Master of Divinity

Curriculum

BL5264 New Testament Introduction

This subject helps the student to understand how the 27 books are categorised under the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles (Pauline epistles and General epistles) and Revelation. In each category the student will understand the historical background, the literary structure, and the message of each book. The student will discover the theological themes of each book and how they fit with the entire theological schema of the New Testament (Salvation-Discipleship, Holy Spirit-Miracles, Kingdom of God-Church).

BL5274 New Testament Studies (Gospel, Acts and Johannine Writings)

This subject is designed as an in-depth study of New Testament Gospel-Acts and Johannine Writings. Special emphasis will be placed on the literary structure and the theological message of each book. Exegesis of key passages will be done.

BL5284 New Testament Studies (Pauline and General Epistles)

This subject is designed as an in-depth study of New Testament Pauline and General Epistles. Special emphasis will be placed on the literary structure and the theological message of each book. Exegesis of key passages will be done.

BL5234 Old Testament Introduction

The subject helps the student to understand how the 39 books are categorised under the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. In each category the student will understand the historical background, the literary structure, and the message of each book. The student will discover the theological themes of each book and how they fit with the entire theological schema of the Old Testament (Covenant-Blessing, Judgment-Redemption, Election-Holiness).

BL5244 Old Testament Studies (Pentateuch and Historical Books)

This subject is designed as an in-depth study of Old Testament Pentateuch and the Historical Books. Special emphasis will be placed on the literary structure and the theological message of each book. Exegesis of key passages will be done.

BL5254 Old Testament Studies (Poetic and Prophetic Books)

This subject is designed as an in-depth study of Old Testament Poetic and Prophetic Books. Special emphasis will be placed on the literary structure and the theological message of each book. Exegesis of key passages will be done.

HD5274 Communication: Oral and Written

This is a practical course that guides students to construct and develop different genres of sermons for the pulpit ministry. Students will acquire an understanding of the biblical principles of the pulpit ministry, the importance of partnering the Holy Spirit in preaching, effective writing and public speaking communicating techniques so that they may be equipped for the pulpit ministry. Students will have the opportunity to preach and critique different genres of sermons for their practical learning.

HD5034 Foundations for Teaching & Learning

This subject aims to introduce students to the theory and practice of teaching and learning. Students will learn different educational theories and age group characteristics developed by Skinner, Piaget, Erikson, and Knowles. The learning model adopted by this subject is a dynamic equilibrium of andragogic and pedagogic teaching and learning approaches. Students will integrate this learning model with important educational issues such as motivation, creativity, correction and discipline, and evaluation in the teaching process. They will also discuss the concept of lifelong learning and teaching for transformation.

HD5024 Research Writing

This subject aims to introduce students to a proper approach to writing academic research papers. Topics covered include the use of reference tools, identification of research issues and organisation of materials. Students will also learn to formulate thesis statements and develop relevant supporting arguments.

IC5024 Asian Religions

This course provides an understanding of prevailing religions in Asia. The historical development, belief system and the contemporary practices of each religion will be explored in this course. It will also examine Christianity’s encounters with each of these religions and discuss the missiological implications for the growth of Christianity in Asia.

IC5094 Introduction to the Study of Religion

This course looks at the place of religion in society. It will highlight key approaches to the study of religion and provide theoretical understanding to religion from the sociological, anthropological, psychological, and philosophical perspectives. The role of myths will also be examined to give a better understanding of how they facilitate the unexplainable of life issues, together with the practice of religious faiths via rituals and sacred symbols. Students will also examine how religion can help motivate individuals towards a standard of morality and ethics. A Christian response will be considered for each of the key areas of study.

IC5014 Southeast Asian Studies

This subject aims to help students identify key missiological issues in Southeast Asia and to provide Christian responses to these issues. Students will look at Southeast Asia from the historical, socio-political, socio-economical and religious perspectives. These perspectives include foreign influences, state and governance, modernisation, globalisation, and resurgence of Southeast Asian religions.

LG5014 Greek 1

This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding on biblical Greek grammar. They will learn the Greek alphabet and how to pronounce Greek words. They will also learn Greek nouns, verbs, and vocabulary so as to be able to do translation of simple biblical texts.  Students will also be taught to use the language tools to enhance their learning.

LG5024  Greek 2

This module is a continuation of Greek 1, and it builds on what the students have already learnt in Greek 1.  Students will learn Greek verbs, participles and have a knowledge of the moods (e.g. subjunctive). They will also be able to do translations of biblical texts.

LG5034  Greek Exegesis

This module builds on the foundations of Greek 1 and 2.  The module aims to provide students with a systematic method of doing New Testament exegesis. Students will be introduced to basic exegetical tools. Different principles for interpreting the different genres found in the New Testament will also be discussed. The exegesis done will help the student to be able to do effective and accurate exegesis for preaching/teaching.

LG5044 Hebrew Language

This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding on Biblical Hebrew Grammar. Students will learn the Hebrew alphabets and vowels, Hebrew nouns and nominals, Hebrew verbs and stems and vocabulary. The students will learn how to do grammatical and syntactical analysis of the Hebrew Old Testament using Hebrew Language Tools. Students will also be introduced to the reading and studying of the Hebrew Bible (BHS – Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia).

PC5034 Developmental Themes in Counselling Psychology

This subject enhances the students’ understanding of human development in relation to the biopsychosocial and spiritual factors which influence growth and changes over the lifespan. Students will be introduced to developmental themes across different life stages and understand its relevance for counselling practice and faith-based perspectives. They will also gain skills in using questioning and interviewing techniques to assess the developmental background of a person during counselling sessions.

PC5014 Foundations for Pastoral Counselling & Guidance

This subject aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of the theory and practice of counselling and guidance. Students will have an overview of the various counselling approaches and positions taken by the secular, the medical and the Christian world. They will understand the roles of Christian counsellors and people helpers, their essential qualities and the processes and skills involved in counselling and guidance. Students will also discuss issues related to youths and young adults.

PC5184 Foundations for Small Groups

This subject aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the formation, development, and management of groups. Students will examine the theoretical perspectives of small groups including group strategies, group dynamics, communication, leader-member relationships, goal setting and conflict resolution. They will also learn experientially about groups through planning, organising, and participating in group projects and activities.

PC5024 Marriage / Family Life Counselling

This subject helps students to understand the theoretical perspective of marriage and family and gives the biblical perspectives on the various topics of the subject. It also provides concept of marriage and family life from the developmental perspective. Using Family Systems Theory and Family Life Cycle Theory, students will understand how family dynamics impact the growth and development of an individual. Topics studied include traits of a healthy marriage, communication, conflict resolution, gender roles within a marriage, phases and styles of parenting, roles and goals of parents and the importance of sex education for children. Students will discuss possible threats to the modern family.

SF5154 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 cover five topics related to spiritual disciplines and spiritual values in discipleship. In Topical Bible Study, students will prepare five Bible study lessons based on topics related to life issues. 

SF5124 Foundations for Evangelism and Discipleship

This subject uses the Gospel of Mark as a framework for drawing principles from the life and ministry of Jesus. This subject integrates biblical and theological insights with marketing perspectives to help students understand the disciplines of evangelism and discipleship holistically. At the practical level, students will learn to prepare and share the gospel and personal testimony. They will also have the opportunity to relate with different people groups and understand their needs.

SF5044 Foundations for Spiritual Disciplines

This subject aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of the spiritual disciplines essential for a vibrant Christian life. Students will learn about the theoretical foundations and experiential practice of spiritual disciplines. They will explore prayer as the spiritual breath of all spiritual disciplines. Areas of spiritual disciplines covered include meditation, fasting, the practice of solitude, silence and Sabbath rest, corporate worship, discipline of ministry. Students will discuss the importance of humility and confession in church life, submission, partnership with the Spirit of God and living a consistent and balanced spiritual life.

TH5214 Pentecostal-Charismatic Studies

Pentecostal-Charismatic Studies 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, from the first wave to the fourth, and into the contemporary movements. The place of rites and rituals within Pentecostal-Charismatic spirituality will also be explored. In addition, they will also learn from the example of Jesus as one who embodies the kerygma or proclamation. They will learn how they can live as kerygmatics through the cultivation of the word and worship life, and the exercise of their spiritual gifts.

TH5204 Asian Church History

This course is an introduction to Asian Church History. It will examine the coming of Christianity to Asia, key factors facilitating or impeding growth of Christianity and key Christian figures in respective Asian countries. Students will also have opportunities to examine and discuss the challenges facing the Asian Church today.

TH5224 Hermeneutics

This course introduces hermeneutics as scriptural interpretation that is exegeted and performed. It aims to equip students with abilities and skills in reading scripture in the Spirit and exegesis for teaching, expository preaching, and faithful living. Students will have a framework and method for a reading of the different genres in the Bible – history and law, poetry and wisdom literature, prophecy, narrative, epistle, and apocalyptic writings. They will also have opportunities to examine the history, approaches, principles, and practice of drawing understanding of biblical texts for the purpose of proclaiming Christ in contemporary living and applications.

TH5184 Introduction to Philosophy

This module takes a comprehensive look at the introduction to Philosophy. It will explore the value of Philosophy in understanding and defending the Christian faith. It will cover philosophical methods, logic, epistemology, and ethics. It will take a quick look at some early Greek philosophers, examine the medieval mind and the influence upon the Church then. This module will also cover philosophy of religion and metaphysics, before looking at some aspects of Chinese philosophy and its relationship with the Christian faith.

TH5044 Survey of Church History

This subject aims to acquaint students with the major periods of Christian History and to recognise God’s work through each period. Students will examine key historical issues in the history of the church, with reference to key personalities and events. They will look at the reasons for the various issues that arose and consider their implications for the society today. Students will also trace the development of the church in Southeast Asia, with a special focus on Singapore.

TH5024 Systematic Theology 1

This subject aims to provide students with an introduction to Bibliology, Theology Proper, Ecclesiology and Eschatology.   Students will examine the doctrines of revelation and the Bible, God and the Trinity, the Church and her mission, and the Last Things which include the Christian hope and its implications for today. They will also discuss related contemporary issues within the Asian context.

TH5034 Systematic Theology 2

This subject aims to provide students with an introduction to Anthropology, Harmatology, Christology and Soteriology. Students will learn about the nature of man and the image of God. They will examine the nature and effects of the fall of man, the humanity and divinity of Christ, and the issues of atonement, justification, regeneration, and sanctification. They will also discuss related contemporary issues within the Asian context.

WM5011 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.

WM5021 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.

WM5031 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.

WM5041 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.

WM5051 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.

WM5061 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 supervised field education modules. The programme seeks to develop competencies and proficiencies—in evangelism and discipleship, pastoral care and counselling, teaching and preaching, liturgy and sacraments, music and worship, missions and contextualisation, spirituality and spiritual disciplines, etc.—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 a bachelor’s degree [Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 out of 4] 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 Master of Divinity is a 136-credit programme. Students would be awarded a Master of Divinity if they

• successfully complete 36 taught modules with a GPA of minimally 2.7 out of 4
• fulfil all requirements of 300 credit hours of apprenticeship
• demonstrate a godly character, integrity, and discipline in guided supervision
• fulfil all requirements within the maximum candidature of ten years