Diploma in Pastoral Studies

Curriculum

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

*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 teaching and learning, evangelism and discipleship, spiritual disciplines, pastoral care and counselling, etc. through experiential learning.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, a full A-level certificate (2 As and 2 AOs or 2 H2s and 2 H1s), a Certificate in Pastoral Studies 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 Diploma in Pastoral Studies is a 103-credit programme. Students would be awarded a Diploma in Pastoral Studies if they

• successfully complete 33 taught modules with a GPA of minimally 2.3 out of 4
• fulfil all requirements of 480 hours of apprenticeship
• demonstrate a godly character, integrity, and discipline in guided supervision
• fulfil all requirements within the maximum candidature of seven years