Our Commitment

Tokyo Christian University is committed to the Christ-centered pursuit of the liberal arts in an East Asian context for the purpose of educating and training students to become mature Christians of integrity who are equipped as bridge people to serve God’s church and world.

Christ-centered Pursuit of the Liberal Arts

English-track students pursue their studies in a variety of subjects, including Japanese language, biblical and theological studies, literature, philosophy, psychology, history, sociology, music, public speaking, the arts, linguistics, and others. All courses take the Christian faith seriously. This does not mean that we hold that there is a special Christian psychology, history, or linguistics. Rather, we do believe that Christian faith should inform how we view everything in the world, including these subjects. We further believe that the study of such subjects will enrich our understanding of how God works among us.

In an East Asian Context

TCU welcomes students from around the world who are committed to seeking a Christian liberal arts education in an Asian context, particularly in a Japanese context. Our curriculum draws upon its Japanese and East Asian context in several ways. Some courses in history and culture explicitly focus on East Asia. Other courses, even if on a “general” subject, such as psychology, will use Japanese examples and discuss the implications for our understanding and appreciation of East Asia. All students study the Japanese language in and outside of the classroom. Living in Japan, they will have no choice but to use Japanese for daily life on campus – nearly all students, Japanese and international students alike, live together in campus dormitories – as well as off campus. All students, whatever their major, enroll in “practical church assignments” throughout their entire program; two years, at least, should be in a Japanese-speaking church. Through these and other experiences, students are regularly confronted with the special needs and concerns of people living in Japan.

Mature Christians of Integrity

At Tokyo Christian University, we are committed to encourage students to keep service to Jesus Christ as the primary value in their lives; to develop and maintain character and moral values that are consistent with that commitment; and to develop an independent and mature spirit so that they can stand strong in this commitment, character, and moral values after they graduate and are no longer part of the TCU community.

Bridge People

TCU aims to produce graduates who will be “bridge people.” The body of Christ exists in many cultures. We believe that Christ wants Christians in these different cultures to know, appreciate, bless, enjoy, and learn from each other. Because bridge-building is a key expectation for our graduates, students should learn the Japanese language, grow in their understanding of Japanese culture, and experience the Japanese church so that they can interpret their home churches to Christians in Japan, and also interpret the Japanese church to Christians in their home cultures.

To Serve God’s Church and World

TCU is open to Christians who wish to serve Christ effectively. Some graduates eventually go on to work in ministerial positions, but the majority serve as “salt and light” in various professions. In preparation for whichever of these paths our students may take, we are committed to the education of heart and mind for compassionate service and effective leadership.

Verse of the Year, Theme and Prayer Requests for 2025

Verse of the Year

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew ５:９)

Theme

“As Children of God”

Prayer Requests

These prayer requests will be used to pray for TCU through individual prayer, Staff Briefings, Morning Prayer Meetings, and Faculty and Staff prayer meetings.

1. Stand in the Gap Christ’s peace in broken places （TCU Concept）

For the fulfillment in the Global Liberal Arts for Christian Life and Ministry Department, and fulfillment of
education research studies in the Graduate School of Theology.
For dorm life in the Women’s, Men’s and Family dorms, each dorm committee’s work, and commuting
students’ lifestyles.
For students studying online in the TCU Extension Program, Graduate School or Doctorate program.
That as peacemakers, we would be aware of the gaps before our eyes, and prayerfully reach out our hands
in such ways as we are able.
My prayer request（My conviction and awareness as a child of God）：

2. Christ is All （TCU Motto）

For Students to learn about their calling, and guidance to do that work. For career support in that calling.
For intercultural understanding and spiritual development, for international students and short-term
program students.
That the advising professors, “Koinonia” small group chapel, office hours, TCU Health support and
counseling services would be used.
My prayer request（My calling as a child of God）：

3. For Christians to deeply experience the power of the Gospel （Growing in maturity in the human image at TCU ）

That through Chapel, Church Practicum, Prayer meetings and dorm life, people would grow into deeper
spiritual maturity.
That the Undergraduate and Graduate programs would be a foundational block in the theological education
and research in Asia, producing ministers and spiritual leaders in the Christian body.
For the work of the Student Council, Spring Retreat, Summer Mission Trip, and Zion Festival committees
and their work, Circle and club activities, and the volunteer center’s work.
My prayer request（My spiritual state as a child of God）：

4. For students to be sent to TCU

For the Student recruitment goals to be met (33 1st year students, 14 3rd year transfer students, 18
graduate students, 2 doctorate students)
For the Open Campus activities, Student Ambassador, SNS and TCU pamphlets to be of use in recruiting
students.
For a blessing on the groups and churches supporting TCU and sending students (Cumberland Presbyterian,
Holiness, Bible Church Alliance, Bible Christ, Assemblies, NSKK, Japanese Presbyterian, Japan Alliance
Christ Church, Baptist Church alliance, JECA, Evangelical Free church, Free Methodist, Mennonite Brethren,
Japan Gospel Fellowship, Conservative Baptist Association)
For graduates, graduates from the predecessor schools, and the 23 support groups.
My prayer request（For the Church as God’s family）：

5. For Donations to be given

Thanksgiving for all donations given last year! That this year’s donation goals would be met.
Thanksgiving for the scholarships given last year! That the new “Crown Scholarship” donators would
increase.
That all positions and work of the Board of Directors, University management committee, Faculty meeting,
Research committee, Academic meetings and staff meetings would be used richly.
My prayer request（My path・Work as a child of God）

TCU_Prayer_Request_2025.pdf