Master of Divinity

Details
Category: All Course
Published on 12 May 2015

Master of Divinity

PROGRAMME START: March 4 to June 7, 2019 

 The Master of Divinity (MDiv) programme is intended to provide practical, theological, and ministerial skills for individuals with Bachelor’s degree in Theology/Religion or who either do not have Bachelor’s degree in Theology, but have manifested a calling to the pastoral ministry. It shall function as a pathway for the Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Philosophy degree for persons who desire to obtain higher competencies and skills in an area of practical theology.  

Philosophy

The Seventh-day Adventist Church membership is growing in Africa. Presently, the membership constitutes about 40% of that of the global Adventist church.  Further, it is also evident that an average pastor in Africa is responsible for about 10 churches with a growing membership. These situations call for more trained pastors and even lay leaders who have basic ministerial training.  The MDiv programme is intended to fill this need.

The benefits obtained from taking the degree

  1. Gain theoretical and practical knowledge of the nature and content of the Bible, a working methodology for biblical study and interpretation, and a clear formulation and personal integration of the student’s own understanding of the message of the Bible in the given situation.
  2. Acquire knowledge of the central doctrines of Christianity and of the historical models that have been used to articulate and apply them.
  3. Acquire the ability to formulate theological and ethical concepts in light of the heritage of the whole church and to apply these concepts in contemporary life situations.
  4. Gain an understanding of Christian ministry founded on biblical mandates, informed by the church’s heritage and relevant to its present circumstances.
  5. Develop a commitment to a lifelong, intentional process of spiritual development and professional growth.
  6. Experience growth in the areas related to God’s personal call that requires further development.

Admission Requirements for the Programme

For admission into Master’s programme, Master of Divinity applicants must:

  1. Have an undergraduate degree in Theology/Religion or in any other non-religion disciplines, with a minimum of 3.0-grade point average (on a 4.0 point scale).
  2. Applicants with a CGPA between 2.5 and 2.99 (on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent can be accepted on probational status with a requirement to raise their GPA to 3.0 after the first session. Those students who will fail to raise their CGPA to a minimum of 3.0 within the given time period will lose the opportunity of continuing in the programme.
  3. Have a transcript proof of Biblical language courses equivalent to NTST 550 Beginning Biblical Greek, NTST 552 Intermediate Biblical Greek, OTST 550 Beginning Biblical Hebrew and OTST 552 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew with a minimum grade of C that were taken no longer than in the period of three previous years.
  4. A proficiency exam or taking the courses NTST 550, NTST 552, NTST 550 and OTST 552 is needed for those applicants who did not take the Biblical languages or who took the language courses longer than three years ago.
  5. Provide satisfactory recommendation letters from the local church board where the applicant holds the membership.
  6. Submit a Statement of Purpose for taking the degree (375-400 words).