FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS

Table of Contents
Chapter One: Overview and Nature of Vision
Definition of vision, its characteristics and types
Purpose/Importance of vision
How to write a vision statement
The vision and mission of RCCG, Redeemer’s University LIFE PIE mandate and core
values, and their implications

Chapter Two: Foundation and Dynamics of the Christian Faith

Jesus the foundation of the Christian faith
Building on foundation of the Christian faith, the Bible
Authority of the infallible word of God
Faith, its object and work
The role of the Holy Spirit in Fath dynamics

Chapter Three: Understanding the New Birth and its benefits

Scriptural and unscriptural meaning of the new birth
Reason and importance of the new birth
Elements and evidence of the new birth
Spiritual nourishment for the new man
Benefits of the new birth

Chapter Four: Jesus as the only way to eternal life

Perspectives about life after death
Meaning and teachings about eternal life
Why Jesus is the only way to eternal life
Teachings of Jesus about eternal life

Chapter Five: Exposition on the works of Grace

Meaning of grace and its works
Repentance
Sanctification and Justification
Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Chapter Six: Discipleship and Stewardship

Meaning of discipleship and stewardship
Attribute and the life style a disciple of Jesus
Effective discipleship
Biblical stewardship
Principles of stewardship
Qualities of a Christian steward
 Chapter One
Overview and Nature of Vision
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it
tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry (Habakkuk 2:3)
Introduction
This chapter discusses the term vision, its purpose and features. It examines key issues that
vision encompasses and how vision statement can be developed by an individual or an
organisation. It also assesses the vision and mission statements of The Redeemed Christian
Church of God (RCCG) and Redeemer’s University (RUN), as well as RUN LIFE PIE mandate
and core values, in addition to their implications. The chapter further dwells on the foundation
and dynamics of the Christian faith, covering subjects relating to the fundamental foundation of
the Christian faith and how it can be built upon. The chapter further explores the critical roles of
the word of God and the Holy Spirit in faith dynamics in the life of the believer.

What is Vision?
The term vision can be viewed as a complex psychophysiological process that can be viewed
from various perspectives. In a literal sense, vision is the ability to perceive or interpret
information through sight, involving the process where light rays enter the eye and are
transformed into signals sent to the brain. Vision can also be defined as a mental image of
something or a person, usually arrived at through imagination or perception.
Although several theories have been advanced to explain vision, such as psychological
and computational theories, the aim of this chapter is not to dwell on the theoretical discussion of
vision. Moreover, the focus of the discussion goes beyond vision as the sense of sight or the
simple act of seeing. It also diverges significantly from the Biblical perspectives, even though an
aspect of this is considered in the chapter as key to understand and apply the concept to our lives
and organisations.
Vision from individual perspective, can be defined as a deeply personal and aspirational
statement that defines what a person wants to achieve or become in life. It is a mental picture of a
desired future, serving as a compass that guides one's decisions, actions, and goals. It is not just a
wish or a dream but a clear, compelling, and actionable statement that provides purpose and
direction. This concept is crucial for personal development, as it provides clarity in a world filled
with distractions. It helps individuals prioritise their time and energy, aligning their daily tasks
with their long-term aspirations. An individual vision is applicable to all aspects of life, including
career, relationships, health, and personal growth.
From the viewpoint of an organisation, vision is a clear, compelling, and aspirational
statement that describes the future a company or organisation wishes to create or what it aims to
become. It is a long-term goal that provides direction and a sense of purpose for everyone
involved, from leadership to employees. An organisational vision is the practical tool for guiding
decisions, inspiring a shared culture, and aligning all parts of the organisation toward a common
meaningful objective. Unlike a mission statement, which describes the organisation's current
purpose and activities, a vision statement is future-oriented and serves as a motivational "north
star."
Viewing it from the Biblical stance, a vision is received through supernatural means. It is
not just about physical sight or cognitive processing; it is a profound and supernatural form of
divine communication.

Characteristics of Vision
Generally, in addition to others, vision shares the same SMART characteristics with objectives.
In this discussion, the features of vision are examined from individual, organisation and Biblical
perspectives.

Characteristics of Individual Vision

An effective individual vision typically includes the following characteristics:
i. Clarity: A good individual vision is always specific and easy to understand. In addition,
it paints a vivid picture of the future.
ii. Purpose: Individual vision is purpose specific. Purpose is the core motivation behind the
vision.
iii. Inspiration: A good vision is exciting, motivating, and inspires action even in the face of
challenges.
iv. Values Alignment: Vision as it relates to individual is always consistent with the
individual's core values. This ensures that the pursuit of the vision is meaningful and
authentic.
 v. Future-Oriented: an individual vision looks ahead, focusing on what is to be created or
accomplished in the future.

Features of an Organisation’s Vision

Regarding organisations, the following key characteristics of vision are discerning:
i. Inspirational and Motivating: A compelling vision ignites passion and enthusiasm
within the organisation, encouraging employees to strive for something greater than the
day-to-day tasks. It normally evokes a sense of purpose and excitement about the future.
ii. Future-Oriented: A vision is fundamentally about where the company wants to be in
the future, typically five to ten years down the line, or even further. It describes what the
organisation intends to achieve or become in the long run. It answers the question,
"Where are we going?" It looks beyond the present challenges and opportunities to a
desired end-state.
iii. Clear and Concise: While it paints a broad picture, a vision statement is easy to
understand and remember. It is often brief, ideally one or two sentences, making it
accessible to everyone within the organisation and external stakeholders. It avoids jargon
and complex language.
iv. Ambitious yet Realistic: A good vision is aspirational and challenges the status quo,
pushing the organisation to achieve new heights. However, it is also grounded in reality,
because it is achievable with dedicated effort and strategic planning, given the
organisation's resources and capabilities.
v. Specific: While it is a long-term dream, a vision is specific enough to provide direction.
It clarifies what the organisation aims to achieve; what its impact will be; and in which
arena it intends to operate, without dictating the exact steps to get there.
vi. Aligned with Values and Purpose: A strong vision reflects the organisation's core
values, its fundamental purpose, and its culture. It ensures that the aspirations for the
future are consistent with the guiding principles of the company.
vii. Differentiating, Unique and Distinctive: An effective vision sets the organisation apart
from its competitors. It highlights what makes the company unique and what distinctive
contribution it aims to make. It differentiates the company from its competitors, reflecting
its core values and unique purpose.
viii. Stable: While strategies may change over time, fundamental vision remains relatively
consistent because it often than not represents a timeless goal.
ix. Flexible and Adaptable: While providing a clear direction, vision of a firm is also
flexible enough to adapt to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and
unforeseen circumstances without losing its core essence.
x. Graphic and Descriptive: Vision paints a vivid picture in the minds of those who hear or
read it, making it easier to visualize the desired future state and the market position the
company aims to achieve.
xi. Directional: A vision provides a clear sense of direction, guiding strategic decision-
making and resource allocation across the organization. It answers the question of "where
are we going?"

Biblical Vision and its Features

The concept of "vision" in the Bible extends beyond a single supernatural event. Proverbs 29:18
states that, "where there is no vision, the people perish." In this context, "no vision" (Hebrew:
chazon) refers to a lack of divine revelation or prophetic guidance. Without God's clear word and
direction, society and individuals lose their way, casting off restraint and moral order. Therefore,
the biblical perspective of "vision" is fundamentally about having a clear, God-given sense of
purpose, direction, and destiny, which is essential for a flourishing life and community. These
can come as

1. Divine Revelation and Supernatural Insight:

 God-Initiated Communication: Many biblical visions are understood as direct
communications from God to individuals. They are direct, supernatural revelations from
God to an individual, serving as means for God to convey His will, plans, guidance, and
future events to His children. They can occur through dreams, trances, or clear,
supernatural appearances. The sole purpose is for God to reveal His will, plans, or future
events (see Numbers 12:6; (Isaiah 6:1-8; Ezekiel 37; Daniel 7 and Acts 9:10-12).
 Supernatural Perception: It implies seeing or perceiving something beyond ordinary
human senses, often with spiritual significance. This can include seeing symbolic
imagery or experiencing divine presence, which help to convey messages for a specific
purpose (see Ezekiel 1:1).
2. Prophecy, which also reveal Future Events:
  God's Plans Unveiled: Visions often served as a way for God to communicate future
events, judgments, or promises to His people. This is a core aspect of prophetic ministry
(Habakkuk 2:2-3; Genesis 37:5-10).
3. Guidance and Purpose:
 Directing Life's Path: Visions can provide individuals with a clear understanding of
God's calling and purpose for their lives, guiding their actions and decisions (see Genesis
37: 5-10).
4. Spiritual Understanding and Insight:
 Revealing Spiritual Realities: Visions can offer a deeper understanding of spiritual
truths, God's character, or the dynamics of His kingdom (see Isaiah 6:1-5).
Key Distinctions and Considerations:
 Origin: True biblical visions are considered to originate from God, not from human
imagination or desire (Acts 10: 9-16).
 Discernment: The Bible emphasizes the need to discern whether a vision is genuinely
from God, ensuring it aligns with Scripture (1 John 4:1). False prophets also claimed to
have visions (Jeremiah 14:14).
 "Appointed Time": As seen in Habakkuk 2:3, visions often relate to God's sovereign
timing. They may not be realized immediately but are destined to come to pass (see also
Genesis 18:13, 14; 21: 1, 2).
 Not Always Grand: While some visions are dramatic prophetic revelations, the concept
can also apply to a clearer sense of God's direction or purpose for an individual's life,
even if not through an ecstatic experience (see 37:23).

A Warning against False Visions

The Bible also contains stern warnings about false visions and prophets who speak from "their
own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD" (Jeremiah 23:16; 1 John 4:1-3). This emphasizes
the importance of discerning the source of a vision and testing it against God's revealed Word.

In summary, Biblical visions are rarely a straightforward observation of reality. They are
often highly symbolic and require divine or prophetic interpretation to be understood. This
contrasts sharply with the scientific view that vision is about creating an accurate representation
of the physical world. While the physical, scientific understanding of vision is a given, the
biblical perspective is primarily concerned with supernatural sight and spiritual understanding. A
biblical vision is a tool for divine communication, revelation, and guidance, connecting the
physical world to the spiritual.

Importance of Vision
For both people and organisations, having a vision is extremely important. In Proverbs 29:18a, it
is stated "where there is no vision, the people perish." This underscores how critical vision is.
To an individual, vision
i. Provides Direction and Focus: Vision provides a clear path forward for individuals;
thereby, helping to eliminate distractions and maintain focus on what truly matters.
ii. Aids Decision-Making: When faced with choices, an individual vision serves as a filter.
Decisions that align with the vision are easier to make.
iii. Provides Resilience: During difficult times, the vision serves as a source of motivation
and perseverance. It reminds an individual of their "why."
iv. Helps Personal Growth: It encourages continuous learning and development as
individuals strive to close the gap between their current reality and their desired future.
v. Assists Individuals to Overcome Roadblocks and Hurdles: In life, challenges are
inevitable. Everyone is faced with one challenge or the other that operate against his/her
objectives. Thus, vision provides you with something to look forward to and always work
towards irrespective of the challenges of life. It provides you with a reason to keep going,
even when the times get tough.
vi. Substantiates your Goals: Having a vision places a purpose upon your goal-setting
activities. Without an end goal or destination in mind, you will not have a clear or defined
path. Vision provides you with a clear path to follow in life.
vii. Sets Expectations: Setting goals comes along with defining measurements of success. If
you set a goal, how do you know when you’ve reached it if you don’t have a way to
define success? An overall life vision helps to set expectations accordingly.
viii. Adds Focus and Provides Direction: Having a vision ensures that your life or business
goals can remain focused. When you are faced with a decision or distraction, you can ask
yourself if it will help or hurt you in attaining your vision. This can offer you the means
to move forward with intention and alignment.
 ix. Delivers Meaning and Purpose: A vision is a way to answer your own “why” of life. It
gives you the reason for your actions, choices, hopes, and desires. This fills your daily
activities with meaning and purpose.

How to Develop an Individual Vision

Developing a personal vision is a reflective process. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Self-Reflection: Take time to understand your values, strengths, passions, and what
brings you joy. Ask yourself questions like, "What kind of person do I want to be?" or
"What impact do I want to have on the world?"
2. Visualize Your Future: Imagine your ideal life in detail, without limitations. What does
your perfect day look like? What are you doing? Who are you with?
3. Draft Your Vision Statement: Write a concise and inspiring statement that encapsulates
your desired future. It should be a few sentences long and easy to remember.
4. Review and Refine: The vision statement is a living document. It should be reviewed
and updated periodically to reflect personal growth and changing circumstances.

To an organization, vision
i. Provides Direction and Focus: A business vision clarifies the ultimate destination of the
company. It helps leaders and employees make daily decisions that align with the long-
term goals, preventing them from getting sidetracked by distractions or short-term gains.
Thereby, ensuring that such daily decisions and long-term strategies are all pointing in
the same direction. Moreover, vision acts as a compass, aligning all departments and
individual employees toward a single, unified goal.
ii. Motivates and Inspires Employees: A strong vision gives employees a sense of purpose
beyond their daily tasks and meaning in their work. It fosters a culture of commitment
and passion by connecting individual contributions to a larger, shared objective. When
they understand the "why" behind their work, they are more engaged, productive, and
committed to the company's success. This is particularly important for attracting and
retaining top talent who want to be part of something meaningful.
iii. Facilitates Strategic Planning: Vision is the starting point for all strategic planning of
an organisation. Vision serves as the foundation for developing business strategies. It
provides the ideal future state from which specific, measurable, short-term goals and
 strategies can be developed to achieve that vision. Vision helps leaders identify the right
opportunities and allocate resources effectively to achieve the desired future state.
iv. Builds a Strong Culture: A shared vision helps to build a cohesive company culture. It
defines the ideals, values, and principles that everyone in the organisation should strive
for, fostering teamwork and a sense of collective identity.
v. Enhances Decision-Making: When faced with a difficult choice, a clear vision helps
leaders and employees evaluate options by asking, "Does this decision move us closer to
our vision?"
vi. Attracts and Retains Talent: Top talent is often drawn to companies with a compelling
vision and a sense of purpose. It communicates what the company stands for and what it
hopes to achieve, helping to attract individuals who share those values.
vii. Builds Brand Identity: A strong vision statement helps shape the company's identity
and reputation in the market. It communicates to customers and the public what the
company aspires to be and what it represents.
viii. Reduces Friction During Change: When an organization needs to restructure or adapt
to market shifts, a clear vision provides context for the changes. It helps employees
understand why the changes are necessary and how they will ultimately benefit the
company's long-term health and purpose.

Vision Statement
Writing a vision statement is a crucial step for any individual or organization because it defines
the long-term aspirations of such person or organisation and serves as inspiration for them. A
vision statement is a specific, concise and inspirational declaration of what a person or an
organization aspires to become in the future. To an individual, it is a powerful tool that serves as
a compass for an individual's life. Unlike a business vision, which focuses on an organisation's
future, a personal vision statement is a concise, inspiring declaration of who you want to become
and the impact you want to have on the world. It provides a sense of purpose and direction,
helping you to make decisions that align with your deepest values and aspirations. Moreover, a
vision statement diverges from a mission statement, which describes a person’s or organisation's
current purpose and core activities. Thus, a vision statement is:
 future-Oriented: It describes a future state, often 5 to 10 years or more down the line.
  inspirational: It should evoke emotion and inspire you as individual or stakeholders of
the organisation to take actions;
 concise: It should be short, easy to remember, and memorable; and
 challenging: It should set an ambitious but achievable goal that pushes you or the
organization to grow.

How to Write a Vision Statement

Writing a vision statement is not difficult. However, it requires careful thought and collaboration
if need be. The follow steps can guide you or your organisation to draft an effective vision
statement.

Steps to Writing Individual Vision Statement

Step 1: Self-Reflection and Discovery
Before you can articulate your vision, you need to understand your core values, strengths, and
passions. This is the most crucial step and requires introspection. Ask yourself a series of deep
questions:
i. Who am I at my best? Think about moments when you felt most energised, fulfilled,
and authentic. What were you doing?
ii. What are my core values? What principles are non-negotiable for you? Examples
include integrity, creativity, compassion, freedom, or service.
iii. What are my unique strengths and talents? What are you naturally good at, and what
skills have you developed over time?
iv. What impact do I want to have on the world? What problem do you want to solve, or
what change do you want to see in your community or a specific field?
v. What does my ideal future look like? Envision yourself in 5, 10, or 20 years. Where are
you? What are you doing? What are you like?
Record your answers and look for recurring themes. These will form the foundation of your
statement.
Step 2: Drafting the Statement
Once you have a clear understanding of your core self, begin writing. A good personal vision
statement should be:
i. Aspirational: It should be a stretch goal that inspires you to grow.
 ii. Future-Oriented: Frame the statement as if you have already achieved this future self.
Use phrases like "I am..." or "My vision is to..."
iii. Concise: Keep it short and memorable, ideally one or two sentences.
iv. Emotional: Use words that are meaningful and evoke a strong emotional response within
you.
Drafting Template:
A good way to start is by combining your core values with the impact you want to have. For
example:
 "To use my [strength] and [value] to [action] and [impact]."
Or, a more direct approach:
 "I am a(n) [adjective] person who [action] and [makes a difference by...]."
Step 3: Refine and Finalize
After drafting, review and refine your statement until it feels authentic and powerful. Share it
with a trusted friend, mentor, or family member to see if it resonates. A few key questions to ask
yourself:
 Does this statement truly represent me?
 Does it inspire me to be a better version of myself?
 Can it guide my decisions? For example, if you are considering a new job or project,
you can ask, "Does this opportunity align with my vision?"
Finalize your statement by making it active and positive. Avoid negative language or
focusing on what you don't want. The final version should be something you can read every day
to remind yourself of your purpose and stay on track.

Some Examples for Different Stages of Life

 For a Student: "To use my passion for learning and problem-solving to become a
leading innovator in technology, creating solutions that improve the lives of others."
 For a Career Professional: "I am a compassionate and ethical leader, leveraging my
skills to foster a culture of excellence and integrity, and building a legacy of positive
impact in my industry."
 For an Entrepreneur: "My vision is to build a purpose-driven company that empowers
individuals to unlock their full potential, contributing to a more just and sustainable
world."
Steps to Writing an Organisational Vision Statement
A vision statement of an organisation is a strategic document that defines a company's long-term
goals and its ultimate aspirational future. It should be an inspiring and concise declaration that
guides an organization's mission, values, and strategic decisions. Writing an effective vision
statement requires careful thought and a collaborative approach. The following steps can be
followed.
Step 1: Brainstorming and Ideation
Begin by engaging key stakeholders, including leadership, employees, and board members, in a
collaborative brainstorming session. The goal is to articulate the company's core purpose and
imagine its future. Consider the following questions:
 What is our company's ultimate purpose? Beyond making a profit, what problem do
we solve for our customers or for the world?
 What is our long-term aspiration? What will the world look like if we succeed?
 What impact do we want to have on our customers, employees, and society?
 What unique value do we provide? How do we differentiate ourselves from
competitors?
 What are our core values and beliefs? How will these guide our journey?
Record all ideas, keywords and phrases. Look for common themes and compelling concepts that
resonate with the group.
Step 2: Drafting the Statement
Once you have a collection of ideas, begin drafting the statement. A strong vision statement is
concise, memorable, and future-oriented. Aim for a single sentence or a short paragraph. Here
are some key elements to include:
 Be Aspirational: Use action-oriented and positive language. Words like "lead,"
"transform," "innovate," and "inspire" are often effective.
 Be Future-Oriented: Frame the statement in terms of a future state, not the present. Use
phrases like "To be," "To become," or "To create."
 Be Unique: The statement should reflect your organisation's unique value proposition.
Avoid generic or overly broad statements that could apply to any company.
 Be Concise: The best vision statements are short and easy to remember. Aim for no more
than 1-2 sentences.
Drafting Template:
 Formula 1: "To [action verb] [what we will become] by [how we will do it]."
 Formula 2: "Our vision is to [ultimate goal] for [target audience/the world]."
Step 3: Review and Refine
Share the draft with a broader group of stakeholders, including employees from different
departments, to gather feedback. A great vision statement should resonate with everyone in the
organization.
 Does it inspire you?
 Is it clear and easy to understand?
 Does it align with our core values and mission?
 Does it feel like a stretch, but an achievable one?
Based on the feedback, refine the statement until it captures the essence of the company's
aspirations.

Step 4: Communicate and Embed

A vision statement is only effective if it is widely known and understood. Communicate the final
statement to all employees through company-wide announcements, internal newsletters, and
team meetings. Ensure it is prominently displayed in company offices and on the website.
Furthermore, leaders must actively embed the vision into the company's culture and daily
operations.
 Connect it to Strategy: Use the vision statement as a guiding principle for all strategic
planning and decision-making.
 Align Goals: Ensure that departmental and individual goals are aligned with the overall
vision.
 Reinforce It: Regularly refer to the vision statement in communications, meetings, and
performance reviews to keep it top of mind.
By following these steps, an organisation can create a powerful vision statement that not only
defines its future but also galvanizes its people to achieve it.

THE VISION AND MISSION OF THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), the owner of Redeemer’s University was
founded in 1952 by Reverend Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi in Lagos, Nigeria. The Church is
one of the fastest-growing Pentecostal churches globally with a clearly articulated vision and
mission that guides its rapid expansion and activities. These statements act as the strategic
framework for the church's operations, defining its purpose and future aspirations.
The vision and mission statements of RCCG are widely known within the church and are
a core part of its identity and purpose. They were developed by the General Overseer of the
Church, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, who succeeded the founder in 1982. Pastor Adeboye,
a university lecturer with a PhD in applied mathematics, joined the church in 1973 and became
an interpreter for the founder.
The vision and mission statements of the Church are often presented in a very simple
format for ease of reading and comprehension. They are available in virtually all publications of
RCCG and can also be assessed on-line and on social media. These are stated below.
The Vision
The vision of the RCCG focuses on its ultimate goal and the spiritual destiny of its members.
1. To make heaven.
2. To take as many people with us as possible.
3. To have a member of RCCG in every family of all nations.
The Mission
The mission statement outlines the strategies and principles the church will use to achieve its
vision.
1. To accomplish the first vision (to make heaven), holiness will be our lifestyle. This
emphasizes a commitment to living a life that aligns with biblical principles.
2. To accomplish the second and third vision (taking people to heaven and having a
member in every family), we will plant churches within a five-minute walking
distance in every city and town of developing countries and within a five-minute
driving distance in every city and town of developed countries. This reflects a
strategic and ambitious church planting effort aimed at global evangelism.
3. We will pursue these objectives until every nation in the world is reached for the
Lord Jesus Christ. This is the ultimate goal, showing a commitment to global expansion
and evangelism.
In essence, the vision is the "what" (what the church wants to achieve), and the mission is the
"how" (how the church plans to achieve it). The statements highlight the church's core beliefs in
evangelism, holiness, and global reach.

Implications of the Vision and Mission of RCCG

The vision and mission statements of The RCCG have significant implications for the Church, its
practices and global footprint. They essentially serve as a strategic blueprint, guiding every
aspect of the church's operations. These are discussed from two broad viewpoints.

Organizational and Structural Implications

The mandate to plant churches within a "five-minute walking distance" in developing countries
and a "five-minute driving distance" in developed nations has a direct impact on the church's
organizational structure. This aggressive expansion model necessitates a highly organized and
hierarchical framework.
 Decentralized but Centralized: While each parish is led by a pastor, the entire network
is connected to the global headquarters in Nigeria. This ensures that the core vision,
mission, and doctrines are consistent across all parishes, regardless of their location or
cultural context.
 Rapid Church Planting: This mission has led to the proliferation of RCCG parishes in
cities and towns worldwide, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing Pentecostal
churches globally. It has also led to the development of a unique model where new
parishes are often started by existing members, sometimes in unconventional locations
like shops, hotels, or residential buildings.
 Theocratic and Business Model: The vision and mission blend a spiritual mandate with
a business-like approach to growth. The focus on having a RCCG member in every
family of all nations requires strategic planning, resource mobilization, and a system for
training and deploying pastors to new territories.

Theological and Societal Implications

The vision and mission statements also have profound implications for the church's theological
emphasis and its relationship with society.
 Holiness as a Lifestyle: The vision statement's first point, "to make heaven," is explicitly
linked to the mission of making holiness a lifestyle. This means that a significant portion
 of the church's teaching and practice is centered on personal piety, moral conduct, and a
strict adherence to biblical principles.
 Global Evangelism: The core of RCCG's vision is a commitment to global evangelism.
This is not just about passive growth; it is an active pursuit to "take as many people with
us to heaven" and to "reach every nation." This drive fuels its massive evangelistic
campaigns, such as the monthly Holy Ghost Service and the "Go-a-fishing" outreach
programmes.
 Spiritual and Material Prosperity: While the focus is on a spiritual afterlife ("making
heaven"), RCCG's teachings, particularly under Pastor Adeboye, have also been
associated with the concept of prosperity theology. This often links material and
financial success to faith and obedience, which has been a key factor in attracting a large
following across the globe. This emphasis has also led to the church's engagement in
social welfare, education, and other community development projects.

The Vision and Mission of Redeemer’s University

The vision and mission statements of Redeemer’s University are as follows.
Vision Statement
“To be the foremost academic institution setting standards through continuous commitment to
excellence geared towards making a transformative impact on society.”

Mission Statement
“To continuously impact the society through commitment to excellence in education, research,
creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship and raising global leaders as change agents.”

Redeemer’s University Guiding Values

Redeemer's University (RUN) has a set of core values encapsulated in the acronym LIFE PIE:
Loyalty, Integrity, Faithfulness, Excellence, Passion, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. These
values are designed to shape not just the academic experience but the character and spiritual
development of every student, staff member, and stakeholder.

The LIFE PIE Core Values

L - Loyalty: Loyalty is the commitment to the university's vision, mission, and
community. This implies a dedication to the institution's goals and a shared sense of
purpose among students, faculty, and staff.
 I - Integrity: Integrity means being honest and having strong moral principles. This
value emphasises transparency and ethical conduct in all dealings, both academic and
personal.
F - Faithfulness: Faithfulness is a commitment to God, to humanity, and to the ideals of
the university. It underpins all other values, grounding them in the Christian principles
upon which the university is founded.
E - Excellence: Excellence is a dedication to continuous improvement and maintaining
high professional and academic standards. It is about striving for the highest quality in
everything from teaching and research to student services.
P - Passion: Passion refers to a deep commitment to selfless and sacrificial service. It is
the driving force behind the work done at the university, motivating a high level of
dedication and enthusiasm.
I - Innovation: Innovation is the commitment to creativity and providing solutions to
societal needs. This value encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and the
development of new ideas and approaches.
E - Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship fosters an ecosystem that promotes self-
reliance and the development of business skills. It is about creating job creators rather
than just job seekers.

Implications of the Vision, Mission and LIFE PIE Values of Redeemer's University
These values have significant implications for how Redeemer's University operates and what it
produces. These are
i. Holistic Education: The values go beyond academic achievement to focus on character
and spiritual formation. This means that the university's curriculum and campus life are
designed to produce well-rounded individuals who are not only intellectually competent
but also morally upright.
ii. Strong Community Culture: The emphasis on loyalty and faithfulness aims to create a
cohesive and supportive community. This culture encourages mutual respect,
collaboration, and a shared sense of identity among all members of the university.
iii. High Academic and Ethical Standards: The values of integrity and excellence directly
influence academic policies and expectations. This leads to a strong stance against
 academic misconduct and a focus on maintaining high standards in research and teaching,
enhancing the university's reputation.
iv. Social and Economic Impact: The focus on innovation and entrepreneurship means the
university actively promotes skills that are essential for economic development.
Graduates are expected to be equipped with the creativity and business acumen needed to
start their own ventures and contribute to solving societal problems. This aligns with the
university's mission to produce "change agents" and "global leaders."
v. Alignment with the Founder’s Core Beliefs: As a university founded by The Redeemed
Christian Church of God (RCCG), the LIFE PIE values, especially faithfulness and
integrity, are a direct reflection of the church's core tenets. This ensures that the
university remains true to its Christian foundation and aligns its mission with the broader
vision of the RCCG.

What is in the Vision and Mission of RCCG and RUN for You
Simply, as a student of Redeemer’s University, it is important for you to key into the vision and
mission statements of the University and the Church. These will not only guide you to develop
your own but they will enhance the achievement the divinely ordained purpose for your life.

Summary/Key points
In summary, vision is the ability to imagine or plan for the future. It is a clear, inspirational, and
forward-looking plan (which could be written or not) that describes the desired future state of a
person or an organisation. It paints a picture of what it is aspired to become and achieve in the
long term. Moreover, vision is shows clarity, purpose, inspiration, value alignment, and its future
oriented. To develop vision, there is need for Self-Reflection, visualizing the future, drafting the
vision statement, and reviewing and refining the statement. The vision and mission statements of
RCCG and RUN provide good guides.

Reflection Questions
1. Explain the term vision and differentiate between personal and organizational visions.
2. How important is vision to you as an individual?
3. Discuss the important steps you can follow to develop a vision statement.
4. What are the lessons you can learn from the vision and mission statements of RCCG and
RUN?