Program Objective

This program aims to train pastors who are tailored to the ministry needs of churches in the UK. Rooted in our institution's full-time Master of Divinity (MDiv) curriculum, this program has been adapted to address the specific contexts of the UK church. Designed as a three-year full-time program, it offers academic, spiritual, communal, and character formation for Bachelor’s Degree graduates who have received a divine calling. Ultimately, the program aims to equip UK Chinese churches with qualified pastors who embody both spiritual maturity and the ABS (Alliance Bible Seminary) spirit.

Program Design

1. Target Student: Chinese Christian called to full-time ministry who possess a university degree.
2. The program is conducted in a cohort format, commencing in September 2026. Students are required to complete 122 credits of full-time study within three academic years, alongside fulfilling requirements for internships and spiritual/life formation.
3. Diverse Learning Modes:Including face-to-face classes at the Cheung Chau Campus in Hong Kong and the Nazarene Theological College in Manchester, UK, as well as live, pre-recorded, and intensive face-to-face sessions.
4. Students will attend classes and reside at the Cheung Chau Campus in Hong Kong during the Autumn term of the first academic year and the Spring term of the third academic year.
5. The curriculum will be conducted at the Nazarene Theological College affiliated with the University of Manchester, UK.
6. Church internships are required throughout all three academic years. Students who have previously completed the Master of Arts in Christian Studies (Youth Calling - Overseas) program at ABS are still required to fulfill the internship requirements of this program.
7. Students will be assigned to a Teacher-Student Care Group, meeting regularly online with occasional in-person gatherings. Group members are expected to support one another and grow together.

Credit Requirements

Core (88 credits)

[All courses are 3-credit unless stated otherwise.]

Biblical Studies

Year 1         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
                   BS515 Hermeneutics
Year 2         LA541 Old Testament Hebrew I
                   LA542 Old Testament Hebrew II
                   LA549 Old Testament Exegesis
Year 3        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)
                   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 2        TH511 Systematic Theology I
                   TH512 Systematic Theology II
                   TH513 Systematic Theology III
Year 3         CH526 History of Church in China
                   TH505 Christian Ethics
                   TH548 Christian Spirituality

Practical Theology

Year 1        PT560 Identity Formation and Character Education
                   PT561 Christian Education and Teaching Ministry
                   PT512 Homiletics I
                   CO506 Basic Counseling Skills (2 credits)
Year 2        ME531 Introduction to Missiology
                   PT515 Homiletics II
                   PT558 Human Development and Transformative Discipleship
                   PT559 Pastoral Leadership and Church Development
Year 3        PT524 Pastoral Care and Counseling
                   PT503 Christian Worship (2 credits)
                   PT504 The Art of Evangelism (2 credits)

Elective Courses (24 credits)

Students are free to take 24 credits of their choice in elective courses.

Field Education and Music & Art Practice (10 credits)

Year 1         GA515-1 Music & Art Practice (Year 1) (1 credits)
                   PT640A First Unit of Internship (Winter quarter) (1 credits)
                   PT640B First Unit of Internship (Spring quarter) (1 credits)
Year 2         PT640C First Unit of Internship (Fall quarter) (1 credits)
                   PT641A Second Unit of Internship (Winter quarter) (1 credits)
                   PT641B Second Unit of Internship (Spring quarter) (1 credits)
                   PT643A Summer Internship (3 credits)
Year 3        PT641C Second Unit of Internship (Fall quarter) (1 credits)

Language of Instruction

This program is primarily conducted in Cantonese, with supplementary instruction in English.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must have actively participated in a church for two years or more.
2. 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.
3. Have a clear calling to a lifelong professional ministry, regardless of the affiliated church denomination.
4. Demonstrate acceptable levels of spiritual maturity, appropriate giftedness, and ministry involvement in the church.  A recommendation from the affiliated church is needed.
5. Hold a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
6. Applicants need to attend the interview and sit for a written examination.

For application and enquiry,

email: absadmission@abs.edu
tel: (852) 3657 4731

**Program content is subject to official seminary announcements.