Program Objective
This program aims to offer in-depth theological training to pastors with a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent. Its objective is to integrate the theory of Pastoral Ministry with the experience of church ministry and other Christian ministry. The program focuses on the research of the Chinese culture and will explore in-depth the distinct characteristics of ministering to the Chinese church.
Program Design
- The program is made up of three aspects: major courses, elective courses and a doctoral dissertation. In general, classes are held in the form of intensive courses. Each course takes 5 days (40 hours) to complete.
- Major courses are divided into two main groups: Preaching and Leading and Spiritual Formation. Students may opt not to take any major.
- Elective courses are courses outside one's major. Students may choose courses related to special topics in pastoral ministry offered by the Seminary, or courses from another major. Otherwise, under the supervision of an instructor, a student may select to conduct an independent study of certain issues (Independent Guided Pastoral Study).
- The graduation dissertation is the end product of this program. Research and integration are its objectives. Its theme must be directly related to the major of the student, and be creative in concept and have substantial contribution in practice. The format of the dissertation can be: (1) an academic dissertation which can be published as a book upon completion; (2) a project to develop a certain ministry related to ministries which the student has been involved in. Before submitting the dissertation proposal, students must attend classes of methodology in dissertation research.
- Students are required to complete the program within 7 years. To graduate, the student must pass the dissertation oral defense and attain a CGPA not lower than 3.0 on a 4.0 grade scale.
Credit Requirements
Major 4 courses 24 credits
Electives 4 courses 24 credits
Dissertation 12 credits
Total 60 credits
Major Courses (24 credits)
Preaching and Leading Track
DM1021 Contemporary Biblical Studies and Exegesis
DM1025 Contemporary Preaching Methods
DM1033 Changes in the Chinese Church & New Model of Leadership
DM1033-1 Team Leadership: Growth and Ministry
DM1051 Models and Mobilization for Missions
DM1052 Contemporary Models of Evangelism
DM1053 Strategies for Church Growth
DM1054 Contemporary Church Planting Strategies and Models
OR other related courses
Spiritual Formation Track
DM1041 History and Development of Chinese Christian Spiritual Traditions
DM1047 Theology of Spirituality
DM1048 Spiritual Directions in Theory and Practice
DM1049 Spiritual Formation
OR other related courses
Elective Courses (24 credits)
DM1081 Topical Studies in Pastoral Ministry
DM1082 Independent Guided Pastoral Studies I
DM1083 Independent Guided Pastoral Studies II
OR other related courses
Dissertation (12 credits)
DM1091A D. Min. Research (including Methodology in Research classes)
DM1092A Dissertation Writing and Oral Defense
Qualifications for Doctor of Ministry Candidacy
1. Completed one half of the required courses, i.e., 30 credits or above.
2. The dissertation proposal is being approved.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must hold a Master of Divinity degree or equivalent with a CGPA of 3.3 or above on a 4.0 grade scale.
- Must have three years full-time working experience in church, missions or Christian organizations after obtaining the Master of Divinity degree or equivalent. Having five years of full-time working experience after getting the Bachelor of Theology degree may also apply if the applicant holds the B.Th. degree before obtaining the Master of Divinity degree.
- Be able to comprehend theological books written in English. ABS may request proof of the TOEFL results from applicants if deemed necessary.
- Have studied biblical Greek and Hebrew, and know how to use computer software of the biblical languages.
For application and enquiry,
email: absadmission@abs.edu
tel: (852) 3657 4731
**This program is accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA). Period of Accreditation: 2001-2028.
