VCI training is based on its educational philosophy of Integrated Leadership Development (ILD) that aims to develop the whole person (on spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, and social level) and to cultivate critical thinking. Students study while doing their practical assignments within their local churches. The competencies of all the programs were designed to equip the student for ministry and all the ministry assignments have to be done in ministerial context in order to demonstrate competency in ministry on a leadership level.

Consequently, ministry formation forms an integral part of the educational programs of VCI. As competency-based theological education is provided, students acquire the practical ministry skills of their degrees within the context of their local church and culture. They do this under the instruction of the ministry and spiritual formation director, cohort professor, unit professors, and cohort coordinators.

In the assessment process, the student is assessed according to the educational objectives of the specific competency unit (course).