
WESLEY DIVINITY SCHOOL
RESEARCH AND EXTENSION
ALUMNI CONNECTION
Program Description
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) provides a program of theological studies designed to provide academic qualifications for ordination as an elder or deacon by the UMC and other denominations.
Purpose
The program is a ministerial formation with an embodiment of Wesleyan and Filipino Spirituality rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Our theological ethos will engage students in conversations, and the reality of the church and its witness to the world.
Program Outcome Competency
The program will enable students to formulate a biblical philosophy of education, understand the principles of the teaching-learning process, and develop skills and values essential for teaching and administering educational programs in various settings. The key objectives of this concentration include holistic formation and praxis. The students will demonstrate skills in the practice of ministry; liturgy and worship, teaching, preaching, and pastoral care.
This program also addresses students’ needs to be theologically informed to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually and serve in a variety of mission-related ministries. The program includes biblical, historical theological, and practical issues that must be addressed by missionaries in the current century. The concentration addresses both religious and cultural pluralism in an effort to equip persons for a variety of ministerial situations.
The program is primarily designed to be a 3-year full-time residential degree. So all students are required to maintain full-time residency status. However, because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the program is currently using Flexible Learning as the Mode of Delivery.
Course Description:
MASTER OF DIVINITY
Basic Courses
BIB 201 Introduction to the Old Testament [3]
This course presents and analyzes the periods in the history of ancient Israel that led to the literary activities that would soon become the Old Testament. This course guides the students in the tracing of the different literatures that resulted from the reflection of these historical events. Intro to OT will also look at the critical issues surrounding the formation of the canon of the Hebrew Scripture from the historical, compositional, literary and theological perspectives.
BIB 202 Introduction to the New Testament (3)
This course explores the historical background of the New Testament and introduces the theology and literatures of the NT. A survey of the history of the Jewish people from the Maccabean Revolt (about 167 BCE) to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 and 135 CE. This survey would provide the background that will give light on the composition of the different NT books.
BIB 203 New Testament Theology [3]
This course discusses and distinguishes the varied theological themes of the Gospels. It investigates and analyzes the so-called Synoptic Problem. This course explores the growth of the message of the Early Church vis-à-vis the cultural and religious background of the 1st century.
BIB 204 Old Testament Theology (3)
This course focuses and analyzes on the theological themes that run through the narratives and legal materials that compose the Torah. It focuses on the theological themes of the 8th century, exilic and post-exilic prophetic books. Also, a review of the historical background that gave rise to the prophetic writings will also be considered. This course will also look at the role of the Writings in the worship and reflection of ancient Israel.
CT 205 Church History 1 (Patristic to Middle Ages)
This course presents a broad panorama of church history from the apostolic age to the Middle Ages, highlighting key people, events and issues, as well as illustrating and assessing our Christian heritage and its transformative impact on the doctrine, spiritual life, and mission of the church.
CT 206 Church History 2 (Reformation to Modern)
This is an introduction course on the development of Christianity beginning from the Reformation Era to the beginnings of Colonial Christianity in the Modern Era with emphases upon central historical figures, places, movements, historical-theological issues with special attention to be given to their relevance for Christian ministry and mission today. This course is geared to equip students on learning church history via biblio-historico-theological reflection on essential issues of the Christian faith and mission in the light of Scriptures integral with Asian and Philippine contexts which have both colonial and post-colonial realities.
CT 207 Christian Theology (General Survey)
This course is a critical reflection on the nature of theology and the classic themes of the Christian theological tradition in the light of biblical theology, the Methodist tradition and the contemporary Asian Culture.
CM 209 Christian Education: Foundations and Basic Skills
The primary aim of Christian Education is to lead people of all ages to know and respond to God through Jesus Christ. This course introduces the student to the Historical, Biblical and theological foundations of Christian Education and provides some basic teaching techniques skills, concepts, and approaches to prepare students for their role as teachers in the community. Following this course, students will be able to apply these core concepts in basic teaching practices. The course also aims to broaden the understanding of Christian Education and its role in the Philippine church and the Filipino experience. It explores and develops Christian education frameworks based from Filipino psyche and culture
CM 210 Church Administration and Leadership This course focuses on the formation of vision and competency in fulfilling the role of pastoral administrator so that a unity is achieved between the Pastor’s being and doing. The development of administrative tools and skills in keeping with the theology and polity of the United Methodist Church is also addressed. Students will reflect critically in learning models for effective leadership and administrative practice.
CM 211 Mission & Evangelism in the 21st Century
This course is designed for seminary students who desire to advance their knowledge and leadership skills around mission and evangelism. It provides, both theoretical and practical, examination of some best principles, methodologies, models and practices on mission and evangelism applicable to the contemporary ministry setting in the Philippines, but also as generally relevant to the global context. The goal is for the students to understand the meaning and application of these principles, methodologies, models and practices, and to assist them to develop an appropriate Ministry Action Plan for Mission and Evangelism for their church-based ministry context.
CM 212 Worship and Liturgy
This course surveys the worship resources of the Methodist Church, with attention to the history, theology, and pastoral practice. In particular, we will explore the shape and practice of liturgical time, the meaning and practice of baptism and Eucharist, and the liturgical pastoral offices of the Church. It will also explore Issues on Worship and Culture and students will learn the Methods of Liturgical Inculturation.
Clinical Pastoral Education
CPE addresses the basics of pastoral formation, pastoral competence and pastoral reflection and how it is applied in the ministry. This aims to develop awareness among course participants of their own humanity and needs and the needs of those whom they ministered in their respective clinical sites. This course utilizes an action-reflection process of education covering 10-weeks (400 hours) of supervised clinical and educational work.
Major Courses
BIB 251 Old Testament Exegesis
This course will introduce the principles of textual, historical, form, redactional and literary criticisms in the narrative, legal materials, poetry and wisdom literatures of the OT. This course assists the students in the application of the knowledge gained in Basic Hebrew in the task of interpretation.
BIB 252 New Testament Exegesis
This course will introduce the principles of textual, historical, form, redactional and literary criticisms in the narrative, poetry and epistolary literatures of the NT. This course assists the students in the application of the knowledge gained in Basic Greek in the task of interpretation.
CM 257 Faith and Human Development
This course is designed to help students examine faith and human development from a holistic perspective. Faith Stages and Human Developmental Theories will help students understand appropriate age-level learning contents and activities. Special emphasis will be given to the implications of Christian Education curriculum in the Filipino context. To understand the relationship between concepts of Faith Stages, Human Development and Christian Education. Faith and Developmental Themes through the life span will be explored in designing an age- appropriate teaching ministries and curriculum.
CM 258 Pastoral Care and Counseling 1:
This is an introductory course in the discipline of pastoral care and counseling. It presents the theories and practices utilized in pastoral care in congregations and communities, with groups and individuals. While drawing upon related disciplines that assist in promoting the psychological, sociological and physical well-being of individuals and communities, the highlight is placed upon pastoral care as a theological inquiry. Course participants will have an opportunity to sightsee some of the personal, interpersonal and communal issues that are confronted by persons engaging in pastoral care within churches and communities. To enable participants to be better prepared to practice pastoral care in today’s world, differences in culture, gender, class, race, nationality, ethnicity, religious tradition, sexual orientation, and physical ability will be considered in approaching all issues.
CM 259 Pastoral Care and Counseling 2 – Basic
This course emphasizes the acquisition of basic skills in pastoral care and counseling. It presents different approaches in the discipline of pastoral care and counseling. The pedagogy of this course is based on experiential learning focusing on interpersonal relationships and effective communication, management of crises, stresses and conflicts, and skills development for effective helping for wholeness and healing. Course participants will have an opportunity to reflect on and practice their own skills while exploring personal biases/prejudices. Evidence-based practices in pastoral counseling will be highlighted in the course.
CM 260 Homiletics I: Theology and Forms
This course will concentrate on fundamental principles and skills of sermon writing that would enable the students to construct different types of sermon outlines. The sermon preparation anticipates on the importance of preaching in the context of liturgy and worship in the task of conveying the Gospel to the existing churches.
CM 261 Homiletics II: Exegesis in Context
The course is a continuation of CM 108 Homiletics 1 and will focus on the importance of preaching in different contexts. This course will help students to compose and deliver sermons in different themes and occasions; baptism, wedding, evangelism, death and healing.
CT 208 Biblical and Theological Foundations of Mission
This course is a study on the biblical and theological foundation of Christian mission. The Central theological understanding of mission stands on the Triune God, who is the Lord of history from the beginning till the end, to which the church becomes salvific, mediating and obedient praxis by being a sign of eschaton of the world. From this major perspective, the course attempts to learn the key biblical and theological insights on mission in the Old and New Testaments.
CT 253 United Methodist History
This course is an introductory survey that focuses on significant individuals and decisive events in the history of The United Methodist Church, including the origins of its distinctive doctrines and development of its policy. Together with CT 106, it meets in full the Book of Discipline requirement for the United Methodist history, doctrine and polity.
CT 254 United Methodist Doctrine and Polity
This course focuses on the characteristic doctrines and polity of the United Methodist Church. These include: 1) The doctrinal standards of the United Methodist Church; and 2) The contemporary expressions of the polity, discipline, practice, and mission of the United Methodist Church. Together with CT 105, it meets in full the Book of Discipline requirement for United Methodist history, doctrine and polity.
CT 255 Christian Ethics
This course will study the process of making a moral decision, the criteria upon which such a decision is based, the agent who makes the decision, the environment wherein such a decision is made, and the procedure for implementing such a decision. The purpose of this study is to help the student better understand and appreciate the Christian moral tradition and to apply insights gleaned from that study towards the formation of a vital Christian life and an effective Christian Ministry.
CT 275 Theories of Religions
The course covers the study on religious movements of both major and minor faith traditions which have global, national and local contexts that are present in the Philippines. The first set is composed of three major groups and rooted in the Judeo-Christian heritage (Judaism, Roman Catholicism and Protestantism), the second set of three from Asian major religions (Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism). The third set is composed of minor religious groups but have strong presence in the Philippines (Dating Daan by Soriano, Iglesia ni Cristo by Manalo, Quiboloy’s, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormonism). Students would be involved in critical analyses and comparative studies of such religious movements alongside with their religious experiences by using workable theories even required to conduct case studies to apply their learning in understanding the present diverse religious contexts in their mission field.
Required Electives
BIB 271 Biblical Hebrew
This course will introduce the basic elements of the biblical Hebrew grammar. BH1 seeks to guide the students in the study, analysis (parsing) and reading of passages in the Hebrew Bible.
BIB 272 Biblical Greek
This course seeks to help students gain a basic knowledge of koine Greek, sufficient for some elementary translation. The focus is on understanding the rudiments of the koine Greek grammar.
BIB 273 Advanced Bible Seminar
This course will guide the students for more in-depth study in the Biblical Area. Using multiple exegetical methods and hermeneutic lens, students will explore various topics and theological issues in the Bible. Seminar Topics are varied and will change every year (e.g., Women in the New testament, Historical Jesus and the Reign of God, Acts and Pauline Theology, Study on the Gospel of John, Matthew and Beatitude, Wisdom Literature, Prophetic Documents and Ministry, Christian Worldview in the Bible, etc.) Ministerial application and theological reflection will be highlighted in every seminar.
BIB 274 Translating the Bible
This course seeks to open up a ministry opportunity in Bible Translation for students. This course focuses on the formal and meaning-based principles in Bible Translation, with the emphasis on the latter.
CM 278 Intentional Discipleship System
This course will help students examine current cultures and systems within their ministry. They will understand concepts, models and practices which aid in implementing changes to their current and future ministry settings, especially those relating to discipleship formation. Students will demonstrate an understanding of discipleship and the role of the congregation in forming disciples. It will also assist them to develop an appropriate Ministry Action Plan with an Intentional Discipleship System for their church-based ministry context.
CM 279 Emancipatory
Learning sets people free. Through critical pedagogy learners and teachers alike, help each other understand the layers of operation and subjugation in their socio-political context that holds them from fully understanding and living God’s grace that sets them free. This course will focus on the work of Paulo Freire and will study models of emancipatory pedagogy. Students will develop their own understanding of emancipatory pedagogy practices and apply them to their own ministry contexts by designing emancipatory projects that reflect practices of freedom.
CM 280 Spiritual Formation and
An orientation to the history and practice of Christian spirituality and prayer forms as they may be applied for personal and parish renewal. Exploration spirituality, the relationship of prayer to other spiritual disciplines, processes of discernment and of spiritual healing. Experience variety of spiritual disciplines including the indigenous and be able to create a Spiritual formation program for a local church.
CT 276 Contemporary Theologies
This course will provide a survey of the major trends in contemporary theology with a focus on theological method and epistemology. It entails a critical analysis of how theology has been applied in our daily life. The following topics will receive particular attention: process theology, liberation theology, eco-theology, neo-Pentecostal/Charismatic theology, and postmodern theologies, in a way of being implicated in the church ministry.
CT 256 Women and Gender
This is an interdisciplinary course designed to critically examine gender as a social and cultural construct. It explores key questions and contemporary issues on gender scholarship, performance and power.
CT 277 Ecumenical Movement/Religious Dialogue
This course will explore an overview of the history and theology of the ecumenical movement, then examine in depth interdenominational movement to practice the Gospel into our pastoral and ministerial life. Moreover, this course will probe the religious dialogue to enhance mutual understanding among different religious groups, so that we as Christians may find a way to practice the love of Christ with our neighbors who are in different religious groups.
Integrative Course/Practicum
FE 281-283 Field Education/Summer
Under the supervision of a Field Education Supervisor students will be guided in enhancing pastoral skills through their week-end church appointments and Summer Exposures. Feedbacks from church placements/ Summer Exposure venues are required to guide the students in developing competence in the practice of ministry.
COMPRE Comprehensive Exam
A final academic requirement measuring the student’s integration of the 3 years of academic work and practice of Ministry.
BCE Bible Content
BCE is a requirement for graduation. It assesses the student’s basic knowledge of the form and content of the Bible. It requires 70 correct answers from the 100 questions taken from the New Testament (50 questions) and Old Testament (50 questions). The questions are in multiple-choice, matching, ordering and fill in the blanks.
THESIS/RESEARCH
R 291 Theological Research
This course builds on the core importance of praxis in ministry and researching as a major tool in shaping critical assessment. It addresses the fundamental assumptions of conducting research projects at a ministry setting: ontology, epistemology, theology, methodology and the social location of the researcher. The students will apply these learnings as they write an outline of their thesis proposal.
R 292 Thesis Seminar
This course assists the students in writing their thesis proposal. It deals with the important questions of writing and designing master’s thesis; selecting and engaging academic resources, research design, tools of analysis, finalizing the flow of research from introduction to conclusion. This course offers students feedback on their work from the Research Professor and peers in order to complete a Master’s thesis proposal.
R 300 Thesis Writing
Academic research that is the culmination of the student’s Master of Divinity school work. It demonstrates the student’s ability to make a research claim, argue and make recommendations in a specific topic of a particular discipline using scholarly work. The student is expected to complete this under the mentorship of an assigned adviser.
Program Details:
Degree Requirements | Course Code | Course Title | Units | No. of Hours |
Basic Courses | BIB 201 | Introduction to Old Testament | 3 | 3 |
(201-250) | BIB 202 | Introduction to New Testament | 3 | 3 |
BIB 203 | New Testament Theology | 3 | 3 | |
BIB 204 | Old Testament Theology | 3 | 3 | |
CT 205 | Church History 1 (Patristic to Middle Ages) | 3 | 3 | |
CT 206 | Church History 2 (Reformation to Modern) | 3 | 3 | |
CT 207 | Christian Theology (General Survey) | 3 | 3 | |
CT 208 | Biblical and Theological Foundations of Mission | 3 | 3 | |
CM 209 | Christian Education: Foundations and Basic Skills | 3 | 3 | |
CM 210 | Church Administration and Leadership | 3 | 3 | |
CM 211 | Mission and Evangelism in the 21st Century | 3 | 3 | |
CM 212 | Worship and Liturgy | 3 | 3 | |
CPE | Clinical Pastoral Education | 1 | 1 | |
TOTAL | 37 | 37 | ||
Major Courses | BIB 251 | Old Testament Exegesis | 3 | 3 |
(251-270) | BIB 252 | New Testament Exegesis | 3 | 3 |
CT 253 | United Methodist History | 3 | 3 | |
CT 254 | United Methodist Doctrine and Polity | 3 | 3 | |
CT 255 | Christian Ethics | 3 | 3 | |
CT 256 | Women and Gender Studies | 3 | 3 | |
CM 257 | Faith and Human Development | 3 | 3 | |
CM 258 | Pastoral Care and Counseling 1- Foundations | 3 | 3 | |
CM 259 | Pastoral Care and Counseling 2- Basic Skills | 3 | 3 | |
CM 260 | Homiletics 1: Theology and Forms | 3 | 3 | |
CM 261 | Homiletics 2: Exegesis in Context | 3 | 3 | |
TOTAL | 33 | 33 | ||
Required Electives (271-280) | BIB 271 | Basic Biblical Hebrew | 3 | 3 |
BIB 272 | Basic Biblical Greek | 3 | 3 | |
BIB 273 | Advanced Bible Seminar | 3 | 3 | |
BIB 274 | Translating the Bible | 3 | 3 | |
CT 275 | Theories of Religion | 3 | 3 | |
CT 276 | Contemporary Theologies | 3 | 3 | |
CT 277 | Ecumenical Movement/Religious Dialogue | 3 | 3 | |
CM 278 | Intentional Discipleship System | 3 | 3 | |
CM 279 | Emancipatory Pedagogy | 3 | 3 | |
CM 280 | Spiritual Formation and Direction | 3 | 3 | |
TOTAL | 30 | 30 | ||
Thesis-Research | R 291 | Theological Research | 3 | 3 |
(291-300) | R 292 | Thesis Seminar | 3 | 3 |
R 300 | Thesis Writing | 6 | 6 | |
TOTAL | 12 | 12 | ||
Integrative Courses | FE 281 | Field Education | 0 | 0 |
(281-290) | FE 282 | Field Education | 0 | 0 |
FE 283 | Summer Exposure | 0 | 0 | |
BCE | Bible Content Exam | 0 | 0 | |
COMPRE | Comprehensive Exam | 0 | 0 | |
TOTAL | 112 | 112 |
Course by Department
COURSE CODE | COURSE TITLE | PRE-REQ. | UNITS | |
Department of Biblical Studies |
||||
BIB 201 | Introduction to Old Testament | none | 3 | |
BIB 202 | Introduction to New Testament | none | 3 | |
BIB 203 | New Testament Theology | BIB 202 | 3 | |
BIB 204 | Old Testament Theology | BIB 201 | 3 | |
BIB 251 | Old Testament Exegesis | BIB 201, BIB 204 | 3 | |
BIB 252 | New Testament Exegesis | BIB 202, BIB 203 | 3 | |
*BIB 271 | Basic Biblical Hebrew | BIB 201, BIB 204 | 3 | |
*BIB 272 | Basic Biblical Greek | BIB 202, BIB 203 | 3 | |
*BIB 273 | Advanced Bible Seminar | BIB 201, BIB 202, BIB 251, BIB 252 | 3 | |
*BIB 274 | Translating the Bible | BIB 201-204, BIB 251-252 | 3 | |
TOTAL | 30 | |||
Department of Church History and Theology |
||||
CT 205 | Church History 1 (Patristic to Middle Ages) | none | 3 | |
CT 206 | Church History 2 (Reformation to Modern) | CT 205 | 3 | |
CT 207 | Christian Theology (General Survey) | none | 3 | |
CT 208 | Biblical and Theological Foundations of Mission | none | 3 | |
CT 253 | United Methodist History | none | 3 | |
CT 254 | United Methodist Doctrine and Polity | CT 253 | 3 | |
CT 255 | Christian Ethics | none | 3 | |
CT 256 | Women and Gender Studies | none | 3 | |
*CT 275 | Theories of Religion | CT 206 | 3 | |
*CT 276 | Contemporary Theologies | CT 207 | 3 | |
*CT 277 | Ecumenical Movement/Religious Dialogue | CT 255 | 3 | |
TOTAL | 33 | |||
Department of Church Ministries –Practical Theology | ||||
CM 209 | Christian Education: Foundations and Basic Skills | none | 3 | |
CM 210 | Church Administration and Leadership | none | 3 | |
CM 211 | Mission and Evangelism in the 21st Century | none | 3 | |
CM 212 | Worship and Liturgy | none | 3 | |
CM 257 | Faith and Human Development | CM 209 | 3 | |
CM 258 | Pastoral Care and Counseling 1- Foundations | none | 3 | |
CM 259 | Pastoral Care and Counseling 2- Basic Skills | CM 258 | 3 | |
CM 260 | Homiletics 1: Theology and Forms | None | 3 | |
CM 261 | Homiletics 2: Exegesis in Context | CM 260 | 3 | |
*CM 278 | Intentional Discipleship System | CM 211 | 3 | |
*CM 279 | Emancipatory Pedagogy | CM 209, CM 211 | 3 | |
*CM 280 | Spiritual Formation and Direction | none | 3 | |
CPE | Clinical Pastoral Education | CM 258, CM 259 | 1 | |
TOTAL | 37 | |||
Integrative Courses/Practicum |
||||
FE 281 | Field Education | None | 0 | |
FE 282 | Field Education | FE 281 | 0 | |
FE 283 | Summer Exposure | FE 281, FE 282 | 0 | |
BCE | Bible Content Examination | 0 | ||
COMPRE | Comprehensive Examination | 0 | ||
Thesis-Research |
||||
R 291 | Theological Research | none | 3 | |
R 292 | Thesis Seminar | R 291 | 3 | |
R 300 | Thesis Writing | R 291, 292 | 6 | |
TOTAL | 12 | |||
TOTAL | 112 | |||
Program Description
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a professional master’s degree program that prepares students for ministry and ordination as elders and deacons of the UMC and other denominations. It provides a solid theological education for seminary students and equips them with knowledge and skills for ministerial leadership in the congregation and church-related institutions. Specifically, this degree is designed to nurture seminary students to become effective in fulfilling their mission.
The degree also integrates a biblical spiritual formation program in the curriculum reflecting the ideals of Wesleyan holiness tradition that will shape the minds and character of seminary students to become mission-oriented pastors.
The M.Div. program equips seminary students to become transformative pastors, leaders, and missionaries in different areas of ministry. Specifically, the M.Div. degree will provide seminary students with knowledge and skills for fruitful ministry such as preaching, teaching, liturgy and worship, pastoral care, church leadership, evangelism, and mission.
Rationale of the Program
The vision of Wesley Divinity School is “Towards Local and International, Pastoral, and Lay Formation.” It is the goal of the Divinity School to have accessible theological education and ministerial formation in the Philippines and abroad. WDS has created a regional center and assigned a regional coordinator in offering the program; then WDS has revised the existing 3-year program to become a 2-year program to bring the focus on the principles and strategies of Mission.
This program addresses students’ needs to be theologically informed and to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually and serve in a variety of mission-related ministries. The program includes biblical, historical, theological, and practical issues that must be addressed by missionaries in the current century. The concentration addresses both religious and cultural pluralism in an effort to equip persons for a variety of ministerial situations.
The Revised M. Div. Curriculum addresses the needs of OFWs serving as supplied missionaries for Filipinos across the world. The curriculum focuses on mission principles with an emphasis to advance the missions of the church of Jesus Christ. Using a Project-based Approach, each course in the curriculum will require a mission-related project as an output.
Program of Study and Curriculum Delivery
The Master of Divinity Program-Mission Track is a full-time, 2-year program consisting of 90 units, divided among core courses, major courses, required institutional courses, and integrative courses. The curriculum focuses on mission principles with an emphasis to advance the missions of the UMC abroad. Restrictions because of the pandemic inhibit face-to-face classroom meetings. Thus, the program utilizes a Flexible Integrated Outcomes-Based Curriculum with alternative learning platforms and activities.
- Two Courses per Month
The expectation is that courses – with all its requirements – are completed within a month, thus ensuring that students do not have backlogs of assignments as they proceed to other classes in the following months. Since the goal is for students to graduate the program as a cohort in two years, much will be expected from the students during the duration of the program in terms of motivation, commitment, and diligence in accomplishing their requirements for each course.
- Student Learning Hours
Each 3-unit class requires 90 learning hours from students. These can be divided among various learning activities such as “classes” where the professors give lectures to listening students in a video conference setting, cyber activities such as discussions in forums, off-class requirements such as reading, reflection papers, book reports, research papers, and other projects. Professors are free to divide the expected 54 lecture hours between synchronous and asynchronous learning activities, while 36 hours are allotted for research or field activities. However, it is expected that a minimum of 30 hours out of the 54 hours lecture will be spent in a video conferencing “classroom.”
- Teacher-Student Conferences
The college uses Canvas as their official learning management system. It comes with a built-in video conferencing app. However, professors can use other apps that may require less bandwidth and are more accessible to students.
- Learning Management System
Professors and students will use Canvas as their online platform to communicate information about the class, store files, submit and grade papers, interact in forum discussions, provide helpful links, handouts, audio and video files, and perform other activities such as corresponding with one another and conducting quizzes. The University prepares access to Canvas for professors and students.
- Educational Resources
The students are OFW and missionaries abroad and unable to come to the University Library on campus at Cabanatuan City because of geographical constraints. However, students of WU-P Wesley Divinity School have access to the academic journal databases of EBSCO Host and GDTL-Global Digital Theological Library where they can access books wherever they are in the world.
- Reflective Engagement
The ethos of the whole degree program is “reflective engagement,” although the emphasis falls more on the reflective element. While the University honors the actual engagement of the students in ministry, this does not warrant granting a master’s degree. Therefore, the thrust of the program is that students, while deeply engaged in Missionary work, are guided to pause and perform reflections informed by scholarly insights about their functions. Furthermore, as experienced practitioners, the reflections they share with their classmates in class discussions and group interactions will be valuable insights to others in their co-learning journey.
Instructional Delivery
The curriculum framework is Flexible Integrated Outcome-based Curriculum with workplace and community orientation/immersion. This curriculum provides the students with an educational experience that integrates theory and praxis throughout the program. The degree program employs an educational planning approach that prepares a student for life-long learning and opportunities for critical and creative thinking. The integrated curriculum helps graduates put together learned facts to get the whole picture and adopt a holistic approach while leading and serving in their constituencies. Integration is both horizontal and vertical.
- Class Setting
There will be synchronous meetings where teachers will conduct lectures and facilitate activities. The professor will deliver content, demonstrate skills, and facilitate various online learning experiences in the class to ensure that students will have mastery of the skills being taught. There will also be asynchronous meetings. There will be recorded videos, reading materials and online forum discussions.
- Online Interaction
There will be ongoing inline forum discussion to engage students and provide avenues to exchange ideas, interact and collaborate. Students will use Canvas accounts throughout the week to participate in the online discussion forums and to accomplish tasks required by their professors. Tasks may include watching video recordings, forum discussions, reading a required chapter, taking a quiz, submitting papers, responding to posts, and others.
- Research-Based Engagement
In order to train graduates to make informed decisions and plans, students will be engaged in various research throughout their course of study. They will not only be taught research skills but will engage in gathering and analyzing data.
- Projects and Praxis-based Methods of Assessment
The program, as a professional degree, requires praxis-based learning activities where theories and insights learned in classes may be implemented, tested, and evaluated. These requirements may come in the form of project proposals, community engagement and/or development, needs assessment, and actual field engagement.
- Field Activities
Students will be engaged in various field activities throughout their course of study. There will be hands-on activities, guided by experts in the field of pastoral, educational and missional ministries
Course Description: M. Div. in Mission (Cohort Program)
* Most of courses have 3 units with 54 hours (lecture) and 36 hours (research)
Basic Courses
BIB 201 Biblical Studies 1 (Old Testament)
This course analyzes the historical events in ancient Israel leading to the formation of the Hebrew Old Testament canon, looking into the critical issues from the historical, compositional, literary and theological perspectives.
BIB 202 Biblical Studies 2 (New Testament)
This course explores the historical background of the New Testament and introduces the theology and literatures of the New Testament. At the end of the course, the students are expected to: 1) Discuss the major themes and discourses in the New Testament, 2) Apply basic skills in the exegesis of the New Testament.
BIB 203 Biblical Theology
This course explores and analyzes the varied theological themes of the Old Testament and the Gospels. Special focus will be given on the theological themes that run through the narratives and legal materials of the Torah and the prophetic materials of the 8th BCE Israel. This course will also trace on how these OT materials have impacted Jesus’ teachings in the gospels. Special attention will likewise be afforded to the different theologies espoused in the canonical gospels. A knowledge of the theological stresses and emphases of the biblical materials is indispensable in the reflection of the OT and the NT and in the preparation of bible study materials and sermons.
CT 201 Church History 1
This course presents a broad perspective or overview of church history from the apostolic age to the Middle Ages, highlighting key people, events and issues, as well as illustrating and assessing our Christian heritage and its transformative impact on the doctrine, spiritual life, and mission of the church.
CT 202 Church History 2
This is an overview of the historical development of Christianity from the Reformation to the modern period, giving emphasis on central historical figures, places, movements, historical-theological issues and their relevance for Christian ministry and mission today. At the end of the course, the students are expected to creatively employ the strategies learned from the history of the church since the Reformation in order to promote the mission of the church in contemporary times.
CT 203 Christian Theology
This course is a critical reflection on the nature of theology and the classic themes of the Christian theological tradition in the light of biblical theology, the Methodist tradition and the contemporary Asian Culture.
CT 204 United Methodist History
This course is an introductory survey that focuses on significant individuals and decisive events in the history of The United Methodist Church, including the origins of its distinctive doctrines and development of its policy.
CT 205 United Methodist Doctrine and Polity
This course focuses on the characteristic doctrines and polity of the United Methodist Church. It also includes the doctrinal standards of the United Methodist Church and the contemporary expressions of the polity, discipline, practice, and mission of the United Methodist Church.
CT 206 Biblical and Theological Foundations of Mission and Evangelism
This course is a study on the biblical and theological foundation of Christian mission based on the central theological understanding of the Triune God in both the Old and New Testaments as the Lord of history from the beginning till the end, to which the church becomes salvific, mediating and obedient praxis by being a sign of eschaton of the world.
CM 201 Faith and Human Development
This course is designed to help students examine faith and human development from a holistic perspective. Faith Stages and Human Developmental Theories will help students understand appropriate age-level learning contents and activities. Special emphasis will be given to the implications of Christian Education curriculum in local and global contexts. To understand the relationship between concepts of Faith Stages, Human Development and Christian Education. Faith and Developmental Themes through the lifespan will be explored in designing an age- appropriate teaching ministries and curriculum.
CM 202 Methodist Worship and Liturgy
This course surveys the worship resources of the Methodist Church, with attention to the history, theology, and pastoral practice, the shape and practice of liturgical time, the meaning and practice of baptism and Eucharist, the liturgical pastoral offices of the Church, and the methods of Liturgical Inculturation.
SPECIALIZATION COURSES
MS 201 World Religions and Belief Systems
This course examines the world’s major religions by reflecting on their origin, history, beliefs, worldview, teachings, and practices, and considering thoughtful Christian responses to them. Students will engage persons of other religions respectfully to understand their faith, religious commitments, and spiritual journeys. In light of what they learned about other religions, students will consider ways to demonstrate the uniqueness of the Christian gospel in relation to the religious claims of other faiths and reflect on meaningful ways to witness their Christian faith among believers of other religions.
MS 202 Contextual Theology
This course will consider roles and methods of participants doing contextual theology, including those who contribute from the outside. Areas of special focus will be: theological models and disciplinary approaches for doing contextual theology; biblical criteria and cultural factors in contextual theologies; local expressions of the faith within world Christianity; and case studies in contextualizing theology.
MS 203 Anthropological Foundation and Evangelism
This course is an introduction to cultural anthropology with application to Christian evangelization and mission. A critical view of anthropology as it relates to theology will lead us to our main concern, and that is missiology. There will be a conscious effort in this course to maintain a trialogue between anthropology, theology, and missiology.
MS 204 Pauline Perspective on Mission
This course surveys and investigates the evolution of Paul’s thoughts on eschatology, soteriology, Christology and ecclesiology and how these theological concerns contributed in the crystallization of his perspective on mission.
MS 205 Preaching the Gospet
This course focuses on the study and analysis of the Gospel texts in relation to the scripture readings in the lecionary, how the message of the Gospel can be shaped into sermon forms and help the students plan for systematic sermon and worship preparation through the employment of the lectionary passages.
MS 206 Mission and Evangelism in the 21st Century
This course is designed for seminary students who desire to advance their knowledge and leadership skills around mission and evangelism, providing for both theoretical and practical examination of some best principles, methodologies, models and practices on mission and evangelism that is not only applicabe to the contemporary ministry setting in the Philippines but also as generally relevant to the global context. The goal is for the students to develop an appropriate Ministry Action Plan for Mission and Evangelism for their church-based ministry contexts.
MS 207 Discipleship System and Mission
This course will help students examine current cultures and systems within their ministry, and understand concepts, models and practices, which aid in implementing changes to their current and future ministry settings, especially those relating to discipleship formation. It will also assist them to develop an appropriate Ministry Action Plan with an Intentional Discipleship System for their church-based ministry context.
ELECTIVE COURSES
CM 203 Foundations of Christian Education
The primary aim of Christian Education is to lead people of all ages to know and respond to God through Jesus Christ. This course introduces the student to the Historical, Biblical and theological foundations of Christian Education and provides some basic teaching techniques, skills, concepts, and approaches to prepare students for their role as teachers in the community. Following this course, students will be able to apply these core concepts in basic teaching practices. The course also aims to broaden the understanding of Christian Education and its role in the Philippine church and the Filipino experience. It explores and develops Christian education frameworks based on the Filipino psyche and culture.
CM 204 Pastoral Care and Counseling
This is an introductory course in the discipline of pastoral care and counseling. It includes the different theories and practices utilized in pastoral care of congregations and communities and counseling groups and individuals. The students will have an opportunity to examine and explore some of the personal, interpersonal and communal issues experienced by persons engaging in pastoral care: differences in culture, gender, class, race, nationality, ethnicity, religious tradition, sexual orientation, and physical ability.
CM 205 Homiletics
This course will concentrate on fundamental principles and skills of sermon writing that would enable the students to construct different types of sermon outlines. The sermon preparation anticipates the importance of preaching in the context of liturgy and worship in the task of conveying the Gospel to the existing churches.
CM 206 Organization and Management of Church and Institutions
This course focuses on the formation of vision and competency in administrative tools and skills so that unity is achieved between the Pastor’s being and doing that is in keeping with the theology and polity of the United Methodist Church.
BIB 204 Studies in Biblical Hebrew
This course will introduce the basic elements of biblical Hebrew grammar. Biblical Hebrew seeks to guide the students in the study, analysis (parsing) and reading of passages in the Hebrew Bible.
BIB 205 Studies in New Testament Greek
This course seeks to help students gain a basic knowledge of koine or NT Greek, sufficient for some elementary translation. The focus is on understanding the rudiments of the koine Greek grammar.
CT 207 Gender Studies
This is an interdisciplinary course designed to critically examine gender as a social and cultural construct. It explores key questions and contemporary issues on gender scholarship, performance and power.
CT 208 Christian Ethics
This course will study the process of making a moral decision, the criteria upon which such a decision is based, the agent who makes the decision, the environment wherein such a decision is made, and the procedure for implementing such a decision.
CT 209 Professional and Pastoral Ethics
A study of the principles that guide the behavior of ministerial workers in the performance of their work, in their relationship to other ministerial workers and in giving pastoral care to their parishioners.
CM 207 Transformative Learning
This course will help students engage Christian formation and discipleship with critical pedagogy. It will primarily explore transformative learning and its implication to church’s educational ministries. It is hoped that the students will create tools and skills for shaping liberating pedagogies for their church placements.
CM 208 Chaplaincy Studies
This course is designed to equip interested students on God’s Mission through chaplaincy work in various institutionalized settings. It aims at teaching students the role of a minister in specialized chaplaincy settings, such as hospitals, schools, prisons and armies. Students in training are presented with a sound theoretical and practical approach to chaplaincy and the community as a foundation for chaplaincy practice.
CM 209 Studies in Technology Assisted Christian Formation
A study of the creative ways that Information and Communications Technology can enhance the ministry of Christian education and pastoral care, thus leading to a more effective nurturing of the spiritual growth of individual believers and the larger community of faith.
CM 210 Spiritual Formation and Direction
An orientation to the history and practice of Christian spirituality and prayer forms as they may be applied for personal and parish renewal. The relationship of prayer to other spiritual disciplines, the processes of discernment and spiritual healing will be explored. The experience of a variety of spiritual disciplines including the indigenous will enable the student to create a Spiritual formation program for a local church.
FORMATION COURSES
FE 201 Field Education/ FE 202 Summer Field Exposure (1 units – 60 hours)
Under the supervision of a Field Education Supervisor students will be guided in enhancing pastoral skills through their weekend church appointments and Summer Exposures. It provides opportunities for students to engage in various, ecumenical and meaningful activities in partnership with faith communities and mission agencies. Feedbacks from church placements/ Summer Exposure venues are required to guide the students in developing competence in the practice of ministry.
FE 203 Clinical Pastoral Education (6 units – 400 hours)
CPE focuses on the foundations of pastoral formation, pastoral competence and pastoral reflection and how it is applied in the ministry. This course utilizes an action-reflection process of education covering 10-weeks (400 hours) of supervised clinical and educational work.
RESEARCH AND CAPSTONE PROJECT
TR 201 Theological Research Methods (3 units – 90 hours)
This course builds on the core importance of praxis in ministry and research as a major tool in shaping critical assessment. It addresses the fundamental assumptions of conducting research projects at a ministry setting: ontology, epistemology, theology, methodology and the social location of the researcher.
TR 202 Capstone Project on Mission (3 units – 90 hours)
An academic research that is the culmination of the student’s Master of Divinity schoolwork. It demonstrates the student’s ability to make a research claim, argue and make recommendations in a specific topic of a particular discipline using scholarly work. The student is expected to complete this under the mentorship of an assigned adviser.
Program Details: M. Div. in Mission (Cohort Program)
COURSE
CODE |
COURSE NAME | UNITS | |
Core Courses (33 units) | BIB 201 | Biblical Studies I (Old Testament) | 3 |
BIB 202 | Biblical Studies II (New Testament) | 3 | |
BIB 203 | Biblical Theology | 3 | |
CT 201 | Church History I | 3 | |
CT 202 | Church History II | 3 | |
CT 203 | Christian Theology | 3 | |
CT 204 | United Methodist History | 3 | |
CT 205 | United Methodist Doctrine and Polity | 3 | |
CT 206 | Biblical Foundations of Mission and
Evangelism |
3 | |
CM 201 | Faith and Human Development | 3 | |
CM 202 | Methodist Worship and Liturgy | 3 | |
Specialization Courses (21 units) | MS 201 | World Religions & Belief Systems | 3 |
MS 202 | Contextual Theology | 3 | |
MS 203 | Anthropological Foundations of
Mission & Evangelism |
3 | |
MS 204 | Pauline Perspective on Mission | 3 | |
MS 205 | Preaching the Gospels | 3 | |
MS 206 | Mission & Evangelism in the 21st
Century |
3 | |
MS 207 | Discipleship System & Mission | 3 | |
Elective Courses
A. Required Electives (12 units) |
CM 203 | Foundations of Christian Education | 3 |
CM 204 | Pastoral Care and Counseling | 3 | |
CM 205 | Homiletics | 3 |
CM 206 | Organization and Management of
Church & Institutions |
3 | |
Elective Courses | BIB 204 | Studies in Biblical Hebrew | 3 |
B. Free Electives | BIB 205 | Studies in New Testament Greek | 3 |
(6 units) | CT 207 | Gender Studies | 3 |
CT 208 | Christian Ethics | 3 | |
(Choose only 2 courses) | CT 209 | Professional and Pastoral Ethics | 3 |
CM 207 | Transformative Learning | 3 | |
CM 208 | Chaplaincy Studies | 3 | |
CM 209 | Studies in Technology Assisted | 3 | |
Christian Formation | |||
CM 210 | Spiritual Formation and Direction | 3 | |
Formation Courses (12 units) | FE 201 | Field Education/ FE 202 Summer Field
Exposure (6 units) |
6 |
FE 203 | Clinical Pastoral Education (6 units) | 6 | |
Research and Capstone Projects
(6 units) |
TR 201 | Theological Research Methods (3
Units) |
3 |
TR 202 | Capstone Project on Mission (3 units) | 3 | |
Other Requirements for
Graduation |
BCE | Bible Content Exam (0 unit) | 0 |
COMPRE | Comprehensive Exam (0 unit) | 0 |
Areas of Study | Credit Units |
Core Courses | 33 |
Specialization | 21 |
Electives | 18 |
Formation Courses | 12 |
Research & Capstone Project | 6 |
Total | 90 |
The Doctor of Ministry degree program is designed to provide advanced training in the practice of biblically and theologically oriented ministry to those actively involved in vocational ministry. The program concentrates on developing expertise in the biblical rationale, sociological strategy, and practical implementation of ministry.
Program Description
The Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) is an advanced professional degree program designed to enhance qualitatively the professional comprehension and competence of ministerial leaders. The degree program is appropriate for pastors, para-church leaders, ministry leaders, educators, and mission leaders.
The purpose of the D. Min. degree is to provide that level of knowledge, theoretical clarity, and competence of practice commensurate with the highest earned degree for the profession and practice of ministry. The program seeks the integration of a disciplined reflective practice of ministry with a theological and biblical base that includes both high academic standards and practical implementation.
The goals of this program are to enable students: to become aware of new trends and literature in their vocation; to be challenged and encouraged through dialogue with fellow professionals; to demonstrate enhanced competency in social/cultural analysis for ministry in their context; and to design projects that meet the needs of their constituents in a more effective manner. Although the D. Min. is not designed as simply a research degree, in recent years many seminary educators have chosen the D. Min. degree to enhance their ability to provide training relevant to practical issues in Christian Ministry.
Program Goals
The Doctor of Ministry degree provides advanced study for:
- the personal, spiritual, and professional development of the Church ministry in a variety of contemporary contexts.
- enhancing identified ministerial skills such as preaching, leadership, administration, counseling, spiritual formation, educational programming, and communication.
- demonstrating advanced understanding and integration of ministry in relation to biblical and theological disciplines.
- preparing pastor to research, design, and complete a doctoral-level ministry research project for one’s ministry context.
- contributing to the practice of ministry for local church in a specific cultural context.
Program Details: Doctor of Ministry
Degree Requirements | Course Code | Course Title | Units | No. of Hours |
Basic Courses | BIB 201 | Introduction to Old Testament | 3 | 3 |
(201-250) | BIB 202 | Introduction to New Testament | 3 | 3 |
BIB 203 | New Testament Theology | 3 | 3 | |
BIB 204 | Old Testament Theology | 3 | 3 | |
CT 205 | Church History 1 (Patristic to Middle Ages) | 3 | 3 | |
CT 206 | Church History 2 (Reformation to Modern) | 3 | 3 | |
CT 207 | Christian Theology (General Survey) | 3 | 3 | |
CT 208 | Biblical and Theological Foundations of Mission | 3 | 3 | |
CM 209 | Christian Education: Foundations and Basic Skills | 3 | 3 | |
CM 210 | Church Administration and Leadership | 3 | 3 | |
CM 211 | Mission and Evangelism in the 21st Century | 3 | 3 | |
CM 212 | Worship and Liturgy | 3 | 3 | |
CPE | Clinical Pastoral Education | 1 | 1 | |
TOTAL | 37 | 37 | ||
Major Courses | BIB 251 | Old Testament Exegesis | 3 | 3 |
(251-270) | BIB 252 | New Testament Exegesis | 3 | 3 |
CT 253 | United Methodist History | 3 | 3 | |
CT 254 | United Methodist Doctrine and Polity | 3 | 3 | |
CT 255 | Christian Ethics | 3 | 3 | |
CT 256 | Women and Gender Studies | 3 | 3 | |
CM 257 | Faith and Human Development | 3 | 3 | |
CM 258 | Pastoral Care and Counseling 1- Foundations | 3 | 3 | |
CM 259 | Pastoral Care and Counseling 2- Basic Skills | 3 | 3 | |
CM 260 | Homiletics 1: Theology and Forms | 3 | 3 | |
CM 261 | Homiletics 2: Exegesis in Context | 3 | 3 | |
TOTAL | 33 | 33 | ||
Required Electives (271-280) | BIB 271 | Basic Biblical Hebrew | 3 | 3 |
BIB 272 | Basic Biblical Greek | 3 | 3 | |
BIB 273 | Advanced Bible Seminar | 3 | 3 | |
BIB 274 | Translating the Bible | 3 | 3 | |
CT 275 | Theories of Religion | 3 | 3 | |
CT 276 | Contemporary Theologies | 3 | 3 | |
CT 277 | Ecumenical Movement/Religious Dialogue | 3 | 3 | |
CM 278 | Intentional Discipleship System | 3 | 3 | |
CM 279 | Emancipatory Pedagogy | 3 | 3 | |
CM 280 | Spiritual Formation and Direction | 3 | 3 | |
TOTAL | 30 | 30 | ||
Thesis-Research | R 291 | Theological Research | 3 | 3 |
(291-300) | R 292 | Thesis Seminar | 3 | 3 |
R 300 | Thesis Writing | 6 | 6 | |
TOTAL | 12 | 12 | ||
Integrative Courses | FE 281 | Field Education | 0 | 0 |
(281-290) | FE 282 | Field Education | 0 | 0 |
FE 283 | Summer Exposure | 0 | 0 | |
BCE | Bible Content Exam | 0 | 0 | |
COMPRE | Comprehensive Exam | 0 | 0 | |
TOTAL | 112 | 112 |
Course by Department
COURSE CODE | COURSE TITLE | PRE-REQ. | UNITS | |
Department of Biblical Studies |
||||
BIB 201 | Introduction to Old Testament | none | 3 | |
BIB 202 | Introduction to New Testament | none | 3 | |
BIB 203 | New Testament Theology | BIB 202 | 3 | |
BIB 204 | Old Testament Theology | BIB 201 | 3 | |
BIB 251 | Old Testament Exegesis | BIB 201, BIB 204 | 3 | |
BIB 252 | New Testament Exegesis | BIB 202, BIB 203 | 3 | |
*BIB 271 | Basic Biblical Hebrew | BIB 201, BIB 204 | 3 | |
*BIB 272 | Basic Biblical Greek | BIB 202, BIB 203 | 3 | |
*BIB 273 | Advanced Bible Seminar | BIB 201, BIB 202, BIB 251, BIB 252 | 3 | |
*BIB 274 | Translating the Bible | BIB 201-204, BIB 251-252 | 3 | |
TOTAL | 30 | |||
Department of Church History and Theology |
||||
CT 205 | Church History 1 (Patristic to Middle Ages) | none | 3 | |
CT 206 | Church History 2 (Reformation to Modern) | CT 205 | 3 | |
CT 207 | Christian Theology (General Survey) | none | 3 | |
CT 208 | Biblical and Theological Foundations of Mission | none | 3 | |
CT 253 | United Methodist History | none | 3 | |
CT 254 | United Methodist Doctrine and Polity | CT 253 | 3 | |
CT 255 | Christian Ethics | none | 3 | |
CT 256 | Women and Gender Studies | none | 3 | |
*CT 275 | Theories of Religion | CT 206 | 3 | |
*CT 276 | Contemporary Theologies | CT 207 | 3 | |
*CT 277 | Ecumenical Movement/Religious Dialogue | CT 255 | 3 | |
TOTAL | 33 | |||
Department of Church Ministries –Practical Theology |
||||
CM 209 | Christian Education: Foundations and Basic Skills | none | 3 | |
CM 210 | Church Administration and Leadership | none | 3 | |
CM 211 | Mission and Evangelism in the 21st Century | none | 3 | |
CM 212 | Worship and Liturgy | none | 3 | |
CM 257 | Faith and Human Development | CM 209 | 3 | |
CM 258 | Pastoral Care and Counseling 1- Foundations | none | 3 | |
CM 259 | Pastoral Care and Counseling 2- Basic Skills | CM 258 | 3 | |
CM 260 | Homiletics 1: Theology and Forms | None | 3 | |
CM 261 | Homiletics 2: Exegesis in Context | CM 260 | 3 | |
*CM 278 | Intentional Discipleship System | CM 211 | 3 | |
*CM 279 | Emancipatory Pedagogy | CM 209, CM 211 | 3 | |
*CM 280 | Spiritual Formation and Direction | none | 3 | |
CPE | Clinical Pastoral Education | CM 258, CM 259 | 1 | |
TOTAL | 37 | |||
Integrative Courses/Practicum | ||||
FE 281 | Field Education | None | 0 | |
FE 282 | Field Education | FE 281 | 0 | |
FE 283 | Summer Exposure | FE 281, FE 282 | 0 | |
BCE | Bible Content Examination | 0 | ||
COMPRE | Comprehensive Examination | 0 | ||
Thesis-Research | ||||
R 291 | Theological Research | none | 3 | |
R 292 | Thesis Seminar | R 291 | 3 | |
R 300 | Thesis Writing | R 291, 292 | 6 | |
TOTAL | 12 | |||
TOTAL | 112 | |||
Course Description: Doctor of Ministry
DM 1011 Biblical and Theological Foundations of Ministry
This course focuses on the biblical and theological foundations of ministry, to demonstrate how Christian ministry is firmly grounded on the Holy Scriptures and Christian theology. The student explores the impact of Christian ministry – it’s the nature, mission and function – throughout history and the contemporary context of the Church in society.
DM 1022 Christian Missions in the Philippines and Asia
This course examines current ethical problems, particularly issues facing the church is Asia and the Pacific. Analyzes social problems from a biblical and Wesleyan perspective and discusses alternative views.
DM 2011 Research Methodologies and Statistics, Orientation and Research Seminar
The course orients the student to research methods and procedures applicable to both the humanities and the social sciences, including theological studies, intercultural studies, religious education and Christian communication.
DM 1012 Spiritual and Conflict Transformation
This course deepens the students’ understanding of the natural connectedness between Christian spirituality and a passionate involvement in the process of conflict transformation. As leaders in the Christian church, ordained and lay ministers are often called upon to provide meaningful reconciliation in situations where conflict has erupted among members, staff, and layers of management. In many circumstances, Christian leaders end up groping for wisdom from biblical principles, yet yearning to develop practical skills in transforming conflicts among people into more nourishing relationships.
Spirituality and conflict Transformation moves learners from the limitedness of traditional conflict resolution or conflict management to a deeper conversation on the theological and psycho-educational foundations of Christian peace-making in large or small social contexts. Case scenarios will facilitate the participants’ development of practical skills for transforming an otherwise hopeless conflict situation into one where God’s shalom is profoundly felt and lived.
DM 2016 Pastoral Supervision
The course investigates the supervisory process and its vital role as a function of ministry. This course explores the process of developing supervisory skills and competences through relational strategies. Participants examine several models that develop a flow leader from within existing ministry structures. Special emphasis will be given to practicing coaching and mentoring skills learned in the course.
DM 2017 Methodism and Social Responsibility
This course examines the Wesleyan perspectives of social holiness in relation to evangelism, reconciliation and justice ministries. Students are required to grapple with personal faith and public faith issues of the day, which does not assume a merely “postmodern” reality defines every context, but deals with that and related issues. The doctoral student will be required to identify their particular context and a personal as well as congregational missional response.
DM 2018 Spiritual and Secularization
This course explores how every event in the history of humankind has been shaped by God through the Holy Spirit. It seeks to explain the natural balance within all beings and phenomena in the context of God-given free will and the influence of the Holy Spirit.
DM 1013 Transformation Leadership in Church Administration
This course exists to build participants skills and discernment in several areas of leadership effectiveness: 1) understanding the concept of organizational culture and the impact of “culture” on an organization’s ability to achieve its mission; 2) develop skills in diagnosing and organization’s culture using one of several frameworks; 2) understand one’s role as an agent of culture development and/or change; and 4) understand and leverage the dynamics of organization change within the participant’s organizational setting.
DM 1014 Contemporary Approaches to Christian Education
This course covers the intensive study of contemporary approaches to Christian education that would aid the students in developing Christian education programs relevant to the need of their local churches.
DM 1021 Preaching from Theological Perspective
This course covers the study on five major theological perspectives that can be used as methods or patterns in preaching. Students are required to read all the necessary resources, be involved in classroom interactions, be engaged in active reflections on God’s Words as they discover the relevance of the Bible to current realities in churches and societies and deliver their own original sermons during preaching laboratory.
DM 1023 Advanced Pastoral Counseling
The course develops skills and sensitivities to enable spiritual and emotional health within the church. Emphasizes self-understanding and listening skills. Examines life passages, sources of personality problems and various types of counseling.
DM 1024 Methodism in the Philippines
The course is designed to provide an overview of the history and doctrine of the Methodist movement. Significant time is spent on the life, work, and theology of John Wesley and the Wesleyan roots of Methodism as well as on the Pilipino Methodist experience. Close attention is paid to the institutional history of the predecessor denominations of the United Methodist Church, to the emergence of the AME,
AMEZ, and CME churches, and to specific traditions that come together to form these denominations. An introductory survey of the Methodist movement in its various historical traditions in England, America and around the world from the time of John Wesley to the present. The course provides United Methodist History credit.
DM 2012 Biblical Interpretations
This subject is an intensive exploration of the interpretive process, integrating the interaction between the world of the author, text, and reader to look for the potential meaning, message, and significance of God’s Word for our time. A sampling of Jewish, Muslim and Christian interpretation of Abraham’s Tent is part of the Study.
DM 2013 Strategic Planning and Financial Management
The course examines a range of operational and financial issues for running an efficient and effective organization. Introduces a range of analytical and decision-making tools and techniques and applies these within a strategic management context. A fundamental premise underlying this course is that the process of creating strategic direction in a ministry setting is not an event, but an ongoing, dynamic, and interactive process.
DM 2014 Evangelism, Discipleship and Church Growth
This course examines the healthy strategies for diversifying ministries as they transition from reproducing churches to becoming “sent” organizations. Participants will discuss new models for sustaining mission, mobilizing emerging leaders and partnering with others. Special emphasis will be given to preparing ministries and leaders to multiply.
COMPRE.EXAM – Comprehensive Exam
In higher education, a comprehensive examination often abbreviated as “comps,” is specific type of examination that must be completed by graduate students in some disciplines and courses of study, and also by undergraduate students in some institutions and departments. Unlike final examinations, comprehensive examination are not liked to any particular course, but rather text knowledge across one or more general fields of study.
DISSERT.SEM – Dissertation Seminar
This course deals with both the theoretical and practical aspects of designing dissertation research and successfully defending the design in a proposal hearing. The purpose of the course is to assist students through the proposal and dissertation writing processes. Prerequisite: Doctoral Candidacy.
DM 2025 Dissertation Writing
The capstone course in all of programs is the research-based ministry project or Dissertation, which draws together all that the student has learned into final form. An advisor will be chosen by the student or assigned by school from the list of approved advisor.
Grading System
The following grading system is adopted by Wesley Divinity School:
Grade point | Equivalence | Description |
1.0 | 99-100 | Excellent |
1.1 | 96-98 | |
1.2 | 95-96 | Superior |
1.3 | 93-94 | |
1.4 | 91-92 | Very Satisfactory |
1.5 | 90 | |
1.6 | 89 | |
1.7 | 88 | Satisfactory |
1.8 | 87 | |
1.9 | 86 | |
2.0 | 85 | |
Below 2.00 | Below 85 | Unsatisfactory/Failed |