Columbia Biblical Seminary and School of Counseling

08/27/2026

Are you a "slow grower"?

If years of the same struggles, the same confessed sins, and the same slow pace have left you discouraged, Philippians 1:6 has a word for you: "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Paul wrote that from prison to a church full of real conflict and immaturity, yet he was certain of their finish. Not because of their progress. Because of God's commitment.

Your incompleteness isn't evidence against the promise. It's the premise of it. Stop measuring your growth day to day and look at the seasons instead, growth is often invisible up close but undeniable over time.

"You are not an abandoned project. You are a work in progress with a guaranteed unveiling."

Watch the full message here:

Sermon Outline: https://promise-behind-process-inb18cg.gamma.site/...

08/25/2026

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

New semester, new classes, new challenges.

Whatever this year holds in the classroom, the counseling office, or the ministry field, may you walk it leaning on Him.

💬 What's one thing you're praying for this semester?

08/18/2026

Welcome Week is here! 🎉

New and returning students are moving in, meeting their people, and getting ready for a new season of learning and formation.

Whether you're starting your first semester or your last, we're glad you're here.

👉 Students — what are you most looking forward to this semester?

07/21/2026

From Columbia to Addis Ababa: CIU's Global Impact in Bible Translation

This year, Dr. Ed Smither, Dean of CIU's School of Missions and Intercultural Ministry, traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to deliver the prestigious St. Frumentius Lectures at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology, one of the country's most respected theological events.

While there, he was welcomed by SIL Ethiopia (part of Wycliffe Bible Translators) for a special "Gratitude for CIU" gathering. Why the celebration? Six current students and alumni from CIU's graduate programs now serve on the SIL Ethiopia team, working in Bible translation, Scripture engagement, theological education, and ministry leadership.

Among them is Tizita Zenebe, a 2024 graduate of CIU's MA in Intercultural Studies. As Language Programs Director for Bible Translation and Scripture Engagement, she coordinates support across 55 language communities in a nation with more than 87 languages. Her work even grew out of a CIU class assignment exploring ministry among Ethiopia's Deaf community, which has since become part of a growing Sign Language Bible Translation Project.

"My studies at CIU greatly enriched this journey," Tizita shares. "The experiential learning and practical skills I gained through the program have significantly contributed to my ability to serve effectively in my current role."

One student becomes a leader. One leader influences a community. One community gains access to Scripture.

If God is calling you toward intercultural ministry, Bible translation, or global missions leadership, CIU's graduate programs can help you take the next step.

Learn more:

From Ethiopia to the nations, see how CIU graduates are leading Bible translation, Scripture engagement, and global missions through the MA and PhD in Intercultural Studies.

07/14/2026

Have you ever felt called to shape the counselors of tomorrow, not just serve the clients in front of you today?

CIU's PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is built for licensed counselors and mental health professionals ready to move into teaching, supervision, research, and leadership, all while integrating a Christ-centered worldview into their work.

"One of the greatest benefits of the PhD program has been discovering how much influence counselors can have beyond the counseling room," shares Lannie Ott, PhD student and Counseling Clinic Director.

This fully online doctoral program with required residencies is designed for working professionals, so you can keep serving clients and growing your career while you earn your degree.

Learn more about the program 👇
https://ciu.edu/news/phd-in-counselor-education-and-supervision-prepare-to-teach-lead-and-shape-the-future-of-counseling/

Tag a counselor who's ready to expand their impact.

Advance your counseling career through doctoral-level training in teaching, supervision, leadership, and research. Online with residencies. Apply free today.

07/09/2026

When was the last time you went a full day without checking your phone?

Dr. Seth Scott, associate professor of clinical mental health counseling at CIU, explores why a social media fast might be exactly what your soul needs right now.

Drawing from 1 Corinthians 6:12, he unpacks five reasons a break from the scroll can help reorient your priorities, your relationships, and your rhythm of life.
This isn't about demonizing social media. It's about asking whether it controls you, or you control it.

Read Dr. Scott's full reflection 👇
https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/reasons-you-should-do-a-social-media-fast.html
What's one rhythm you'd want to reclaim if you unplugged for a week? Share in the comments.

We should do a social media fast so we can experience the freedom of living unburdened from the lens and filter of social media on us and on the world around us.

07/08/2026

New Doctoral Program Launching at CIU

Global mission leadership has never been more complex or more important.

Columbia International University’s School of Missions and Intercultural Ministry is launching a Doctor of Global Leadership degree beginning Fall 2026.

This fully online doctoral program equips church and mission leaders to navigate multicultural ministry, lead global teams and address real-world challenges facing the global church.

The program can be completed in 18–36 months while continuing in your ministry context.

Applications are now open, and you can apply for free.

Learn more about the Doctor of Global Leadership program:
https://ciu.edu/news/ciu-launches-new-doctor-of-global-leadership-degree-for-mission-and-ministry-leaders/

Global church and ministry leaders now have a new pathway for advanced training. CIU's Doctor of Global Leadership is a fully online, affordable doctoral program designed for experienced practitioners leading in multicultural and international ministry contexts. Applications are open for Fall 2026 ....

05/28/2026

What if giving had nothing to do with obligation and everything to do with joy?

In this message at Sandhills Community Church, CIU's own Dr. David Croteau unpacks one of the most freeing truths in Scripture: Christian generosity is not about earning God's love or checking a box. It is a joyful, overflowing response to the grace we have already received.

Drawing from 2 Corinthians 8 and Jesus' words in Matthew 6, Dr. Croteau traces a straight line from the gospel to our wallets and invites us to ask a deeper question. Not "how much do I have to give?" but "how can I not?"

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9

Watch: https://youtu.be/iAZudCPhfGk?si=dOIXqhh2torPHDYd

Dr. Croteau is a professor at Columbia International University's Biblical Seminary. Learn more about CIU's programs at ciu.edu.

Sermon from May 17th, 2026.No sermon notes this week.

05/19/2026

Ministry and counseling often meet in the same place:
Walking with people through real life.

CIU prepares leaders to do both—with wisdom, truth, and compassion.

05/02/2026

🎓 Today we celebrate the CIU Class of 2026!

To every graduate crossing the stage today — you came to CIU with questions about your future. You leave with something far more valuable: clarity about your calling.

Whether God is sending you to a counseling office, a church, a classroom, a hospital, or the mission field —

"Here I am. Send me." — Isaiah 6:8

We are so proud of you. And this community will be cheering you on every step of the way.

Congratulations, graduates. 🙌

💬 Graduates and families — drop a comment and tell us where God is sending you next!