How to Write a Statement of Faith

Why a statement of faith matters

A statement of faith summarises an institution's core theological convictions and serves multiple purposes: it informs prospective students and staff, guides curriculum and hiring, supports institutional identity, and provides a benchmark for accountability. Clear, concise, and well-structured statements reduce confusion, help manage expectations, and assist external quality assurance processes.

Core elements to include

• Opening summary: One or two sentences that capture the institution's central Christian affirmation.
• Key doctrines: Short, numbered entries addressing foundational doctrines such as Scripture, the Trinity, Christology, salvation, sacraments/ordinances, the Church, and eschatology.
• Practical implications: A brief statement about how these beliefs shape teaching, student life, and ministry formation.
• Scope and application: Clarify who the statement applies to (students, faculty, staff, board) and what commitments are required.
• Review clause: Note when and how the statement will be reviewed to ensure it remains current and biblically faithful.

Style and tone recommendations

• Be concise: Aim for clarity and readability; long theological essays belong in supporting documents.
• Avoid ambiguity: Use plain language and define technical terms if necessary.
• Balance specificity and breadth: Be explicit about essentials while allowing diversity on secondary matters.
• Use inclusive governance language: State whether adherence is a condition for hiring, ordination-track programs, or particular ministries.

Governance, compliance and publication

Ensure the statement is approved through the institution's governing processes (board or equivalent) and published in places students and staff can readily find it. Maintain version control and dates for each revision. Institutions must ensure that any requirements tied to the statement comply with applicable employment, education, and charity laws in their jurisdiction. ITAA accreditation does not replace or override local legal requirements; institutions remain responsible for meeting all national and local laws and regulatory obligations.

Using the statement in programmes and policy

Reference the statement of faith in programme objectives, course descriptions where doctrinal commitments are relevant, faculty hiring policies, and student handbooks. Where a programme requires doctrinal alignment for assessment or placement, document how alignment is evaluated and provide an appeals or advisory process.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Vagueness: Overly general language that obscures core commitments.
• Overreach: Making the statement a tool for micromanaging personal faith matters unrelated to institutional mission.
• No review process: Failing to revise the statement as doctrine, law, or institutional focus develops.
• Poor publication: Not making the statement easily accessible or linking it to enrolment and hiring information.

Practical drafting checklist

1. Draft a two-sentence mission-aligned summary.
2. List 6–10 doctrinal points with brief explanatory phrases.
3. State application: who must adhere and how adherence is verified.
4. Specify approval authority and next review date.
5. Publish on the website, student handbooks, and staff contracts; keep a dated version history.