Mission

Nelson University exists to equip students spiritually, academically, professionally, and cross-culturally for their God-given careers and callings. 

Vision

Nelson University will be a distinguished Christian university that equips Spirit-empowered leaders with career and ministry skills by providing affordable education, hands-on training opportunities, and innovative academic programs. 

Core Values 

Bible-based Education 

God is the ultimate source of all knowledge and truth and has revealed Himself in Scripture; therefore, Nelson University is committed to the authority of the Bible and the integration of biblical values in all academic disciplines. The pursuit of truth and its application in every area of life comes through understanding the Word of God and knowing Christ. The university intends that students will deepen their understanding of Scripture and develop well-founded theological convictions for a life of Christian service through a carefully selected core of Bible and theology curriculum. 

Pentecostal Distinction 

Nelson University is committed to an environment that encourages students to experience Spirit baptism according to Pentecostal theology to obtain additional power for witness, personal edification through speaking in tongues in private prayer, and additional enablement through spiritual gifts, while continually pursuing spiritual formation and a Spirit-formed character. The university also encourages the operation of the gifts of the Spirit in worship services according to the scriptural directive. 

Spiritual Formation 

Nelson University is committed to fostering spiritual formation among students that produces lifelong spiritual growth and character development. Students are encouraged to develop their understanding of biblical faith, increase their desire to know and serve God, and develop personal integrity and character by applying biblical values to their lives. Chapel and local church participation is emphasized because worship is an important element in the university’s strategy for spiritual formation. 

Academic Excellence 

Nelson is a university devoted, under God, to the pursuit of truth through the use of the mind. Students, therefore, are encouraged to bring their minds in submission to Christ and fulfill their responsibilities as stewards, and work for the integration of thinking and learning in the framework of a Christian worldview. Students are encouraged to develop their minds and intellects in the pursuit of knowing Christ and his creation, and seeking God’s direction as they choose a vocation or career path. 

Missions-mindedness 

Nelson University is founded on the belief that every believer has a personal responsibility for the Great Commission. Nelson intends that students will embrace missions-mindedness as evidenced by lifelong personal involvement in world evangelism, a life of intercessory prayer for the lost, personal witness, contributing resources to world evangelism, and a willingness to go into full-time missionary work (if called by God) or, at a minimum, participate in a short-term mission trip. 

Servant Leadership 

Nelson University’s mission is founded on the belief that God intends every believer be actively involved in ministry that reflects service and servanthood. Fulfilling the mission of the church requires all believers, no matter their chosen career and calling, to work in team- like fashion using their unique gifts and talents in churches and ministries around the world as pastors, board members, elders, deacons, and heads of creative ministries in the pattern of the servant ministry of Jesus Christ. 

Community and Personal Wellness 

Nelson University is committed to the understanding that discipleship occurs in community and in relationship, therefore students are encouraged to develop the social and relational skills needed to contribute to an affirming, loving, and giving community of believers. Additionally, students are encouraged toward emotional and physical health for the purpose of long, faithful service unto God. Eating properly, sleeping adequately, exercising regularly, and resting sufficiently honors God through the body.