Master of Divinity Program according to International Standards / M.Div.

The three-year Master of Divinity program according to International Ecclesiastical standards is open to applicants who meet the requirements outlined

3Years

100Credit Hours

Online & On Campus

Program Details

The three-year Master of Divinity program according to International Ecclesiastical standards is open to applicants who meet the requirements outlined under the “Qualifications for Acceptance into the Academic Programs” section.

Purpose. The purpose of this program is to equip servant-leaders who can effectively minister throughout the Arab world in vocational Christian ministry, whether in the church or parachurch organization. Graduates are equipped to serve long-term as pastors, elders, Bible teachers, missionaries, and leaders for Christian organizations in the Middle East. All M.Div. students are required to have adequately met TOEFL exam requirements in order to qualify for entry into this program.

Educational Goals. The educational goals of the Master of Divinity program include the following:

To develop important critical thinking, study, and research skills.
To verbalize an understanding of the historical development and content of both Old and New Testaments, as well as an in-depth understanding of select books in both Testaments.
To articulate fundamental doctrines of the faith with clarity and depth, and be able to relate them to everyday decisions and problems faced in contemporary life in Middle Eastern culture.
To understand the role and responsibilities of a pastor serving within the context of the Arab world.
To possess a personal philosophy of leadership and ministry in the church or Christian parachurch organization.

Spiritual Goals. The spiritual goals of the Master of Divinity program include the following:

To discover how God has designed, gifted, and called the student to serve.
To have a servant’s heart for any position of ministry or leadership that they may find themselves.
To model a life of integrity in the home, church, and community that is consistent with Biblical ethics.
To develop a burden and lifestyle for sharing one’s faith and for discipling others.
To gain maturity in spiritual disciplines of the Christian life.

Ministry Goals. The ministry goals of the Master of Divinity program include the following:

To demonstrate exegetical skills in studying the original Greek and/or Hebrew texts of the Bible (including the use of Bible study software).
To possess skills for researching challenging issues faced by the church in the Arab world and for implementing visible solutions.
To plan for continued personal and ministry growth.
To effectively develop and present expository messages that accurately reflect the author’s intended meaning yet focuses on life application for today’s listener.
To gain pastoral ministry experience through a semester-long field ministry program specifically chosen to fit the student’s spiritual gifts, personality, and calling for ministry
To develop the ability to use technology in ministry.

Value. Over the years, the Master of Divinity program, M.Div. has proven its worth in two ways: (1) This program provides additional courses in biblical languages, historical studies, and additional skills needed for ministry in the Arab world. (2) As explained previously, 37 US hours (or 55.5 ECTS units) from the B.Th. program are counted towards the M.Div.

List of Courses. The following is a list of courses required in the M.Div. program:

Program Courses

General Courses
- Developing Academic Thinking
  This course introduces the students to the foundations and methodology of scientific research in Christian theology. It enables students to develop analytical thinking skills with an emphasis on theological literature. This course is also the formal prerequisite to writing an academic thesis. This course covers: the foundations of scientific research in theology, the definition and use of primary and secondary sources, comprehension of literary texts, inductive and deductive methods, JETS Research Methods Manual, philological and syntactic issues, exercises undertaken by students, and paradigms for scientific research.
- Theological English
  This course is designed to enable students of theology to make use of the English printed and electronic resources that are necessary to do quality theological research for their degree programs. This course is both linguistic and theological. From a linguistic perspective, it introduces the student to a wide range of Biblical and theological terms in the English language. From a theological perspective, the course covers biblical and systematic theology and the relationships between them in the context of a holistic system of truth as revealed by God in the Bible. The course also directs students to the most important electronic libraries and how to use them in academic research in spite of limited knowledge of English.
- Writing Research Papers Using the Computer
  This course guides students in composing all parts of small and large research papers according to the scientific and international style of Turabian. The course also trains students to use the computer for all their writing, especially using all the tools provided for Microsoft Word. This course is designed to guide students into effective strategies for theological research, including the use of library, internet, and available computer databases (including ATLA).
Bible Books Courses
- Advanced Hermeneutics
  This course offers a critique of the theoretical approaches from which the principles of biblical interpretation are derived. Cultural context, historical background, geographical location, linguistic and literary factors are analyzed in order to obtain clarity about the original author’s intended meaning. Thus the various genres of Scripture are examined for their theological content.
- Advanced Studies in New Testament Books 1
  This course surveys the Gospels and Acts, emphasizing the contribution of each book to the kingdom theme, the occasion of each book’s writing, and the application of each book’s message. Also, the course focuses on interpreting NT narratives and parables and applying the ministry of Jesus and the early church to our modern situation.
- Advanced Studies in New Testament Books 2
  This course surveys Romans to Philemon, emphasizing the contribution of each book to the kingdom theme, the occasion of each book’s writing, and the application of each book’s message. Also, the course focuses on Paul’s theology and the believer’s relationship to the Mosaic law.
- Advanced Studies in New Testament Books 3
  This course surveys Hebrews to Revelation, emphasizing the contribution of each book to the kingdom theme, the occasion of each book’s writing, and the application of each book’s message. Also, the course focuses on the new covenant and the relationship between faith and works and New Testament Eschatology.
- Advanced Studies in Old Testament Books 1
  This course surveys Genesis to Ruth, emphasizing the contribution of each book to the kingdom theme, the occasion of each book’s writing, and the application of each book’s message. Also, the course focuses on the covenants with Abraham and Moses and on interpreting narrative literature and the Law.
- Advanced Studies in Old Testament Books 2
  This course surveys to 1 Samuel-Esther and Psalms, emphasizing the contribution of each book to the kingdom theme, the occasion of each book’s writing, and the application of each book’s message. Also, the course focuses on the Davidic covenant and on interpreting narratives and the Psalms.
- Advanced Studies in Old Testament Books 3
  This course surveys Job to Malachi (except Psalms), emphasizing the contribution of each book to the kingdom theme, the occasion of each book’s writing, and the application of each book’s message. Also, the course focuses on the new covenant, interpreting wisdom and prophetic literature, and how the prophets fit in Israel’s history.
- Biblical Geography of Jordan
  This course is a survey study of the biblical geography of Jordan. It introduces the student to important historical sites in Edom, Moab, Ammon and Gilead. This course focuses on old kingdoms that once prevailed in these key areas and their role in Biblical history accounts. This survey aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the Word of God through the lens of geographical reality on the ground.
Old Testament Language and Background Courses
- Old Testament Backgrounds
  This course aims to introduce the student to the social and cultural background of Hebrew life in Old Testament times through the lectures and through introducing him to the information and resources available which help the student who wishes to exegete the Old Testament.
- OT Hebrew Grammar II
  This course is a continuation of OT 201/OT 501, focusing on reading the Hebrew text, on completing study of the Hebrew verbal system. Thus, the course provides comprehensive knowledge of basic Hebrew grammar which allows the student to begin exegesis of Old Testament texts in the following year of Hebrew study (OT 601 and OT602).
New Testament Language and Background Courses
- New Testament Backgrounds
  This course is a survey of the physical, historical, and cultural world of the New Testament, with attention given to key historical events, developments, and personalities, including the discussion of chronological and interpretative issues.
- NT Greek Grammar I
  This course is a study of the basic principles of Biblical Greek, including reading, vocabulary, conjugations, declensions, and grammatical constructions. Attention will be given to translating sentences from the course textbook.
- NT Greek Grammar II
  This course is a continuation of the prerequisite course NT 201/NT 501, as well as a completion of the study of basic grammar and vocabulary necessary for accurately translating the Greek New Testament.
Theological Studies Courses
- Bibliology
  This course deals with how the Bible came from God’s mind to a written form. It covers the study of inspiration, canonicity, transmission, translation, and interpretation. The course stresses the Bible’s inerrancy, infallibility, and authority.
- Ecclesiology
  This course is a study of various understandings of and issues in ecclesiology from both a historical and Biblical point of view. Emphasis is placed on applying the doctrine and principles gleaned from this study to contemporary worship, ministry, and leadership in local churches within the Arab world.
- Eschatology and the Book of Revelation
  This course covers personal eschatology and general eschatology. Personal eschatology is in regard to every person and includes the study of death, resurrection, the intermediate state between death and resurrection, the judgment seat of Christ, the general judgment, hell, and eternal punishment. General eschatology includes the importance of studying eschatology, the eschatological system followed in this study, the pursuit of the correct interpretation, the conditional and unconditional covenants of the Bible, the different beliefs regarding the millennial kingdom, the difference between Covenant Theology and Dispensational Theology, benefiting from the various eschatological systems, the nature of the unprecedented Tribulation, the relationship of the rapture of the Church with the Tribulation, the different interpretations of the Book of Revelation, common errors regarding the Book of Revelation, the chronology of the Book of Revelation, the parallelism between Christ’s warnings, the prophecies of Daniel and the teachings of Paul, the manifestation of God’s heart in the appearance of Christ in His glory among the churches, the manifestation of God’s heart in the revelation of Christ to all that is behind the last judgments of evil and the wicked, with the judgments of seals, trumpets, bowls, and Babylon the harlot, and the revelation of God’s heart in the fulfillment of the reign of believers with Christ on earth as a prelude to the eternal state in the heavenly Jerusalem, and the gathering of all redeemed peoples in the heavenly Jerusalem forever.
- Ethics
  This course is an introduction to moral theology, with an emphasis on building a commitment to using a Biblical and theological foundation to guide one’s beliefs and choices in contemporary life, rather than relative cultural values. Several major ethical issues of international and contextual relevance are studied from a Biblical point of view.
- Patrology, Christology, and Pneumatology
  This course is a continuation of TH 620 and presents the study of the persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The study of the Father includes: an analysis of the divine name Yahweh and His distinctive function. The study of the Son includes His deity, the unity of His two natures, His emptying of Himself, His sinlessness, and His death and resurrection. The study of the Holy Spirit includes His role in both the Old and New Testaments, His procession, His role in the Believer’s life including baptism, regeneration, empowering, and gifting. Enrollment in this course is conditioned in completing TH 620 as a prerequisite.
- Soteriology
  This course is in five sections. Section one is the introductory material covering a metanarrative of salvation and the Biblical roots. Section two discusses and critically analyses the soteriological development in the thinking of the Church Fathers and Theologians who made a major contribution to the doctrine. Including the thinking of Irenaeus, Athanasius, Anselm and Barth. Section three Covers essential soteriological aspects. Section four outlines and discusses the effects of the atonement and section five poses critical questions. The central focus throughout is on the cross and the atonement but the effects of the atonement concerning the salvation of sinners is also dealt with. Our presupposition is that soteriology/ the doctrine of salvation (along with Christology) is the central doctrine of Christian theology. A solid grasp of this doctrine is considered vital to the adequacy and balance of the corpus of Systematic Theology as a whole.
- Theology Proper and Trinitarianism
  This course is a study in unity in diversity of the Trinity, with emphasis on comparison and contrast with the understanding of pervading Arab philosophy of God and His attributes. The course then demonstrates the necessary triune concept of God as a basis for God’s incarnation and redemption and for man knowing God in a personal way.
Historical Studies Courses
- Denominational Distinctives in the Arab World
  This course is designed to help students gain a better understanding and appreciation for the various Christian denominations and parachurch ministries that function in the Middle East. Attention will be given to historical background and doctrinal distinctives, with a focus on how to deal respectfully and peaceably with each.
- Eastern Church History
  This is a historical study of the development of the Eastern Church, with attention given to key figures in pivotal areas that shaped theology, practice, and major movements.
- Survey of Church History I
  This is a study of the development of Christian thought, theology, and practice from the early church to the Reformation. Special attention is given to pivotal figures and eras of this period of church history.
- Survey of Church History II
  This is a study of the development of Christian thought, theology, and practice from the Reformation to modern time. Special attention is given to pivotal figures and eras of this period of church history.
Spiritual Life Courses
- Biblical Counseling
  Biblical counseling is an important part of the pastoral ministry. In fact, the minister tends to spend a large amount of his time counseling his flock. It is necessary to identify the important aspects of pastoral counseling in order to facilitate the minister in the counseling area of his ministry. In this course, the student will learn the definition of psychological counseling and its purpose. The course will also cover basic skills in the counseling process and help the student improve the quality of his/her skills, in order to become more effective in understanding the needs of others. A specific part of this course is dedicated to helping the student understand himself/herself and how to care for his/her own soul before helping others. This course covers two important aspects of the pastoral ministry: a) help hurt people to overcome the losses in their life, and b) how to build healthy and intimate family and marriage relationships, which is integral to the overall ministry of the church.
- Common Issues in Biblical Counseling
  This course aims to discover and identify the underlying issues by asking the Lord to guide the counselee in searching his/her heart and receive counsel from others to determine the issue(s). It also seeks to uncover and explore by beginning the process of laying aside the things that hinder the seeker’s spiritual, mental, and emotional health. The course will also seek to recover and restore by strengthening the counselee’s identity with Christ. This is covered by the truths of God’s word in the heart of the counselee. The change of behavior and heart depends on how counselee endures and perseveres. Common Issues in Biblical Counseling include emotional awareness/intelligence, anger, depression, shame, worry, anxiety, fear, panic, sexual lust, immorality, homosexuality, gender matters, self-harm and suicide, trauma, marriage and family, compassion, and ministry fatigue.
Pastoral Ministry Courses
- Expository Preaching
  This course presents advanced training in preaching based on exegesis of certain biblical texts from the Old and New Testaments. This course stresses the structure of the text from the original languages, the flow of thought, the exegetical outline, the homiletical outline, the main idea along with communication skills. This course also stresses the method of putting Christ at the center of every sermon based on what He did for the salvation of mankind and sanctification of His people. The professor and the students evaluate the sermons presented by each student.
Missions and Evangelism Courses
- Apologetics
  This is a study of the defense of the Christian faith, with emphasis on the Biblical and theological foundation, as well as preferred methodology in dialoguing with those challenging the truth of Christianity. Attention is given to defending the faith in an Arab world context.
- Evangelism and Discipleship
  This course prepares students to share the gospel with non-believers. Special attention is given to the challenges of sharing the good news. The course trains students on their responsibility of making disciples, and what is involved in this process.