About Lipscomb
Statement of Christian Heritage and Commitment
Established in 1891, Lipscomb University is a private, co-educational institution of higher learning whose primary mission is to integrate Christian faith and practice with academic excellence. This mission grows from principles articulated by the founders: “The supreme purpose of the school shall be to teach the Bible as the revealed will of God to man … and to train those who attend in a pure Bible Christianity. … Such other branches of learning may be added as will aid in the understanding and teaching of the Scriptures and as will promote usefulness and good citizenship among men.”
The founders were leaders in a fellowship that was becoming known in the late nineteenth century as the Churches of Christ. These churches grew from the American Restoration Movement, which sought to restore unity among believers by rejecting creeds and returning to the Bible, excluding all human opinions and philosophy, as the only rule of faith and practice. Churches of Christ are autonomous, non-denominational congregations associated by common core beliefs as recorded in the New Testament.
Lipscomb University is not a church. Because of its strong heritage of association with the Churches of Christ, Lipscomb University adheres to the central doctrinal interpretations that characterize these churches. We affirm the existence of the one eternal God, creator of the universe, as manifested in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We affirm that Jesus Christ is the son of God and Lord, that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, lived his life without sin, was crucified and resurrected, and will return to redeem His people. We affirm that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, that we enter covenant relationship with God through baptism in Jesus’ name for the forgiveness of sins and receive the indwelling Holy Spirit as a gift of God, and we acknowledge that God is the ultimate judge of all mankind. We affirm the divine inspiration and authority of the Bible, weekly Lord’s Day observance of communion, and the church as the body of Christ through whom God works in the world. We respect and endorse the first-century practice of non-instrumental worship. While we endorse and seek to teach absolute truths of scripture, we also acknowledge that the study of scripture results in questions on which there will never be consensus. As a university established on Christian values, we encourage an honest, open and thorough inquiry into the Word of God. We seek to foster a climate in which students and faculty alike may always seek insights into and a greater understanding of God’s timeless word. The result is an inclusive environment that respects and welcomes all who seek an excellent education in a Christian context. We want Lipscomb to be the university of choice for every spiritually minded student, but we also welcome all students of character for whom spirituality is unexplored or recently awakened. Our trustees, regular faculty, and staff except those in auxiliary enterprises, are to be faithful, active members of a Church of Christ.
The call of scripture for Christians to glorify God in every endeavor demands excellence. Lipscomb is committed to be a nationally recognized premier institution, in which students and employees alike are challenged to achieve the highest level of performance. We affirm that all truth is God’s truth and recognize that each field of study is important and of value in accomplishing God’s purposes in the world. Our academic programs prepare graduates for roles of superior leadership and service in their chosen professions. We affirm Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.” The broader Lipscomb experience, which emphasizes service and mission, is designed to equip each graduate for leadership in the home, church and community, to recognize that all people are created in the image of God, and to have a positive effect on the human condition through Christian service and evangelism.