RBCS Writing & Style Guide
Because Words Shape Worlds
At Revolution Bible College & Seminary, we believe writing is more than just an academic requirement—it’s spiritual formation. Every paper is an altar. Every sentence is a chance to sharpen clarity, confront injustice, and carry truth with both fire and grace.
This guide will walk you through what we expect when it comes to written assignments, research papers, reflections, and projects at RBCS.
Foundational Writing Values
- Honesty over polish. Write like someone who cares more about truth than impressing people.
- Substance over fluff. If it’s not helping your reader understand or engage—it’s filler. Cut it.
- Spirit + Scholarship. We want both the anointing and the argument. Carry the Spirit and cite your sources.
- Voice matters. Write academically—but don’t lose your voice. You don’t have to sound like a robot to sound smart.
Academic Format Requirements
Unless your instructor says otherwise, use the following:
- Font: Times New Roman or Georgia, 12 pt.
- Spacing: Double-spaced
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- Page Numbers: Bottom right corner
- Title Page: Include paper title, your name, course name, date, and instructor name
- File Format: .doc, .docx, or PDF (no Google Docs links unless approved)
Citing Sources (Chicago/Turabian Style)
We follow the Chicago/Turabian style for all academic writing—footnotes preferred over in-text citations. Why? Because footnotes let the content flow while still giving credit where it’s due.
Example (Footnote):
The kingdom of God always breaks in at the margins.^1
^1 Richard Rohr, The Universal Christ (New York: Convergent, 2019), 87.
Bibliography Example:
Rohr, Richard. The Universal Christ. New York: Convergent, 2019.
Plagiarism Policy
Let’s keep it real: copying is stealing. Even if it’s from a sermon or blog. Plagiarism includes:
- Copying someone else’s work without citation
- Reusing your own paper for another class without approval
- Using AI-generated content without critical engagement or citation
If you didn’t write it, say where it came from. We’re not here to shame—we’re here to form truth-tellers.
Types of Writing You’ll Do at RBCS
| Type | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Research Paper | Formal exploration of a theological or biblical topic | Use scholarly sources, engage both head and heart |
| Reflection Paper | Personal response to a reading, Scripture, or experience | Be vulnerable, but connect it to course material |
| Exegetical Paper | Verse-by-verse analysis of a passage in context | Use original languages when possible, dig deep |
| Book Review | Summary + critique of a required text | Don’t just summarize—interact with it |
| Ministry Project Report | Field-based reporting + theological reflection | Tell the story, but also interpret the story through a Kingdom lens |
Grammar, Spelling & Style Tips
- Use inclusive language where appropriate (e.g. “humankind” instead of “mankind”)
- Avoid clichés, fluff, or overused Christianese
- Use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Yes, we care.
- Don’t capitalize things that don’t need it (the word Gospel when used generically, Church unless referring to a specific one, etc.)
- Avoid AI-sounding phrasing—if it sounds robotic or off-brand, rewrite it
Final Tips from the RBCS Tribe
- Ask better questions. Your papers don’t have to tie everything up in a bow.
- Don’t write alone. Use your community, your mentor, your professor, and the Holy Spirit.
- Get messy, then edit. First drafts are supposed to be raw. Polish comes later.
- Think prophetically. What is God doing beneath the text? Beneath your paper?
Writing Resources
We recommend using:
- Zotero – Free citation manager
- Turabian Quick Guide – Short and clear reference
- Grammarly – Grammar/spelling tool (with discernment)
- BibleHub or Blue Letter Bible – For exegesis and word study
Remember: Writing at RBCS isn’t about passing a class. It’s about becoming a kind of person—thoughtful, Spirit-filled, clear, and courageous.
If you’re writing truth with love?
You’re already preaching.