Certificate in Pastoral Studies

Curriculum

SF1073 Basic Christian Living

This subject aims to introduce students to the biblical basis for balanced Christian living. Using the Clock Model, students will learn the fundamental elements like spiritual food, spiritual breath, spiritual restoration, spiritual exercise and spiritual source. The model will also explain the dynamic functioning of these elements in the lives of Christians.

PC1053 Introduction to Church Ministry

This subject aims to introduce students to the call and ministries of the Church. Students will learn how the local church responds to this call through the various practical avenues. They will look at the broad-based ministries like the worship ministry, the pulpit ministry and the training arm. They will also learn about the impact of the Church on the world through outreach avenues, social action and educational programmes. Students will discuss the pastoral aspect of the ministry to the different age-groups like children, youths, adults and families.

HD1093 Introduction to Missions

This subject aims to provide students with a biblical, historical and theological overview of missions. Beginning from the Abrahamic covenant in the Old Testament, students will examine the call of the Church to engage in worldwide missions. They will learn about cross-cultural training, evangelisation of unreached people groups, missionary care and support system, and various mission strategies. Students will discuss the implications of missions for Christians in the local church.

BL1073 Introduction to the Bible

This subject aims to introduce students to the different literary genres in the Bible. Students will learn about the Law, Psalms, Wisdom Literature, Prophetic and Apocalyptic literature under the Old Testament corpus. They will learn to appreciate the Gospel narratives, Parables, Epistles and also Apocalyptic literature in the New Testament corpus.

TH1063 Introduction to Theology

This subject aims to introduce students to the various divisions in theology, with a special focus on Bibliology. Students will look at the revelation from God and the meaning and significance of the inspiration of Scripture. They will also explore the inerrancy and authority of the Word of God, illumination from the Holy Spirit and biblical interpretation.

SF1063 Life in the Spirit

This subject aims to introduce students to the theory and practice of Spirit-filled living. Students will examine the role and function of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life, including the manifestation of spiritual gifts and cultivation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. They will also learn about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in worship and prayer.

TH1072 Apologetics

This subject aims to help students be theologically prepared to engage in the tasks of evangelism and apologetics in contemporary society. Students will explore common apologetic issues such as the existence of God, creation, the problem of evil, man’s search for meaning and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. They will also do a comparative study of the major Asian religions and examine the influence of New Age Movement and postmodernism on Christian apologetics.

HD1122 Basic Study Skills

This subject aims to help students develop effective study habits and skills for use in their academic life. Topics covered include time management, study techniques, note taking, reading and listening skills. Students will also learn how to handle tests and examinations and utilise library resources.

HD1062 English Proficiency

This subject aims to equip students with a basic written proficiency in the English language. Students will learn about the syntactic and semantic aspects in English usage. Activity-based lessons and interaction with the instructor will help students improve their English proficiency.

SF1132 Evangelism (Basic)

This subject aims to introduce students to the biblical basis and methods of evangelism. Students will learn the systematic theological framework of evangelism through an understanding of the biblical concept of the whole gospel, the message of the gospel and the definition of evangelism. They will explore the various models and styles of evangelism and the necessary tools needed for effective evangelism, with particular attention to “Bad News, Good News.” They will also discuss the proper ways of presenting a personal testimony and the dynamics of follow-up.

HD1152 Introduction to Christian Education

This subject aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of Christian education. Students will learn the biblical foundations and the goals of Christian education. They will also learn the principles of lesson planning, the use of audio-visual resources and the evaluation of a programme. Students will discuss the various age-group characteristics of children, youth and adults, and programmes to meet their needs.

HD1132 Literature Appreciation 1

This subject aims to help students understand the basic narrative structure of fiction. Students will learn the basic literary elements of narrative literature such as background, characterisation and perspective-taking. They will also learn to critically appreciate both the form and content of a selected novel.

HD1142 Literature Appreciation 2

This subject aims to deepen students’ literary appreciation skills. Students will learn critical appreciation of the form and content of a selected novel in relation to basic literary elements such as perspective-taking, themes and characterisation.

HD1082 Oral Skills

This subject aims to help students develop effective oral communication skills. Students will learn phonetics, rhythm, intonation and oratorical skills. They will also have the opportunity to practise their oral skills through class activities like dialogue, scripture reading, role-play and news broadcast.

HD1072 Writing Skills

This subject aims to introduce students to the basic principles of effective writing. Through perspective-taking exercises, students will learn to communicate effectively in the narrative model through sentence making and story writing. They will also learn how to write a coherent discourse with focus and clarity.

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 through 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 of 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 through 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 playing mainly in E major and strumming pattern for worship song on the guitar. They will also learn techniques of choral singing through 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.

Apprenticeship

The apprenticeship programme consists of a series of guided field education modules. The programme seeks to develop basic Christian ministry skills through experiential learning.

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 at least 3 GCE ‘O’ Level passes 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.

Graduation Requirements

The Certificate in Pastoral Studies is a 45-credit programme. Students would be awarded a Certificate in Pastoral Studies if they

• successfully complete 21 taught modules with a GPA of minimally 2.3 out of 4
• fulfil all requirements of 90 hours of apprenticeship
• demonstrate a godly character, integrity, and discipline in guided supervision
• fulfil all requirements within the maximum candidature of four years