Master's Degree Programs

AREA I – BIBLICAL STUDIES

Biblical revelation is the foundation and source of the Church’s message. As a church we affirm "that we accept and stand for the whole Bible rightly divided, and for the New Testament as our rule of faith and practice . . . (and that the New Testament is) . . . the only rule for government and discipline." The study of the Scriptures in the context of the history and culture of its own times prepares the student to understand and to interpret the Word of God for today’s world. The development of competence in exegesis and exposition furnishes the student with tools for his or her role as interpreter and proclaimer of the Word.

The objectives of the Seminary in the area of Biblical Studies are:

• 1. To aid the student in the acquisition of skills necessary to interpret and understand the Scriptures;

  2. To instill in the student the importance of personal integrity and emphasize that integrity grows out of Biblical roots and is manifested in spiritually fruitful, interpersonal relationships; and

  3. To encourage sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in all areas of life and ministry, especially in anointed preaching and teaching of the Word.

AREA II – HISTORICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

The Word has come down to the present day through the mediation of the Church; and the Church’s understanding of the Word has influenced its own history and theology in each age. As students become acquainted with the history of the Church as an institution and with the historical development of Christian doctrine, they are given insight for evaluating various contemporary theologies, enabling them to develop a sound, biblical-theological position which will inform and undergird their ministry.

The objectives of the Seminary in the area of Historical and Theological Studies are:

• 1. To teach the faith and history of the Church, especially the deep Scriptural holiness and Pentecostal themes which for centuries have nourished the people of God and figured so prominently in the formation of the Church of God;

  2. To promote a historically informed appreciation of the doctrines and ministries of the Church in today’s world;

  3. To provide a theological foundation for a ministry of servant leadership and a commitment to an international, multicultural Church with a worldwide mission to all peoples, but especially to the poor; and

  4. To model and inculcate a sense of the inner relationship of doctrine and spiritual formation and the way in which sound doctrine makes ministry practice truly good ministry when there is a proper integration of theology and practice.

AREA III – STUDIES IN THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH

The Church must live and minister in today’s world, with all of its cultural and ethnic variations, as well as its uncertainties, problems, and hurts. Through the insights of theology and the social sciences, the student is encouraged to come to grips with what it means to be the people of God in one’s own cultural context. The ministry of the Church in today’s world is studied from different perspectives, using different methods of teaching for the purpose of developing in the student the requisite ministry competencies.

The objectives of the Seminary in the area of Studies in the Life and Ministry of the Church are:

• 1. To facilitate the development of a theology and practice of ministry which is biblically sound, historically informed, and relevant to contemporary human needs; and

  2. To impart a comprehensive and integrated vision of the human condition in order to enable one to minister to the whole person in his or her socio-cultural setting.

AREA IV – PERSONAL FORMATION FOR MINISTRY

At the core of preparation for ministry is one’s personal formation. The person who serves in Christian ministry must be above reproach in character, knowledgeable of the Scriptures, established in the faith, and disposed towards sacrificial service. This requires a lifelong commitment to personal discipleship, faithful union with the Church, obedience to the great commandment to love God and neighbor, and fulfillment of the Great Commission. The integration of personal faith with biblical-theological studies and ministry practices is an essential component of formation for Christian ministry.

The objectives of the Seminary in the area of Personal Formation for Ministry are:

• 1. To cultivate the development of a personal identity in Christ which integrates one’s personal story with that of the people of God, the Christian faith, and the mission of the Church;

  2. To nurture commitment to lifelong discipleship characterized by unity with the body of Christ, stewardship in a local congregation, worship, and spiritual disciplines (including the intellectual love of God); and

  3. To provide a community of faith and fellowship that will enrich the student’s life and family for ministry in the Church.

PRE-SEMINARY PREPARATION

Seminary work demands more than the singular pursuits of either academics or skill enhancement. Theological work requires an integration of head and heart that is biblically grounded, historically informed, theologically sound, and contextually relevant. It is therefore recommended that whenever possible, students at the undergraduate level obtain a good, general working knowledge of the Bible, church history, world history, the arts and sciences (including behavioral/social sciences), critical thinking, research and writing skills, philosophy, world religions, etc. One year of biblical Greek and/or Hebrew is strongly recommended for the Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies. Since the Seminary has established such a strong academic reputation, with many graduates having been admitted to the top doctoral studies programs, undergraduate students who desire advanced Seminary placement are urged to consult with the Vice President for Academics as early as possible during their undergraduate program. (See Advanced Standing with Credit)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The Seminary understands itself to be the church gathered for theological education. It is a community of faith, love, and learning. All programs of study are viewed from this perspective.

The Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry programs require the equivalent of a minimum of one year of residential coursework. This coursework may be completed at the Seminary main campus or at approved extensions. Transfer credit cannot count toward meeting this residency requirement. In addition to course requirements, students are expected to participate in a variety of programs which help to nurture the community of faith: Pentecostal Foundations for Christian Ministry and Study, Supervision and Assessment, Ministerial Development, Chapel, Community of Faith (Counseling Development Group for counseling students), Ministers Week, and Church of God History and Polity.

Pentecostal Foundations for Christian Ministry and Study (SA 801)

All students are required to successfully complete Pentecostal Foundations for Christian Ministry and Study within their first 12 hours of coursework. Offered during the Fall and Spring terms each year, this course makes it possible for the students to dialogue with various faculty members concerning the integration of theology, ministry, and life.

Supervision and Assessment

At various points in the students’ educational and ministerial development, they are given special occasions to assess their readiness for ministry. At the beginning of the Seminary experience, students are carefully assessed through an evaluation of their application for admission and the inventory/evaluation program, which is designed to assess intellectual abilities and psychological development. During the first semester, other assessments are given to determine readiness and aptitude for ministry. Students are thus encouraged to self-evaluate, and individual programs are designed accordingly. To aid in this initial assessment process, the students are required to take SA 801 - Pentecostal Foundations for Christian Ministry and Study. This three-hour course is team-taught and allows the students to assess in a very basic way their readiness for the study of theology and ministry.

Academic, formational, and ministry practice evaluation are part of a continuing program of student assessment. In addition to evaluation of the student’s course work by the course instructors, there is ongoing assessment of personal and ministerial formation throughout the student's Seminary experience. This process involves (1) various assessment instruments through participation in the Pentecostal Foundations course, (2) four semesters of participation in a Community of Faith and Ministry Development Group each of which will include reflection on ministry practice and personal formation, (3) the development of a portfolio and capstone project which demonstrate successful completion of degree program outcomes, (4) a mid-program review with a faculty advisor to assess progress in achievement of degree program outcomes, (5) a

final-program review including a public presentation of the student’s capstone project, and (6) assessment of supervised ministry experiences (an internship and/or practicum depending on degree program and student assessments).

Ministerial Development

The Ministerial Development Committee, comprised of faculty, staff, and students, has the responsibility to design and require specific ministry programs which will enhance student development. At any time during the course of one’s program, a student may be asked to appear before the Ministerial Development Committee to respond to one or more of the following areas: academic/ministerial difficulties, discipline issues, or personal crises and problems.

Chapel

The development of the spiritual life is of paramount importance to all Christians, especially to those who are called to, and in the process of preparing themselves for, Christian ministry. Regular chapel services, which are held on Tuesday and Thursday of each week, are designed to be meaningful worship experiences for the whole Seminary community, and attendance is required. It is our desire that these services be spiritually enriching and supportive of the Seminary’s process of ministerial preparation and formation.

Through regular chapel services and special services, Seminary students have the opportunity to minister to each other and to be ministered to by outstanding ministers from a broad and varied experience.

Community of Faith and Counseling Development Groups

All degree-seeking students are required to be part of a Community of Faith (COF) or Counseling Development Group (CDG) which meets weekly with a faculty facilitator or other approved leadership. The purpose of the COF and CDG is sharing one's testimony, receiving and giving care, and development in ministry practice. Students must earn four credit hours by participating in not less than four semesters of the COF or CDG.

Ministers' Week

Ministers' Week is an occasion for the Seminary community to join with representatives of leadership, various general departments, and other educational institutions of the Church to consider vital aspects of contemporary ministry from an interdisciplinary perspective, using various educational methods and in a manner which models the integration of faith and practice which is the hallmark of the Seminary.

Ministerial Credentials

Church of God students who are planning to enter full-time Christian service and who have not yet received ministerial credentials are encouraged to make application for ministerial credentials early in their seminary career, as this will assist in the formation of a ministerial identity. The credentialing process is overseen by the State Administrative Bishop of the state or territory where one is a member. Credentials are granted by the denomination through a process that includes a written application, endorsement by one’s State Administrative Bishop, one’s pastor, and the local congregation of one’s membership, and written and oral examinations administered by a duly appointed Examining Board. With the approval of a student’s State Administrative Bishop, ministerial exams may be administered by an Examining Board at the Seminary.

Also, it is the policy of the Church of God to allow a student at the point of graduation with a Masters degree from PTS to be exempt from the written examination for advancement in ministerial rank. This applies to the initial rank of Exhorter or advancement from Exhorter to Ordained Licensed Minister or Advancement from Ordained Licensed Minister to Ordained Bishop. Students wishing to take advantage of this program must be otherwise qualified for the advance and they must complete the normal application process through their respective State Offices.

All Church of God Students are strongly encouraged to take Church of God History and Polity (HS 650) if they have not already taken it at the undergraduate level. Successful completion of this course is a prerequisite for any student wishing to be examined at the seminary for ministerial credentials or advancement in ministerial rank. For more information contact the Ministerial Development Committee.

PLACEMENT

General. Assistance with placement in ministerial service is done after careful assessment of the student’s story/autobiography, talents, experience, and ongoing ministerial development needs. Students are encouraged to work through their denominational channels (state bishops, district overseers, departments, etc.) when inquiring about ministerial vacancies and needs.

Chaplaincy. The Seminary offers specialized training opportunities for students interested in military, prison, hospital, campus, industry, and other institutional chaplaincy programs. Candidates for authorized chaplaincy positions are screened and processed through the Church of God Chaplains Commission.

DURATION

All course credits applied toward degree requirements must be earned within ten (10) years of the awarding of the degree.

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