The partnership between Ebed-Melech University (EMU) and Initiators Christian University (ICU) is first and foremost a kingdom-building collaboration. Both institutions share a commitment to equipping believers for ministry, leadership, and service in the church and the marketplace, and the Memorandum of Understanding simply provides a structured way to live out that shared mission together.
President and Chancellor Dr. Roxanne Kemp with Vice President Kevin Kemp.
Rather than focusing on transactional details, this agreement emphasizes unity in Christ, mutual support, and a long-term vision for raising up mature, well-trained disciples who can serve locally and globally.
As part of this partnership, EMU and ICU agree to work together to welcome students who are already on their educational journey. Within the bounds of each institution’s academic policies, EMU will seek to accept eligible transfer credits from ICU students so that prior learning is honored and students are not forced to start over.
Welcoming Transfers and Honoring Prior Learning
This posture reflects a kingdom mindset:
- Recognizing and valuing the work ICU has already invested in its students.
- Reducing barriers that can discourage called and gifted leaders.
- Encouraging continuity so students can move forward, not backward, as they respond to God’s call.
Where appropriate, both institutions will collaborate to map ICU coursework into EMU degree pathways, helping students see clear next steps and avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.
Collaborating on Future Programs and Pathways
Beyond the initial scope of the MOU, EMU and ICU view this agreement as a foundation for future co-laboring in Christian education. The partnership specifically creates space for:
- Co-developed academic and ministry pathways that reflect the strengths of both institutions and respond to the needs of churches, ministries, and communities.
- New programs and concentrations that can be designed together over time—such as ministry leadership, counseling, discipleship, or marketplace ministry—so that offerings stay responsive to what God is doing in different regions.
- Shared discernment and planning, with regular conversations about emerging needs in the body of Christ and how the two institutions can serve those needs more effectively.
The goal is not to replicate each other’s programs, but to align, complement, and multiply them—so that students experience a richer ecosystem of Christ-centered learning opportunities.
Shared Vision for Kingdom Impact
At the heart of this partnership is a shared conviction that education is a form of discipleship. EMU and ICU see degrees, certificates, and courses not as ends in themselves, but as tools in the hands of the Holy Spirit to shape Christlike character, sharpen spiritual gifts, and strengthen the church’s witness.
Because of that shared vision, the MOU commits both institutions to:
- Pray for one another’s students, faculty, and leadership.
- Seek the flourishing of each other’s ministries, not competition.
- Continually ask how programs, policies, and pathways can better serve the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.
Dr. Varian Harris, President of Initiators Christian University.
In this sense, the partnership is less about institutional expansion and more about faithful stewardship—joining resources, experience, and vision so that more people are equipped to serve Christ in every sphere of life.
Next Steps for Prospective Students and Partners
If you sense that God is calling you to go deeper in preparation for ministry, leadership, or marketplace impact, this new partnership creates multiple pathways for you to take the next step in faith and formation.
- Learn more about Ebed-Melech University’s faith-based online degrees and practitioner certifications by visiting https://ebedmelech.ac to explore programs, admissions details, and upcoming start dates.
- Discover Initiators Christian University’s kingdom-focused programs and initiatives by visiting https://www.initiatorcu.com/ to learn how ICU equips modern-day leaders for ministry and the marketplace.
- If you are a pastor, ministry leader, or Christian organization interested in cohort-based training or future collaborative programs, contact EMU or ICU through their websites to begin a conversation about how this partnership can serve your church or network.
Together, Ebed-Melech University and Initiators Christian University are committed to equipping a global generation of initiators, pastors, counselors, and marketplace leaders—building up the body of Christ through accessible, Christ-centered, academically grounded online learning.