Denominational Identification and the Mentors

While CES is non-denominational, it is decidedly Conservative and Evangelical.

Conservative: This term has taken on various connotations for various groups, but, in essence, we mean simply that CES holds to the fundamentals of the historical Christian faith. See our Statement of Fundamental Beliefs.

Evangelical: This term has been used by various groups, but by combining it with the term "Conservative," we hope to make it clear that we mean that we believe in the emphasis of forgiveness and regeneration though a personal, explicit faith in Jesus Christ.

We encourage all such students who are themselves Conservative and Evangelical to enroll in our programs of study.

We have (or have had) students and faculty from various denominational backgrounds including, but not limited to, American Baptist, Anabaptist, Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Conservative Baptist, Independent Baptists, Dispensational, Foursquare, Interdenominational, Reformed Baptists, Reformed Southern Baptist, Evangelical (conservative), Lutheran, Mennonite, Messianic Jewish, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian USA, Wesleyan-Arminian, and Non-denominational Reformed Evangelical.

One primary asset of Columbia's programs of study is that students may select mentors from our faculty, or they may bring a mentor to their program of study. Therefore, students who are members of a particular denomination may select mentors from their own fellowship.

This is especially important for the person who desires to become a full time minister with a particular church.

Students pursuing denominational ministerial credentials may choose a pastor or an educator from within their church, fellowship, or denomination, and they may also build their curricula specifically to study the beliefs taught by their church, fellowship, or denomination.

The outside mentor must meet and agree with the confessional, educational, and professional standards of Columbia Evangelical Seminary.