AGTS
Degrees: Master of Divinity
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featuring Professor Gary
B. McGee
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 Resident
M.Div. Program
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree program is designed to
form habits of theological reflection based on a deep sense of
God’s Mission in the world. These habits should result
in serious commitment to the church and its mission. Such reflection
begins with a vibrant encounter with God that creates a personal
relationship of faith. Adequate theological reflection requires
the acquisition of interpretive skills for understanding and
living out the teachings of the Scriptures and learning from
the collective experience of Christians in other times and places.
Obviously, without a broad and integrated base of knowledge,
students will not develop an integrated Christian worldview that
makes enlightened theological reflection possible. Reflection,
however, is not enough. Because AGTS desires to form organic
intellectuals rather than arm-chair thinkers, theological reflection
inherently involves thinking on one’s feet in the course
of ministerial activity. To make this kind of reflective action
possible, students will develop creative practical ministry skills
and the confidence to put them to work in ministry. Finally,
and most importantly, students will devote themselves to spiritual
formation that results in a lifetime of passionate, Spirit-filled
service to God and neighbor. The M.Div. degree is also designed
to prepare students fully for further graduate studies at the
Ph.D. or D.Min. levels.
Degree
Components
The M.Div. degree is the flagship degree for theological education
and ministerial training. It provides a thorough education across
the theological disciplines of biblical studies, theology, Church
history, missions and practical theology to furnish men and women
for pastoral leadership in church ministry, as well as providing
an academic specialty that prepares students for continued graduate
work in Ph.D. and D.Min. programs. At AGTS, the M.Div. degree
requires 90 credits of study in four major components.
These curricular components prescribe required coursework and
electives, and students exercise choice though the specialties
they choose for the Vehicle component.
Resident
Degree Program Requirements
featuring m.div. student Becca
Henslee
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Ministry Opportunities
Graduates are equipped to excel in a wide variety of ministries including:
- Senior and associate pastorates
- Christian college instruction and administration
- Foreign and domestic missions
- University campus ministry
- Para-church ministry organizations
- Military and institutional chaplaincy
Comments from Alumni
| “Having come from a liberal arts college, the good theological education
received at AGTS prepared me for ministry. My M.Div. and clinical training has helped
me to be more effective in my work among health care professionals.”
Larry Cooper
Hospital Chaplain
Cox Health Systems
Springfield, Mo.
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“If God is not directing you anywhere else, and there is no reason
in your heart not to go, then what are you waiting for? I can’t imagine regretting
it. The academic credibility, depth, and openness to the winds of revival are a combination
that can’t be beat.”
Daniel Saglimbeni
Pastor
First Assembly of God
Fulton, N.Y.
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“As a credentialed minister for 11 years before enrolling, AGTS was a great
environment for me to grow in Pentecostal theology. The M.Div. has helped provide
me with an excellent overall education from both a theological and practical perspective.”
Dan Call
Vice President
College Relations
North Central University
Minneapolis, Minn.
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Graduation Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for graduation,
an analytical reflection paper of approximately 3,000 words will
be required toward the close of the student’s course work.
The paper will summarize the student’s growth experience
while at the seminary in relationship to the ministry contemplated.
Guidelines are available from the faculty secretary.
Biblical Language Requirements
Introductory coursework in biblical
languages is a prerequisite for M.Div. studies at AGTS. Therefore,
the first six credits of 12 required credits in these languages
do not apply toward the degree. Students without these credits
in a biblical language may take both Hebrew and Greek, completing
12 credits of 500 level courses, or they can choose either Hebrew
or Greek, taking six credits at the 500 level and six credits
at the 600 level. In either case, only six credits of the total
12 may be applied to the M.Div. degree program. Students with
six credits of undergraduate studies in Greek or Hebrew are encouraged
to proceed to take six credits at the 600 level.
A limited number of courses may be taken through
directed research or distance
learning .
M.Div.
Reduction
Students who have earned a significant number of credits in
religious studies from approved colleges and universities may
request exemption from certain required courses in the M.Div.
degree program. Life experience does not qualify for program
reduction. (See registrar for further details.)
The following rules apply to M.Div. program reductions:
- Reductions granted cannot exceed 15 credits.
- Reductions are
considered for undergraduate courses with satisfactory parallel
content, provided the equivalent collegiate courses are double
the credit value of the seminary’s
courses. A minimum grade of B is required and the student
must be able to demonstrate competency in subject matter
by presentation of Course Reduction Portfolios for each course
for which reduction is desired. A fee of $50 per course will
be charged for each portfolio that is evaluated, regardless
of whether or not the reduction is granted.
- All program reductions
must be requested prior to enrollment but no later than the
end of the student’s first semester
of study at AGTS. Requests should be submitted to the Registrar’s
Office
- Partial course reductions will not be granted.
- If the student
later takes a course that has been
reduced, the
reduction would be nullified.
- Courses that will be considered for program reduction are:
Foundations of Biblical Theology or equivalent, Hermeneutics,
Mission of God in Biblical & Contemporary Contexts or
equivalent, New Testament Theology, Old Testament Theology,
Old Testament or New Testament Introduction*, Systematic
Theology I, Systematic Theology II, Communicating the Message
I, The Pastoral Ministry, one Bible and/or Theology elective,
one Missions course.
*May allow reduction for one
course but not both.
In an area where a student demonstrates competency but the criteria
preclude a program reduction, a substitute course may be allowed
if approved. (Secure appropriate form in the Registrar’s
Office.)
In-Service
Track M.Div. Program
The Master of Divinity In-Service Track requires
that applicants: demonstrate involvement in ministry and satisfy
standard admission requirements. The equivalent of one year of
residency (30 credit hours) at the Springfield, Missouri, campus
is required.
Degree Requirements
The M.Div. In-Service Track is a 90 credit degree,
which can be reduced up to 15 credits based upon the student’s
academic background (see M.Div. Reduction).
A prerequisite for the M.Div. In-Service Track is one year of
Greek or its equivalent, which may be taken in addition to the
degree credits required.
In addition to the general requirements for graduation, an analytical
reflection paper of approximately 3,000 words will be required.
The M.Div. In-Service Track curriculum differs from that of
the resident M.Div. in that it does not include the new elements
of the River, Bridge, Road and Vehicle. The requirements for
this degree as stated in the catalog will remain for the duration
of the student’s program.
In-Service
Degree Program Requirements (Through the Continuing
Education Program)
Muslim Ministry Concentration Option
The Muslim Ministry Concentration provides the opportunity to develop competencies essential for effective ministry to Muslims.
Ministry Opportunities
Graduates are equipped to excel in a wide variety of ministries including:
- Senior and associate pastorates
- Foreign and domestic missions
- University campus ministry
- Para-church ministry organizations
- Some institutional chaplaincy programs
Comments from Alumni
“The M.Div. Has elevated and strengthened my teaching and training
skills in my present ministry. I was able to immediately convert the seminary experience
into valid, practical, and effective ministry.
Ron Westbury, President, All Nations’ Bible Seminars, Inc. (Training
pastors in East and Central Africa)
“My M.Div. experience at AGTS exposed me to issues and challenges that
I would face in ministry. Expect a quality academic experience with strong emphasis given
to Pentecostal values and spirituality.”
LeRoy Bartel, AG National Director for Christian
Education/Commission on Discipleship, Springfield, Mo.
Updated:
Wednesday, March 21, 2007 11:13 AM
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