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2015-2016 Student Handbook 15 Personal and Relational Health As a community of present and future Christian leaders, Denver Seminary determines to maintain high standards of integrity in all areas of life. Students, staff and all faculty members will pursue spiritual, emotional, and physical health – fostering connection with God, developing lives marked by self-control and peace, and seeking appropriate balance between work and rest. Such health includes living free from addictive behaviors, unhealthy coping mechanism, and idolatry of all kinds. Interpersonally, we will live exemplary Christian lives, practicing respect and concern for all people, honesty, appropriate behavior, and wise judgment as outlined in the Scriptures. We will maintain a good reputation with outsiders, uphold relationships characterized by love, grace, and truth, and pursue resolution of conflicts and mutual forgiveness as needed. Redemptive relationships We will listen to each other and respond with respect and a genuine desire to understand one another, even when consensus cannot be reached. We will endeavor to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness) in all of our interactions with others. We will pursue reconciliation by taking initiative to resolve differences and by responding to others when they do the same. Sexual integrity Denver Seminary's Statement on Human Sexuality forms a framework for instruction on matters related to human sexuality and for employment and enrollment decisions as they may relate to sexuality. Sexual integrity presupposes a commitment to God's original design and intent for human sexuality as well as an admission that, because of the Fall, we are all sexually and relationally broken. It requires that we pursue fidelity to God's overarching redemptive plan in every area of life, including sexuality. Therefore, we commit to abstaining from all forms of sexual engagement that distort God's original intent for sexuality. At the same time, we will demonstrate compassion for one another as we struggle with our respective brokenness. We commit ourselves to practicing celibacy in singleness, faithfulness in heterosexual marriage and to refrain from advocating for alternative expressions of God's design for humanity. We will support one another in maintaining sexual integrity recognizing the spiritual benefit of self-control and self-denial. If we fail, we will seek help and accountability. Self-control We will practice and cultivate the spiritual fruit of self-control in all areas of our lives, avoiding drunkenness, gluttony, sexual addiction, use of pornography, materialism, workaholism and other addictive behaviors, while pursuing God-honoring excellence. If we have an addictive struggle, however easily hidden or rationalized, we will seek both help and accountability. Respectful modesty We will respect others through attire that reflects sensitivity to each occasion and reasonable standards of good taste, and that does not draw undue attention to ourselves. Expectations of modesty and propriety will be maintained on the Seminary campus and at all seminary-sponsored events.