Issue link: http://denverseminary.uberflip.com/i/1160609
2019-2020 Student Handbook 16 a theological stance on the relationship of gender to ministry. Rather, it reflects our educational mission. Denver Seminary provides graduate level training for ministry but does not offer ordination or credentialing for ministry. Therefore, churches, denominations and other ministry organizations are responsible to make their own decisions about who is eligible for particular ministry roles and functions. Within the parameters of our statement of faith, Denver Seminary celebrates the diversity of traditions and theological distinctives represented within our community by students, staff and faculty. The contributions of our different backgrounds provide a rich educational opportunity as we listen to and learn from each other. Such a rich formational opportunity always involves tensions and challenges. Many Christians who are equally committed to biblical authority will differ on issues such as gender roles in ministry. On this issue, Denver Seminary intentionally does not take an institutional position so that there is opportunity for continued exploration, engagement, mutual learning and growth in our respect for each other even when we disagree. Denver Seminary takes neither a "complementarian" nor an "egalitarian" stance on the issue of gender roles in ministry. Our faculty reflects a diversity of opinion on the particulars of this question while valuing a climate of charitable orthodoxy, i.e. a clear commitment to biblical authority combined with a commitment to mutual respect and civil discourse. Disagreement on this issue is not a matter of biblical orthodoxy or a litmus test for fellowship, even though we may hold our opinions with great conviction. Recognizing the range of commitments on this issue, even among evangelical Christians with a strong commitment to biblical authority, Denver Seminary expects all students to demonstrate mutual respect for the rights of all other students to prepare for any form of ministry. Charitable, respectful dialogue on the issue is encouraged within these boundaries. Disrespect or demeaning treatment of other students, in any form, will not be tolerated due to the educational and formational nature of our Seminary's mission. Accepting a place in the student body of Denver Seminary is a statement of willingness to abide by this policy. We are committed to cultivating and protecting a community in which both men and women are free from derogation of any type and can thrive in their personal and professional development for whatever form of ministry they and their sponsoring fellowships sense the gifts and calling of God. Student Affirmation of Beliefs and Standards Denver Seminary is a religious organization that trains ministers and those who serve the Church within the context of a faith community. As such, our shared beliefs and standards within the faith community are as important as our academic training. Recognizing this, we require all applicants to certify that they have read, understand, and agree with the documents that outline the beliefs and standards for our community, which include the Seminary's Statement of Faith, Community Values and Behavioral Commitments, Academic Catalog, and the Student Handbook. Because of the nature of our shared faith community and the importance of maintaining consistency in our beliefs and standards, students are required to reaffirm this statement each time they register for a new semester. The Seminary reserves the right to evaluate a student's continued standing if his or her belief has or is believed to have shifted away from our shared faith community, and the student may no longer be compatible with Denver Seminary. Students who can no longer affirm agreement of some aspect of these beliefs and standards are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students for further discussion or assistance in transitioning or transferring if needed. As an inability to affirm Denver Seminary's beliefs and standards could result in preventing a student from continuing in his or her program, completing the program, and/or graduating, it