Program Objective
This program offers opportunities for young Christians who have attained postsecondary education qualifications (such as Diploma, Higher Certificate, and Associate Degree) and with a clear commitment to full-time, lifelong professional ministry to study the Bible and theology. Through an in-depth study of the Bible and its relationship with other theological disciplines, this program equips them to serve in the church and to face the challenges of contemporary pastoral ministry. The curriculum is balanced by the threefold approach of academics, spirituality, and church practicum.
Program Design
- This is a full-time study program with a total of 165 quarter credits to be completed in 4 years. Some of the courses required are at the undergraduate level.
- Upon completion of the first year, students who have attained a CGPA of 2.7 or above may continue their studies. Students should redirect their studies to the Bachelor’s degree program if grade points do not reach 2.7.
- From the second year onwards, students may choose to major in Intercultural Studies or opt not to take any major. They may also opt to write a thesis.
- All students must register for courses according to the Seminary’s regulations, attend music & art practice, and complete field education and spiritual formation requirements.
- After completing the whole program, students are granted both the Bachelor of Christian Studies and Master of Divinity degrees.
Credit Requirements
Core 38 courses 109 credits
Major/ Electives 14 courses 42 credits
Field Education 12 credits (need to pay tuition fee for 4 credits)
Music & Art Practice 2 credits (free of charge)
Total 165 credits
Core (109 credits)
[All courses are 3-credit unless stated otherwise.]
Biblical Studies
Year 1 BS114 Biblical Exegesis *
OT532 Introduction to the Study of the Old Testament
NT532 Introduction to the Study of the New Testament
LA513 New Testament Greek I
LA514 New Testament Greek II
LA519 New Testament Exegesis
Year 2 BS515 Hermeneutics
LA541 Old Testament Hebrew I
LA542 Old Testament Hebrew II
LA549 Old Testament Exegesis
Year 3/4 BS522 Biblical Theology OR
NT501 New Testament Theology OR
OT501 Old Testament Theology
Theology/Church History/Chinese Cultural Studies
Year 1 TH510 Theological Research Method (1 credit)
Year 2 CH504 Church History I: The Building and Continuity of the Early Church
CH505 Church History II: The Medieval Period, Pre- and Post-Reformation
CH506 Church History III: Modern Church and the History of Evangelicalism
Year 3 TH511 Systematic Theology I
TH512 Systematic Theology II
TH513 Systematic Theology III
Year 4 CH526 History of Church in China
TH505 Christian Ethics
TH582 Spirituality Theology: Theology and Practice
Practical Theology and General Studies
Year 1 PT560 Identity Formation and Character Education
PT561 Christian Education and Teaching Ministry
LA210 Theological English*
GA451 Selected Readings in Christian Classics*
CO506 Basic Counseling Skills (2 credits)
Year 2 PT512 Homiletics I
ME531 Introduction to Missiology
GA214 Thinking Method*
CO110 Personal Growth in Spiritual Life*
GA213 Introduction to Western Philosophy*
Year 3 PT515 Homiletics II
PT558 Human Development and Transformative Discipleship
PT559 Pastoral Leadership and Church Development
PT524 Pastoral Care and Counseling
Year 4 GA511 Integration Paper on Study and Ministry
PT503 Christian Worship (2 credits)
PT504 The Art of Evangelism (2 credits)
Major/Elective Courses (42 credits)
Major in Intercultural Studies
ME541 Missionary Anthropology
ME542 Evangelism, Church Planting and Church Growth
ME543 History of Christian Missions
ME544 Folk Religions
In addition to 30 credits of choice in other elective courses.
No Major
Students are free to take 42 credits of their choice in elective courses.
Writing Thesis
Complete a 6-credit graduation thesis (20,00 words in Chinese) plus 36 credits of choice in elective courses.
Field Education and Music & Art Practice (14 credits)
Year 1 GA515-1 Music & Art Practice (Year 1)
PT410A First Unit of Internship (Winter quarter)
PT410B First Unit of Internship (Spring quarter)
Year 2 GA515-2 Music & Art Practice (Year 2)
PT410C First Unit of Internship (Fall quarter)
PT641A Second Unit of Internship (Winter quarter)
PT641B Second Unit of Internship (Spring quarter)
Year 3 PT641C Second Unit of Internship (Fall quarter)
PT642A Second year of Second Unit of Internship (Winter quarter)
PT642B Second year of Second Unit of Internship (Spring quarter)
PT643A Summer Internship
Year 4 PT642C Second year of Second Unit of Internship (Fall quarter)
Note: Course with asterisk (*) is undergraduate level course offered in alternate years.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must be born-again Christians, have been baptized, and be members of a local church for at least 2 years at the anticipated time of enrolment.
- Have a clear calling to a lifelong professional ministry, regardless of the affiliated church denomination.
- Demonstrate acceptable levels of spiritual maturity, appropriate giftedness, and ministry involvement in the church. A recommendation from the affiliated church is needed.
- Hold an Associate Degree or equivalent.
- Applicants need to attend the interview and sit for a written examination.
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: 2017-2028.
