In the process of fulfilling its mission, the University functions within a framework established for the purpose of generating an educational climate distinctive to Smith Christian University. That framework is spelled out in the following institutional distinctives:

• In preparing students for ministry, Smith Christian University is committed to excellence in scholarship, teaching, personal nurturing, spirituality, and obedience in faith.
• In classroom and in research, Smith Christian University is committed to thorough, honest scholarship as a tool to properly understand the Word of God.
• In curriculum, Smith Christian University presents that which is also practical rather than merely theoretical, the biblical rather than the merely philosophical.
• In theology, Smith Christian University is dispensational rather than covenant, distinguishing God's distinct dealings with Israel and the Church.
• In eschatology, Smith Christian University is premillennial and pretribulational, expecting an imminent rapture.
• In ecclesiology, Smith Christian University acknowledges the dispensational body of Christ and the primacy of the local church as a body of believers.
• In polity, Smith Christian University promotes congregational, independent activities, and voluntary fellowship with others of like faith and practice.
• In outreach, Smith Christian University promotes personal and congregational evangelism, including the planting of new churches.