Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies

BL2303 Old Testament 1
This subject looks at the unfolding of the biblical drama from the creation to the end of theocracy through three major themes of covenant-blessing, judgement-redemption, and election-holiness. These themes form a three-strand cord that ties biblical history together. Students will also trace the biblical accounts in a chronological order from Genesis to Ruth.

BL2313 Old Testament 2
This subject looks at the events leading to the rise and fall of monarchy through three major themes of covenant-blessing, judgement-redemption, and election-holiness. These themes form a three-strand cord that ties biblical history together. This study will also trace the biblical accounts in a chronological order from 1 Samuel to Isaiah.

BL2323 Old Testament 3
This subject looks at the history of Israel from the exile to the restoration through three major themes of covenant-blessing, judgement-redemption, and election-holiness. These themes form a three-strand cord that ties biblical history together. Students will also trace the biblical accounts in a chronological order from 2 Kings to Malachi.

BL2333 New Testament 1
This subject aims to provide students with an overview of the life and message of Jesus Christ in the four Gospels. The unfolding drama of the life of Jesus Christ within the political, religious, and social context of Jesus and the evangelists will be explored. Special emphasis will be given to the major themes of salvation-discipleship, Holy Spirit-miracles, and kingdom of God-Church.

BL2343 New Testament 2
This subject looks at the growth, expansion, and problems of the apostolic church through the study of the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline epistles. Some of the distinctives of Pauline theology will be discussed in the light of their socio-historical context.  Special emphasis will be given to the major themes of salvation-discipleship, Holy Spirit-miracles, and kingdom of God-Church.

BL2353 New Testament 3
This subject examines the theological message of the General Epistles and Revelation in the light of their socio-historical context. A comparative study will be made of the theology of Peter/Paul and Paul/James. Current issues in New Testament studies will also be discussed.  Special emphasis will be given to the major themes of salvation-discipleship, Holy Spirit-miracles, and kingdom of God-Church.

BL3133 New Testament Studies (Gospels) – Luke*
This subject aims to introduce students to the content and theology of the Gospel of Luke, through an exegetical and interpretive study of the gospel. Students will learn to appreciate the literary structure and identify the key theological motifs in Luke’s portrayal of the universality of Jesus’ gospel. They will also learn to apply principles of exegesis to selected passages.

BL3143 New Testament Studies -1 Corinthians*
This subject aims to introduce students to the content and theology of the book of 1 Corinthians, through an exegetical and interpretive study of the epistle. Students will learn to appreciate the literary structure of the epistle and identify the key pastoral issues and theological motifs in 1 Corinthians within the larger context of Pauline theology. They will also learn to apply principles of exegesis to selected passages.

BL3103 Old Testament Studies (Pentateuch) – Genesis*
This subject aims to introduce students to the content and theology of the book of Genesis, through an exegetical and interpretive study of the book. Students will learn how to appreciate Old Testament narratives and identify key theological motifs in the book of Genesis from the primeval era to the age of the patriarchs. They will also learn to apply principles of exegesis to selected passages.

BL4113 Old Testament Studies (Prophets) – Isaiah*
This subject aims to introduce students to the content and theology of the book of Isaiah, through an exegetical and interpretive study of the book. Students will learn to appreciate Old Testament prophetic literature and to identify key theological motifs in the book of Isaiah from Israel’s exile to her restoration. They will also learn to apply principles of exegesis to selected passages.

HD2103 Research Writing
This subject aims to help students with academic writing approaches, the formulation of thesis statement and the development of relevant arguments to support the thesis statement. Students will learn to use basic tools for research writing and the best ways of utilising the materials. They will explore how to systematically organise their materials and write proper citations. They will have hands-on experience of writing a short research paper.

HD2163 Art of Teaching and Learning
This subject aims to introduce students to the theory and practice of teaching and learning. Students will learn the dynamics of teaching and the different learning styles, with an emphasis on transformation as the ultimate goal. They will develop and execute a lesson plan. They will also study the learning characteristics with respect to the different age groups (children, youths, adults and elderly). Students will discuss the implications on teacher-learner dynamics in the context of lifelong learning.

HD4113 Public Speaking
This subject aims to help students explore the different stages of the communication process and to effectively communicate with the audience. Students will learn to plan, prepare and deliver speeches and expository sermons from different genres. Students will deliver sermons and receive evaluation from fellow students and the instructor.

HD4213 Theories of Educational Psychology
This subject aims to introduce students to the major theories in the psychology of teaching and learning. Topics covered in the subject will include theories of human development, behavioural theories of learning, cognitive theories of learning, motivation of students and creation of effective learning environments. Student will also discuss the impact of these theories on teaching and learning. The subject will also include a discussion of cultural diversity in the learning process in the Asian context.

HD3193 Church Administration
This subject aims to help students understand the systems approach to church administration. Students will learn the importance of quality management and effectiveness, the purpose of the organisation, its mission, the deployment of human and capital resources and concepts in strategic planning.

HD4203 Leadership
This subject aims to help students develop and apply Christian leadership principles and practices in their service in church. Students will learn about the different leadership theories, including Chinese philosophical perspectives of leadership. In addition, students will examine the issue of power, and the impact of leadership on organisational concerns such as change and learning.

HD3173 Small Group Dynamics
This subject aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the theory and practice of small groups. Students will learn the theoretical perspectives of group dynamics, communication, leader-member relationships and conflict resolution. They will also learn experientially about groups through planning and organising small group activities.

HD4223 Change and Organisation
This subject examines the concepts and theories of change in the organisational setting. It aims to help Christian leaders understand the phenomena of change and determine the impact and effects of change to the individual and the Christian organisation. The forces of change, and the motivations and resistances to change will also be examined to enable Christian leaders to bring change successfully in the Christian organisation.

IC4063 Asian Religions
This subject aims to introduce students to the beliefs and practices of the major religions in Asia. Students will look at the different religious worldviews concerning suffering, ultimate reality, death, afterlife and the end of the world. They will also review  other faiths to discuss and compare with Christianity so as to  build bridges to communicate the gospel more effectively.

IC2083 Theology of Missions
This subject aims to introduce students to the biblical basis for missions. Students will learn to trace God’s missionary purpose and activity in the Old Testament through Israel right to the Great Commission entrusted to the Church in the New Testament. They will also discuss current contemporary issues such as liberation theology, contextualised theology and concept of holistic missions.

IC3033 Southeast Asian Studies 1
This subject aims to give an overview of the historical, socio-political, socio-economical and religious perspectives in Southeast Asia. Students will focus on geographical and cultural landscapes, foreign influences, political climate and minority groups in this region. From these perspectives, students will identify key missiological issues in this region and provide Christian responses to these issues.

IC3043 Southeast Asian Studies 2
This subject complements Southeast Asian Studies 1 and aims to introduce students to the current developments in Southeast Asia. Students will examine issues pertaining to modernisation, globalisation, resurgences of Southeast Asian religions, security and socio-economic challenges confronting this region. From these perspectives, students will draw key missiological implications and provide Christian responses to these implications.

IC4053 East Asian Studies
This subject aims to introduce students to East Asian countries. Students will focus on the history, politics, sociology, economics, culture, religion and theology of these countries. They will understand the missiological implications and develop effective missionary strategies to preach the gospel in these countries.

IC4073 History of Missions
This subject aims to examine the history of Christian missions and the expansion of Christianity. Students will look at key personalities and events involved in the expansion of the frontiers of Christianity. They will also focus on the factors and missionary methodologies influencing the growth and development of Christian missions, and their application to missions in Asia today.

PC2063 Introduction to Pastoral Care
This subject aims to acquaint students with the biblical foundations and practical skills of pastoral care in the church. Students will explore the concept of self-care and people-care in the context of the church community. They will learn about developmental stages and relevant issues related to youths and young adults.

PC3083 Pastoral Counselling
This subject aims to equip students with a counselling approach that integrates traditional psychological approaches with biblical considerations. Students will study counselling in the context of a church system. They will learn to effect change and growth with the support of the church community in response to crisis, developmental issues, and changes throughout the life cycle. They will also discuss practical issues relating to ministry.

PC3073 Counselling Theory
This subject aims to equip students with the knowledge and theories in the field of counselling. Students will learn the four basic counselling approaches: Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioural and Family Systemic approaches. They will look at the Transpersonal approach which incorporates the eastern and western theories with a spiritual dimension. Students will also critically evaluate the five approaches in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. They will attempt to integrate these approaches with Christian perspectives in an Asian context.

PC4113 Basic Counselling Skills
This subject aims to introduce students to basic counselling theories and skills. Students will learn about various common counselling approaches and intervention frameworks with an emphasis on Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Model and Piaget’s Cognitive Development Model. Through the cognitive developmental approach, students will learn how to apply appropriate methods, processes, techniques and skills in counselling.

PC4123 Developmental Theories in Counselling
This subject aims to help students develop a critical understanding of human developmental theories that covers the lifespan of a person. The popular theories discussed include Freud’s Psychosexual Development Theory, Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory, Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory, Kohlberg’s Moral Development Theory and Fowler’s Faith Development Theory.

PC4103 Family Life
This subject aims to help students understand the defining characteristics of Christian marriage and family life, including the theological and sociological perspectives. Students will learn topics on family life, such as roles within the family, styles of parenting, principles of communication, marriage enrichment and sexuality. Lessons will also examine the stressors in family life and marriage.

SF2163 Evangelism and Discipleship
This subject aims to introduce students to the theories and practices of evangelism and discipleship. The focus is on the process of establishing a contact to the point of following up and discipling of  a new believer. Topics covered include principles, strategies, practice, nurture and issues in evangelism and discipleship . Students will also discuss the missiological implications of evangelism and the trends and issues in discipleship.

SF3173 Bible Study for Spiritual Formation
This subject aims to help students develop analytical skills for Bible study. Students will learn the Analytical Verse Study and Topical Bible Study methods. They will also learn mind-mapping and the use of Bible study tools and resources. In Analytical Verse Study, students will examine topics related to spiritual disciplines and spiritual values in discipleship. In Topical Bible Study, students will discuss and present topics related to life issues.

SF2103 Spiritual Disciplines 1
This subject aims to introduce students to the personal spiritual disciplines essential for a vibrant Christian life. It will also provide both theoretical understanding and experiential practice of each of the spiritual disciplines. The spiritual disciplines covered include personal devotion, meditation, Bible study, partnership with the person of the Holy Spirit, fasting, solitude, silence and simplicity.

SF2113 Spiritual Disciplines 2
This subject aims to introduce students to corporate spiritual disciplines essential for a vibrant Christian community. The areas covered include corporate worship, ministry, openness and humility, submission, partnership with spiritual friends, seeking God’s will, giving, and a balanced spiritual walk. The subject will provide both the theory and practice of each spiritual discipline.

SF2083 Spiritual Pediatrics
This subject aims to help students understand how Christians and non-Christians alike think, how they come to faith and grow in their understanding, so as to effectively nurture new believers. Students will understand worldviews and the process of conversion, transformation and worldview change. They will also learn how to help others grow in faith through a series of Evangelistic Bible Study.

TH3103 Church History 1
This subject aims to acquaint students with the history of Christianity from the Early Church to the Reformation. Students will see how God is at work in the history of the Church from the first century to the period of the Reformation. They will study key issues and personalities in church history, examine the reasons for the various movements and consider their implications for the churches in Asia.

TH3113 Church History 2
This subject aims to acquaint students with post-Reformation church history to the modern era. Students will examine the Enlightenment, the Evangelical Awakening and Revivals, modern missionary expansion and current trends affecting the modern Church. They will study key issues and personalities in church history, look at the reasons for the various movements and consider their implications for society today. They will also examine the growth of the Protestant movement and its implications for the churches in Asia.

TH2253 Pentecostal-Charismatic Studies
This course traces the biblical and theological teachings on the person and the work of the Holy Spirit. Students will have a broad overview of the historical developments of the work of Holy Spirit as well as the significance of rites and rituals within Pentecostal-Charismatic spirituality. They will also learn from the example of Jesus as one who embodies the kerygma or proclamation and learn how to build their faith and exercise their spiritual gifts.

TH3133 Anthropology / Harmatology
This subject aims to examine the theological implications of the nature of man (Anthropology) and sin (Harmatology). Anthropology explores the origin of man, the image of man and the nature of man. Students will also look at the relationship between man and God, man and creation and the different roles of man and woman. Harmatology examines the fall of man, the nature and the effects of sin, and the covenant God instituted with man.

TH3153 Soteriology / Christology
This subject aims to help students understand the Person (Christology) and the Work of Christ (Soteriology) and their implications for Christian living. The study on Christology explores issues such as the nature of the hypostatic union, the meaning of kenosis and the creedal statements of the different Church Councils. The study on Soteriology explores the theories of atonement, justification, regeneration and sanctification.

TH3123 Theology Proper
This subject aims to introduce students to the personhood of God. Students will examine concepts that include the criteria for the study of God, Christian worldview and the place of faith. They will explore the various ways to prove the existence of God, the revelations of God to man, and the concept of the Trinitarian God. They will also reflect on contemporary questions raised concerning the Christian faith.

TH3143 Ecclesiology / Eschatology
This subject aims to introduce students to the concept of the Church (Ecclesiology) and the Second Coming of Christ (Eschatology). Ecclesiology covers the biblical, theological and historical development of the church. It also explores the call of the church and the types of government and leadership roles. Eschatology covers the various interpretations of the end time, the meaning of resurrection, heaven and hell, and the issue of Christian hope. Students will learn the implications of these concepts for Christian living.

TH4163 Pneumatology
This subject aims to introduce students to the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Students will trace the biblical, historical and theological development of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. They will also examine the issues involved in the study of the Holy Spirit, and their social, pastoral and missiological implications in the Asian context.

WM2193 Art of Worship
This subject aims to introduce students to the various components of worship in the Church. Topics discussed include the meaning and purpose of worship, the role of the Holy Spirit in worship, and the involvement of the individual and the congregation in worship. Students will learn about the tabernacle of the Old Testament as a model for understanding the relationship between the worshipper and God. They will discuss modern trends and issues in worship.

WM1071 Music Theory / Voice 1*
The aim of this subject is to help students appreciate music through learning elementary note readings (e.g. simple time signature, note values) and major and harmonic minor scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats.  Students will learn chord playing mainly in C major and D major on the keyboard. They will also learn techniques of choral singing of Christmas hymns.

WM1081 Music Theory / Voice 2*
The aim of this subject is to help students appreciate music through learning compound time signature, the relation between simple and compound time, melodic minor scales, and tonic triads of major and minor scales.  Students will learn chord playing mainly in E major and G major on the keyboard. They will also learn techniques of choral singing through singing Good Friday/Easter hymns.

WM1091 Music Theory / Voice 3*
The aim of this subject is to help students appreciate music through learning basic intervals, elementary music writing (e.g. phrase structure, rhythm), instruments and their performance directions.  Students will learn chord playing in minor key and playing melody with chord accompaniment in C major on the keyboard. They will also learn techniques of choral singing through singing hymns of comfort or declarative praise.

WM1101 Music Theory / Voice 4*
The aim of this subject is to help students appreciate music through learning advanced intervals (e.g. compound, diminished), major scales, melodic and harmonic minor scales up to 6 sharps and 6 flats, triads on tonic, subdominant and dominant chords and cadence.  Students will learn chord playing mainly in D major and G major on the guitar. They will also learn techniques of choral singing of Christmas hymns.

WM1111 Music Theory / Voice 5*
The aim of this subject is to help students appreciate music through learning of song writing for instrument and for voice, and transposition in instruments. Students will learn to play mainly in E major and strumming pattern for worship song on the guitar. They will also learn techniques of choral singing of Christmas hymns.

WM1121 Music Theory / Voice 6*
The aim of this subject is to help students appreciate music through learning ornaments, irregular time divisions and time signatures, more techniques on song writing .and music history.  Students will learn strumming pattern for compound time and plucking patterns on the guitar. They will also learn techniques of choral singing through singing hymns of comfort or declarative praise.

*Students who have completed Music Theory / Voice 1 – 6 will study the following subjects instead:

WM2131 Music Theory / Instrument 1
The aim of this subject is to help students appreciate music by learning basic keyboard skills. Students will learn to identify notes on the keyboard, play primary chords in some major scales and some minor scales. They will also learn to identify chords from music scores.

WM2141 Music Theory / Instrument 2
The aim of this subject is to help students appreciate music by learning to play songs in simple time using the keyboard. Students will learn to co-ordinate playing melody with the right hand and playing chords with the left hand. They will also learn different rhythms for left hand accompaniment.

WM2151 Music Theory / Instrument 3
The aim of this subject is to help students appreciate music by learning to play songs in compound time using the keyboard. Students will learn to co-ordinate playing melody with the right hand and playing chords with the left hand. They will also learn different rhythms for left hand accompaniment in compound time.

WM2161 Music Theory / Instrument 4
The aim of this subject is to help students appreciate music by learning basic guitar playing. Students will learn about the functions of the guitar, how to tune the guitar and identify the frets and playing scales. They will also learn to play the primary and secondary chords of C and G major and basic strumming patterns.

WM2171 Music Theory / Instrument 5
The aim of this subject is to help students appreciate music by learning to play more scales and songs in other keys using the guitar. Students will also learn barre chords, simple strumming patterns and finger picking. They will also learn how to change chords with different strumming patterns.

WM2181 Music Theory / Instrument 6
The aim of this subject is to help students appreciate music by learning to sing along while playing the guitar at the same time. Students will learn to play the primary and secondary chords of minor scale. They will also learn transposition and strumming patterns in triple time.

Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship programme consists of a series of supervised field education modules. The programme seeks to develop competencies in the study and interpretation, teaching and preaching of the Word of God, public speaking and leadership, education and counselling, etc. through experiential learning.

*or other Old Testament or New Testament books

Prerequisite

Applicants must complete the Diploma in Pastoral Studies or its equivalent before admission into the Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies programme.

Standards for Admission

In general, admission to the Asian Pastoral Institute is based upon Christian commitment and experience, as well as academic record. Applicants must have a recognised diploma or a full A-level certificate (2 As and 2 AOs or 2 H2s and 2 H1s) or its equivalent, and two Forms of Reference from a pastor / church elder and one other Christian leader from their church. If an applicant does not meet the minimum academic requirements, the applicant may be considered for probationary or special admission depending on the merits of the case.

The Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies is a 162-credit programme. Students would be awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies if they

• successfully complete 50 taught modules with a GPA of minimally 2.3 out of 4
• fulfil all requirements of 720 hours of apprenticeship
• demonstrate a godly character, integrity, and discipline in guided supervision
• fulfil all requirements within the maximum candidature of ten years