Vision, mission statement and values

An innovative learning centre that combines academic knowledge with experienced spiritual power and creative practice – which will form leaders and theologians that contribute to the creation of a whole new world.

HLT aspires to be a school characterized by a practical orientation, where both intellectual knowledge and spiritual power are combined. Acts 1: 8 states:

”But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the far ends of the earth.”

These were Jesus’ last words to his disciples before he ascended to heaven. The words express two important aspects of HLT. Firstly, it is about equipping. Secondly, it is about service or employment. Education does not simply involve the acquisition of knowledge but also includes being spiritually equipped to serve and to work.

 

Vision

In order to create an environment that is carried by these values as Acts 1: 8 gives us, we have formulated the following vision:

”We envision an innovative learning centre that combines academic knowledge with experienced spiritual power and creative practice – which will form leaders and theologians that contribute to the creation of a whole new world.”

We want this vision to lay the foundation for a learning organization that lives in constant renewal based on the continuous experience we make ourselves. Meanwhile, we want to create a diverse learning environment that combines various aspects of our tradition.

 

Mission statement

Studies at HLT must be research-based, maintain a high academic and pedagogical quality, and prepare students for work and service within church and missions, school, and community. At the same time we wish to encourage a creative environment where academic, personal, and spiritual formation are in focus. In addition, we see ourselves as an actor in society that is both affected by and affects the practice field we are educating for. This is also reflected in the formulation of our constitution. This specifies that HLT must:

  • Gi høyere utdanning innenfor teologi og ledelse for pastortjeneste og annen tjeneste innenfor kirke, skole og samfunn.
  • Utføre forskning og faglig utviklingsarbeid på høyt nivå.
  • Stimulere menigheter og menighetsliv gjennom kunnskapsformidling og veiledning.
  • Stimulere til verdibasert innovasjons- og transformasjonsledelse innenfor kirke, skole og samfunn.
  • Sørge for nær og personlig oppfølging av den enkelte student med sikte på å vekke, bevare og utdype sant kristelig liv hos studenten.

In order to achieve this, we must be an institution that emphasizes superior quality in all areas that can contribute to creating a fruitful and positive learning environment that in turn will lead to engagement in church, mission, school, and society.

_

Values

Finally, we have formulated eight core values that provide our vision with direction and help us to focus correctly:

  1. We envision a missional school that is groundbreaking in its contribution to the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
  2. We envision a school characterized by Pentecostal spirituality.
  3. We envision a school with academic integrity and practical relevance.
  4. We envision a biblically faithful school, which proclaims the Bible as a foundation for life and doctrine.
  5. We envision a school that educates leaders who are committed to the fulfillment of the great commission and who practice servant leadership in both society and in the church.
  6. We envision a transformative school that provides students with a whole relationship to God, themselves and to others.
  7. We envision a school with prophetic relevance that is both realistic and innovative.
  8. We envision a school characterized by the love of Christ and the dream of the unity of God’s people.

_

The three axes

We strongly believe that the demand for brave leaders with big hearts and clever minds is in great demand at this time. The future belongs to those who use the intellect to honour God and serve people. Therefore HLT are faced forward and works for a better world – through being academia characterized by spiritual power, thinking theology in the context of leadership and creating knowledge that works in practice. In a special way, we want to unite elements that have traditionally been kept apart or perceived as opposites:

Academia – Spirituality

We are a college with high requirements for truthfulness, scientific understanding and credibility. We will also be a place where students can be equipped and receive power to serve in the church, organizations and the world.

Theology – Leadership

For us, faith is our base, but it needs to move. Leadership makes faith actionable and provides tools that enable individuals and organizations to live out its mission and potential.

Knowledge – Praksis

We believe that knowledge is not only teachable from books. Instead we learn through life and throughout life. This requires knowledge rooted in practice.