In Focus

Just as God’s children were created in His image, so too, should the Church, indeed, all Christian organizations, reflect the makeup of His Kingdom. “Diversity is not just important as an institutional matter, it emanates out of the very character of who we are as Christians,” said Kevin Mannoia, Ph.D., director of spiritual care for graduate and adult students and former dean of the School of Theology. “Diversity has, at its very root, a Kingdom principle. That principle springs from the work of God in us. There can be no unity without diversity.”

Azusa Pacific University continually strives to incorporate these principles into every aspect of the institution, and has adopted the following statement, approved by the Board of Trustees, as a guidepost in all aspects of recruitment, retention, and training:

“As an evangelical Christian university of disciples and scholars, we believe that it is our duty to fulfill Christ’s command to love our neighbors, who represent myriad differences, with the hope that all people may one day be brought to unity under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We seek to be a comprehensive university that is characterized by a biblical approach to diversity. To approach diversity from this perspective is to acknowledge that diversity can be a potential outlet for human arrogance and sin, while affirming that diversity is an expression of God’s image and boundless creativity.”

As these efforts gain strength and momentum, “The starting point will not be the discipline of diversity as prescribed by federal government or institutional law, but rather, a passion for discovering one of the elemental principles of the Kingdom of God,” said Mannoia. “Most people think of diversity as a negotiated contract between individual groups. For Christians, it goes far deeper than that. We have been shaped, formed, and imprinted with the image of God in us.”

Recruitment

“Diversity is not a black and white issue,” said Adam Shinnick, associate director of human resources recruitment and development. “It encompasses more than the obvious definitions such as race, gender, ethnicity, etc., and includes various backgrounds, work experiences, denominational differences, and more. One of the first steps toward attracting top quality employees is positioning APU as an employer of choice, defined by a vibrant atmosphere characterized by growth and learning. In addition to the university’s long list of benefits such as location, growth, and reputation, diversity must become a prominent element.”

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