Student Life

Catalog and Student Handbook

Chapel services are conducted during the week as a time for both the student body and the faculty.. This hour has varied activities to encourage our students concerning their spiritual life and ministry. A variety of pastors, preachers and speakers are scheduled to share practical aspects that enhance and challenge each to greater service. It is also a time for students to participate in song leading, playing musical instruments, testimonies, praises, and prayer requests. This hour is compulsory for every student on the days they attend class. Chapel attendance is reported on weekly activity reports.

CHURCH SERVICES

Much emphasis is placed upon involvement in church services. Each student is expected to become a faithful member of an area Baptist Church where he/she may find a place of service. This is a necessary aspect of student life as it is through a local church that the student can best serve and honor the Lord.

ANNUAL SEMINAR

The last week of February is dedicated to a week of intensive spiritual instruction taught by selected speakers. These people are eminently qualified by training and experience to offer instruction in Biblical subjects and to aid the student in acquiring a deeper faith and in being strengthened in Christian character.

Students share in the Seminar through the music ministry, getting acquainted with visiting pastors, missionaries, and other guests, and serving in other practical aspects of the Seminar. This week is packed with exciting and inspiring services and activities for all who attend. It is mandatory for all full time students.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Part of every Christian's maturing in the Lord involves obedience and faithfulness in three areas of life: (1) personal devotion to the Lord, (2) active participation in one of the Lord's churches, and (3) continued ambassadorship for Christ. Campus life at the Independent Baptist College seeks to encourage each student's growth in all three areas. Personal prayer and devotions on a daily basis are stressed. Active participation in the programs of an area Baptist church is required. The joy and privilege of sharing Christ is limited only by one's initiative. The continual companionship of fellow Christians will bolster the faith and encourage every student to grow by sharing. Student activity reports are turned in each Monday.

CONDUCT

The guidelines for conduct will be the guidelines as stated in the church covenant of the sponsoring church, and/or exemplified in the lives of the mature members.

CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body of Christ.

We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliations, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word.

If your personal conviction would keep you from participating in activities or actions of fellow students, the Biblical direction is that you follow your conscience (I Cor. 8; Rom. 14). If the student persists in activities and actions that are in violation of the principles as stated in the church covenant, they will be asked to counsel with the Dean.

If the student refuses to cooperate with the Dean, the faculty will be asked to resolve the issue. If the student fails to comply with the resolution determined by the faculty, the faculty may place the student on disciplinary probation or suspension.

HOUSING

There are numerous apartment complexes within a few miles of the campus. We recommend that students come to Fort Worth at least two weeks before school begins to secure housing. Apartments are usually available but require reservations and deposits. Houses generally require more time to locate. Single students live either in dormitories on campus or area apartments.

GROUP VISITS

Prospective student groups from churches are encouraged to visit IBC's campus. However, they should contact the Academic Dean in advance to let school officials know how to best prepare for them.

EMPLOYMENT

The college understands that students may need to secure a job to provide financial assistance toward their education. If employment opportunity information is available, it may be obtained through the Dean's office, through notes posted on student bulletin boards, and through fellow student suggestions. IBC cannot guarantee employment; however, God has abundantly honored students needing employment by providing sufficient opportunities.

Normal class schedules are arranged so that employment may be secured in the afternoons and evenings. IBC regulations also prohibit Sunday employment which interferes with the student's attending regularly scheduled church services. Employment in which the student is required to work with alcoholic beverages or pornographic materials is prohibited.

STUDENT COURSE LOAD

The following work-study ratio pattern has been established to guide the student. Each student is urged to follow the counsel of his academic advisor in keeping with the guidelines given below:

OUTSIDE WORK/ACADEMIC LOAD
25 or fewer hours per week/Up to 15 semester hours
25 or greater hours per week/Up to 12 semester hours