STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Shepherds Theological Seminary, as an institution dedicated to equipping servant leaders for life and ministry, necessarily requires the highest ethical standards for every one of us connected with it, whether a student, faculty member, or staff member. All of us come under the clear teachings of Scripture to live as mature Christians under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. On the one hand, we are taught to be walking in the Spirit, and live so that the Holy Spirit is able to produce His fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). On the other hand, the works of the flesh have no place in the lives of us who are striving to please Christ and glorify God: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these (Galatians 5:19–21).

 

Introduction

We believe that all the words and all the parts of the thirty-nine books of the Old Testament and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament are the only inspired Word of God. The Bible is the product of men controlled by the Holy Spirit, and in the original manuscripts it is truth without any mixture of error. God, in His providential care, has also kept these Scriptures authentic and trustworthy from the time of their composition until the present time. The Bible is the center of true Christian unity and the supreme standard by which all human life and conduct will be evaluated and judged. (2 Timothy 3:15–17; 2 Peter 1:19–21)

 

Christ-Like Behavior

Our conviction is that STS belongs to Jesus Christ. We believe that all faculty members, staff members, and students (whether preparing for ministry in counseling, the pastorate, missions, or education) should seek to imitate our Lord’s model of servant leadership.

This includes:

  • Maintaining Christ-like attitudes and behavior toward those in our secular and Christian communities, including respect, courtesy, humility, and caring (Ephesians 5:15–17; Colossians 4:5–6).
  • Maintaining conduct consistent with biblical principles, including refraining from gossip, cheating, stealing, vulgarity, dishonesty, slander, fraud, and profanity (Ephesians 4:25–32; 5:3–4).
  • Refraining from improper and pornographic involvement with the print, internet, and broadcast media that are dangerous to one’s life of godliness (Romans 12:1–2; James 1:21; Galatians 5:22–23).
  • Refraining from all types of illegal behavior, from enslavement to any activity or habit (1 Corinthians 6:12), and from any activity that would cause a weaker brother to stumble (Romans 14).
  • Upholding with priority one’s family roles and responsibilities as detailed in the Scriptures (Ephesians 5:22–33; 6:1–4).
  • Maintaining a biblical standard of sexual morality, as detailed in the following statement.

 

Personal Sexual Purity Statement

This statement is the logical outworking of doctrinal beliefs as stated in the “Moral Issues” section of the Doctrinal Statement in this Catalog. STS believes it is important that it be clear that faculty, students, and staff members are to uphold the highest standards of biblical purity in their interpersonal relationships. Without a clear understanding of sexual identity and consistent practice of sexual purity by these, STS cannot be an effective agent of the healing power of Jesus Christ to the advocates of sexual sin in our world.

We believe that God’s design for the gift of sexuality is that it is to be exercised and enjoyed only within the covenant relationship of marriage between one man and one woman. It is God’s intention that those who enter marriage shall seek, in mutual love and respect, to live, one man and one woman, in Christian fidelity as long as both shall live (Genesis 1:27; 2:24; Mark 10:9; Luke 16:18).

We believe God has expressly condemned sexual intercourse outside of the marriage covenant. This prohibition applies to married persons committing adultery, unmarried heterosexual relationships, and any form of homosexual relationship. It is God’s expectation that the unmarried shall live pure and celibate lives, refraining from sexual intimacy (Leviticus 18:22; Deuteronomy 23:17; Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9).

Because of the serious consequences unrepentant sexual sin can have on ministry, faculty, students, and staff members who disagree with this policy or who do not conform their conduct to it are expected to resign their relationship with STS or they will be dismissed.

 

Permanence of Marriage

We believe that Scripture teaches us that marriage should be a permanent relationship and does not condone divorce as a desirable way of solving marital differences. A student who is experiencing marital difficulties is encouraged to meet with the Vice President of Academics or a faculty member for counsel immediately. If divorce becomes probable, the student must notify the Vice President of Academics. The student may be asked to drop out of school for a period of time to work on resolution and/or reconciliation.

Divorce does not necessarily bar a student from attending or graduating from Shepherds, although it may limit ministry recommendations and placement.

 

Dress Code

The appearance of STS students should reflect modesty and normally means shirts with collars and long pants for men, and skirts or pants for women. No shorts or tank tops please. Exceptions can be made when it is a hardship to change from special work clothes prior to class.

 

Classroom Decorum

Students are expected to address faculty with traditional classroom respect that recognizes their academic standing. They are to be addressed as “Doctor,” “Professor,” “Mister,” “Miss,” or “Mrs.”

 

Sexual Harassment and Misconduct

STS will not tolerate sexual harassment or misconduct of any sort. This policy includes the following types of sexual misconduct: sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, hostile environment, sexual violence/assault, dating violence, and stalking.

This policy applies to all applicants for admission or employment, enrolled students (fulltime or part-time, credit or audit), employees (full-time, part-time, Resident Faculty, adjunct faculty, and staff), volunteers, and third parties who associate with the seminary

either on the main campus in Cary, NC, or at designated teaching sites. This policy applies to conduct occurring within the context of providing an educational program or activity, either on or off seminary grounds. Any sexual harassment or misconduct should be reported immediately to Susan McAllister, Title IX Coordinator: 6051 Tryon Rd., Cary, NC; 919-573-5350.