Dave Martin, Salem, OR
Terry Skinner, Gold Beach, OR
Rick Young, Kelso, WA

Jeff Hicks, from Federal Way, Washington is a second year student, majoring in Biblical Studies. Dave Martin, a fourth year student, is a Biblical Studies major from Salem, Oregon and has been with the group from its beginning. Terry Skinner, a General Studies major, from Gold Beach, Oregon, is a third year student. Rick Young, one of the original members of the group, a music major, and college senior from Kelso, Washington.

Message from the President

The concept of a Christian liberal arts education is a very meaningful one and I should like to express my philosophy of it under four words, each of which begins with a "C".

The first is competency. The kind of education which we are seeking to provide at Columbia Christian College involves the development of competency of know-how, expertise, and skills. Competencies of mind and of hand are needed so that our students will be equipped to face the problems which lie before them, problems which perhaps today do not even exist. In contemplating the future, we as educators must realize that most of today's students will be involved in occupations 15 years from now which do not exist at the present time; such is the changing pace of the world in which we live. In every era the world needs intellectually trained people who are capable of finding solutions to current problems through the careful stud of all relevant data. People are needed who can look at offered solutions, assess both the strength and weakness of them, and be capable of making wise choices. The best education will develop competencies of this kind.

In addition, we need compassion. The ability not only to understand, but to identify with humanity and all of its struggling and suffering existence; to look upon the needs of mankind with all of its weaknesses, not as something to be exploited, but as something to be remedied; to look upon it as a service which God offers us; to show something of His kindness to so many peoples in the world who so rarely experience kindness. A trained mind without a compassionate heart can only result in a very selfish existence.

Beyond compassion and competence, we need commitment, the will and motivation to make decisions and to become involved in activities that lead to service. Every day that we live we face the need of making decisions between right and wrong, between good and bad, between better and best; this is a continuous challenge. It is not enough to know what it is. It is not enough merely to understand it. We must commit ourselves to the task of solving the problems and of serving humanity. We must remember that we are in this world not to be served but to serve.

The fourth "C" is conscience. All the other educational attainments are of little value unless the individual life is undergirded by a conscience that is enlightened by God's word. Certainly one of the great functions of a Christian college is to activate and strengthen the conscience in this way, so that we will know what is right; so that we will be capable of choosing from among all the values that lie before us, that which is highest and best; so that we are able to see clearly the distinction between right and wrong and to compassionately and competently commit our lives to that which is truly christian

Dr. J.P. Sanders
President, Columbia Christian College

About Columbia Christian College

Columbia Christian College espouses the philosophy that a full education must take into account the mental, social, physical, spiritual, and individual needs of the student. In keeping with its purpose and philosophy, the College has brought together those means necessary to reach desired objectives: an academically trained faculty to advance knowledge; a controlled living environment to encourage healthy social action; physical education facilities and personnel to develop the body; Bible instructors, chapel, and other events to edify the spirit ;and counselors to promote personal development.

Columbia feels a real obligation to its students. It subscribes to the theory that a college should be concerned with more than intellectual pursuits. Columbia wants every student to realize their true potential. Believing that education is a personal experience, the curriculum is designed to give each student guidance. Within a framework of academic advising, faculty members work closely with students in designing their academic programs.

Without students, all the programs, all the talent in the College faculty and all the work that goes into running a college is useless. Faculty, administration, library facilities, classrooms – everything is brought together for one purpose – serving students! Students are not easy to please because they are demanding. They demand a sound, quality education; excellent and dedicated teachers; a relevant curriculum; a concerning and aware administration; and above all, a solid unchanging emphasis on Christian ideals. And we would not have them any other way!

THE SON-SHINE COMPANY has become a vital part of the Columbia Christian College admissions program. Under the direction of Paul King, Vice President for Special Services, The Son-Shine Company began working and traveling in the Spring of 1972 and fill requests regularly from civic clubs, religiously oriented youth groups, camps, and congregations throughout eight western states.

The students are part of Columbia. Meet them and you will come to know more about the College and its philosophy. In turn, Columbia believes these young men are examples of the Christ they serve.