Theology

In ATS, we value a theology that is both biblical and contextual. We seek to develop Asian theologians who will address the Word and the world from an Asian perspective.

The Theology program develops proficiency in adequately interpreting the Bible and applying biblical insights to effect holistic transformation within specific spheres of influence. Students are equipped to integrate the Christian faith in the practice of doing theology. Furthermore, students are also empowered to model a life showing an internally formed biblical holiness.

1. Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies (G.Dip. TS)
   • The Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies is a one-year non-degree program of study that aim to provide a basic introduction to theological studies. This program is intended for students who have no plans to pursue a career in theological reflection, education or writing but who desire personal enrichment and training in the art and skill of theological reflection for use in their personal ministry. Those who complete the program will be able to:
     • Exegete the Bible according to sound hermeneutical principles, aided by the insight of Christian tradition, and in accordance with the highest standards of academic scholarship.
     • do local theology by applying one’s own exegesis of the Bible to one’s own historical context in such a way that holistic transformation is effected within one’s own social, political, and cultural spheres of influence.
     • Consistently model the disciplined and practical exercise of an internally formed biblical holiness.

All who take the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies program are required to complete 33 credit units, which include 27 credit units of core, focus, and elective courses, as well as the two prerequisite courses, Writing Academic Papers and Introduction to the Bible, which are 3 credit units each. These prerequisite courses, however, may be validated.

All credit units earned under the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies program may be credited towards the Master of Arts in Theology degree.

All who take the Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies program are required to participate in at least one Care Group session and attend the weekly Chapel services during the course of their study.

2. Master of Arts in Theology (M.A. Theo)

The Master of Arts in Theology is an academic program for those who wish to pursue a master’s degree in theology. Those who complete the program should be able to:

• Integrate the Christian faith in the practice of doing theology.
• Model a life showing an internally formed biblical holiness.
• Interpret the Bible adequately and apply biblical insights to effect holistic transformation within their own spheres of influence.
• Develop competencies in doing theology.

All who take the Master of Arts in Theology program must complete 60 credit units, which include 57 credit units of core, focus, and elective courses, as well as the two prerequisite courses, Writing Academic Papers and Introduction to the Bible. These prerequisite courses may be validated.

The Master of Arts in Theology program will also require the completion of a Comprehensive Exam and a Masteral Thesis.

All credit units earned under the Master of Arts in Theology program may be credited towards the Master of Divinity in Theology degree.

All who take the Master of Arts in Theology program are required to participate in at least two Care Group sessions and attend the weekly Chapel services during the course of their study.

3. Master of Divinity in Theology (M.Div. Theo)

The Master of Divinity in Theology is a three-year master’s program the aim of which is the holistic development of pastor-theologians, emphasizing the balanced training of head (academic scholarship), heart (spirituality), and hand (ministry skills, contextualization and especially the ability to communicate the truths of the Christian faith through writing). Those who graduate from the study program will be able to:

• Exegete the Bible according to sound hermeneutical principles, aided by the insights of Christian tradition, and in accordance with the highest standards of academic scholarship.
• Do local theology by applying one’s own exegesis of the Bible to one’s own historical context in such a way that holistic transformation is effected within one’s own social, political, and cultural spheres of influence.
• Consistently model the disciplined and partial exercise of an internally formed biblical holiness.
• Shepherd the flock of God through the effective us of God-given spiritual gifts and seminary-honed ministry skills.
• Communicate the Christian faith through the faithful exercise of preaching and writing. Though the program is primarily designed to equip students for pastoral ministry, it also provides excellent preparation for those intending to pursue higher theological education or to engage in a vocation involving theological education, reflection, and writing.

All who take the Master of Divinity in Theology program must complete a total of 90 credit units, which include 90 credit units of core, focus, and elective courses, as well as the two non-credit prerequisite courses, Writing Academic Papers and Introduction to the Bible. These prerequisite courses, however, may be validated.

All who take the Master of Divinity in Theology program are also required to participate in at least three Care Group sessions, attend the weekly Chapel services, and to read through the entire Bible once a year until their program of study is completed.

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