Procedures

Academic Emphasis

The institution is committed to a rigorous and well-rounded theological education that integrates Bible Exposition, Systematic Theology, and Christian Ministry and communication as the foundational areas of ministerial preparation. The Bible Exposition program equips students to interpret, understand, apply, and communicate the Scriptures accurately through sound hermeneutical and exegetical principles. Systematic Theology provides a comprehensive study of the major doctrines of the Christian faith, giving careful attention to their biblical foundations, historical development, and theological relationships. Christian Ministry and communication courses prepare students to apply biblical and theological knowledge in practical areas such as pastoral leadership, discipleship, evangelism, pastoral care, church ministry, and cross-cultural mission. Through this integrated approach, students are prepared to develop both theological depth and practical ministry competence, enabling them to serve faithfully and effectively in diverse Christian ministry contexts.

Student Specialization

Within the broader field of theological studies, students may pursue a specific area of specialization according to their academic interests, vocational calling, and ministry objectives. Areas of specialization may include Systematic Theology, Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, Historical Theology, Pastoral Theology, Missiology, Comparative Religions, and Christian Education. Through advanced coursework, independent study, directed research, and faculty supervision, students develop a deeper understanding of their chosen field. The specialization process encourages students to integrate biblical exegesis, theological reflection, scholarly research, and practical ministry application. This focused academic preparation enables graduates to develop expertise in a particular area of theology and to make meaningful contributions to the church, theological education, and the wider Christian community.

Thesis Paper

As part of their advanced theological studies, students are required to complete a thesis in one of the following four major areas:

1. Systematic Theology
2. Old Testament Studies
3. New Testament Studies
4. Ministry and Communication

The thesis serves as a significant component of the student's advanced theological research and provides an opportunity to demonstrate competence in a selected field of specialization. Each student is expected to select a research topic within the approved area of study and submit a detailed thesis proposal for faculty review and approval.

The research process should demonstrate careful engagement with primary and secondary sources, including the biblical text, relevant original-language materials where appropriate, historical and theological writings, church documents, and current scholarly literature. The completed thesis should demonstrate exegetical accuracy, theological depth, academic research competence, critical engagement with relevant scholarship, and practical ministry relevance. Upon completion, the student will defend the thesis before an appointed faculty panel. The defense provides an opportunity for the candidate to demonstrate mastery of the subject, explain the research methodology and findings, respond to questions, and defend the conclusions of the study clearly and academically.

Thesis Proposal Guidelines

The thesis proposal should include the following sections:

1. Title Page
2. Reason for Selecting the Topic
3. Statement of the Problem
4. Significance of the Study
5. Literature Review
6. Definition of Key Terms
7. Purpose and Objectives of the Study
8. Research Questions
9. Research Methodology
10. Scope and Limitations of the Study
11. Tentative Outline of the Thesis
12. Bibliography

The proposal should be prepared according to the institution's prescribed academic and research guidelines. The bibliography should include at least 30 relevant scholarly sources, including books, academic articles, reference works, and other appropriate scholarly materials.

Important Detail

• Submission Deadline: The thesis proposal must be submitted by 30 November, one year prior to the student’s expected date of graduation, for faculty review and approval.
• Format: Typed in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spaced, following the prescribed Turabian/Chicago citation style.
• Length: 6–8 pages, excluding the bibliography.
• Submission Method: Submit a printed copy to the Academic Affairs Office.
• Note: Students may not begin writing their thesis until the proposal has been reviewed and officially approved by the Academic Affairs Committee.

Final Thesis Submission

The final thesis draft must be submitted to the department faculty no later than the first Sunday of November in the student's graduation year. Submissions received after this deadline will not be counted toward graduation requirements unless the student has received prior written approval for an extension from the Academic Affairs Committee. In exceptional circumstances, the Committee may grant an extension of up to two weeks to allow the student to complete the thesis. This provision does not permit students to postpone their graduation in order to join the next cohort.

Non-Thesis Degree Option

Students who are unable to submit their master's thesis on time may opt to pursue a Master of Ministry (M.Min) or Master of Biblical Studies (M.B.S.) in place of the Master of Divinity (M.Div) or Master of Theology (M.Th) degree. This option is available only to students who have fulfilled all other graduation requirements except the thesis component and does not extend the student's expected graduation date.

Thesis Defense

Upon approval of the final draft, the student will be scheduled for an oral thesis defense before a faculty panel. The defense will assess the student's:

• Mastery of the subject matter.
• Ability to present findings clearly and logically.
• Capacity to respond to questions and critiques with theological accuracy and academic integrity.

A successful defense is required for the thesis to be accepted as part of the student's graduation requirements. Students who do not pass the defense may be granted an opportunity for revision and re-examination at the discretion of the Academic Affairs Committee.