Provide opportunities for current full-time preachers or related professional ministers to further their studies to enhance their personal spiritual maturity, enrich their theological foundation, and develop professional qualities in preaching.
To help students serve more effectively in their respective ministry positions, the goals cover three areas: Bible and theology, personal growth, and ministry.
1. Biblical and theological goals:
a. Be able to effectively formulate biblical and theological frameworks within each school context;
b. Able to use this framework to evaluate their current ministry environment and make improvements;
c. Conduct professional research at doctoral level in the chosen research field;
d. Acquire the academic skills needed for a lifelong study of Scripture and theology to teach God’s Word more effectively.
2. Personal goals:
a. Reflect on personal life experiences to obtain healing and growth;
b. Build a character that is in line with God’s heart through spiritual training;
c. Be able to plan the direction of lifelong learning and improvement for yourself.
3. Ministry goals:
a. Improve various service skills, such as preaching, leadership, coaching, administration, vision seeking, educational curriculum design, communication, second-generation Asian American ministry, cross-cultural missionary ministry, etc.;
b. Effectively communicate God’s Word in postmodern and multicultural environments;
c. Effectively lead and manage the church or gospel institution;
d. Have a global perspective and bring the Christian message to other cultures and ethnic groups;
e. Train other leaders to enhance their ability to serve in the church or evangelical organization.
The entire course must be completed within 3-6 years.
After students complete all courses, they will receive a doctorate in pastoral science certificate issued by Dean Zhang Boli.
During the period of study, if there is a reunion point for classmates in the city where the student is located, the student should try to attend irregular reunions as much as possible.
Must have Internet access and master basic computer knowledge and skills (such as Internet access, downloading, Word operations, etc.).
Be able to operate and use online video conferencing software such as ZOOM.
Because this seminary is taught online, students must have Internet access.
Tuition fee for doctoral degree in pastoral science: US$200 per credit hour, plus the thesis fee for the supervising professor (domestic house church pastors can apply for partial exemption).
1. Master of Theology (M. Div.) with a grade point average of at least 3.0 (B or 83.5-86.4%). Applicants holding non-M. Div. degrees are required to complete some M. Div. credits before completing the 12-credit D. Min. coursework.
2. Have at least two years of full-time ministry experience after receiving the M. Div. degree. Applicants with ministry experience prior to earning an M. Div. or other master's degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
3. Letters of recommendation from two church leaders are required.
4. Ability to understand Mandarin.
36 credits must be completed (including 30 credits of courses and 6 credits of thesis). All courses are taught in the form of intensive classes, which last for one week, with 3 credits per subject and four hours of teaching per day. At least 5 people must register for each subject before classes can start.
• Spiritual formation of local church believers (3)
• Ministry Theology (3)
• Research Methodology for the PhD in Pastoral Studies (3)
• Guide to writing a thesis proposal for a doctoral degree in pastoral ministry (3)
• Thesis (4)
1. Complete 34 credits in accordance with regulations, with an overall average grade of 3.0 or above (B or 83.5-86.4%).
2. Complete the graduation thesis and pass the thesis oral examination.
3. Complete the school leaving procedures.
