Community and Values
Our Values
Living Gospel
Whole People
Rigorous Humility
Intercultural Community
Active Hope
We are rooted and shaped by the whole, living Gospel. Our faith is expressed not only in what we affirm, but also in how we love and serve God and our neighbors with our hearts and hands.
Who we are is who we are
Faculty, students, staff, alumni, and friends—our institution isn’t defined by bricks or statements, but by our warm, faithful, and generous people—our living stones.
The North Park Story
From a humble immigrant school for Swedish pastors to a thriving intercultural Christian university—our story shapes what we know and value.
By the Numbers
100%
students receive financial aid
55%
Evangelical Covenant Church students
66%
distance or regional cohorts
33%
students of color
53%
women
I appreciated the rich depth and breadth of experiences that our professors brought into the classroom. They were passionate about their subject, and they wanted us to succeed. They were also gracious enough to share their lives with us—their love of music, poetry, travel, their pets, nature, and hobbies. It was clear that they were lifelong learners, and it was easy to relate to them. They modeled for us how to handle the Word with care and be well-rounded individuals who lead with compassion.
—Paulita T. (MA in Christian Formation)
The first experience I had that made a big impact was when the staff prayed for my mom when she was sick. My New Testament professor showed me some grace by allowing me to complete assignments and by being considerate of my situation. The community is very gracious.
—Jason L. (MA in Christian Formation)
I was transferred from solitary confinement to Illinois, where I met the staff and the faculty of the School of Restorative Arts. The compassion and the empathy of the individual professors and the volunteers who came in—they had a particular commitment and investment that other universities didn’t have. It was truly about creating a beloved community, and that is something that you cannot put a price on because it rejuvenates, restores, and can resurrect someone’s humanity.
—Antonio P. (DMin)
The Only Seminary of the Evangelical Covenant Church
Since 1891, we have been founded and rooted in the Evangelical Covenant Church, a Swedish immigrant group of mission friends that has grown to a multicultural, missional denomination across North America.
While many of our students are from ECC churches, every year we welcome students from many other affiliations.
Worship and Community
Our learning community is formed around the rhythms of worship and table, from weekly chapel to holiday meals.
Our Chicago Campus
Whether staying for a week for an on-campus intensive, or living full-time with our local Chicago cohort—our seminary students experience our North Park University campus as an historic oasis in the midst of the vibrant, world-class city.