Objectives of the Master of Divinity Degree Program

Given the purpose of the school to educate persons for the ministry of the church, and the general objectives of the school, that is, developing the intellectual life of thought, the inner life of devotion, and the outer life of service of our students, the objectives of the Master of Divinity degree program may be summarized generally by the first of the following objectives, with elaboration in more detail in those that follow.

It is expected that the person who completes the Master of Divinity degree program will be competent to:

1. Provide full and effective ministerial leadership for the work and worship of the local church.

2. Summarize the contents, structure, and significance of the Holy Scriptures both in general terms and in representative detail throughout and to use appropriate methods of exegesis, exposition, and application of Scriptural principles in preaching teaching, and in practical Christian living.

3. Define the major doctrines of historic evangelical Christianity, explain their bases in the Bible and in the life of the church, clarify them with reference to the history of the church and its theology, and distinguish what is essential from what is misleading or inconsequential.

4. Tell the story of the history of Christianity from its beginnings to the present and to identify key persons, events, and issues associated with major movements, trends, and changes, including the story of one's own denomination, its origins, main developments, and status.

5. Relate and apply the Christian gospel of redemption within the terms of a general understanding of human selfhood and existence, modern social institutions and problems, culture, science, and religion.

6. Think, speak, and write clearly and with conviction and compassion based upon an adequate understanding of and commitment to the objectives stated above.

7. Provide leadership for the total program of the church in its worship, education, fellowship, pastoral care, service, and outreach.

8. Relate to persons and groups with concern, empathy, and insight, and through appropriate methods offer spiritual guidance, understanding, prayer, blessing, support, and, when needed, referrals.

9. Mature in spiritual formation and in the art and experience of worshiping God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

10. Live honorably to the credibility of the Christian Church universal.