Master of Divinity
The world we live in today is a cosmopolitan, globally connected, 24/7/365 world which straddles both geographical and digital spaces. Whether in Singapore, in regions immediately surrounding this island nation, or in countries further afield, the dynamism of the 21st century has introduced new challenges. Serving in such a world requires understanding, perspective, competence, emotional stability, compassion, and other leadership qualities for effective ministry.
The Master of Divinity is a 3 year, full-time leadership development programme designed to equip men and women for ministries in churches, mission, parachurch organizations, and the public square. In SBC it is offered in a worshipful, richly diverse, multicultural learning community with at least 20-25 nationalities represented at any one time.
Our curriculum emphasises four kinds of important competencies and capacities to cultivate in our students:
- Understanding Christian foundations – biblical, theological, and historical elements in our rich Christian heritage which continue to inform the ideals, identity, mission, and practices of the church
- Developing character in community – growth as God’s created being in community and cultivation of spiritual, emotional, and moral maturity
- Understanding cultural shifts – the impact on life, church, and ministry and developing informed responses to the rapid changes experienced in the 21
century - Developing ministry skills – growth in competencies such as reading and interpreting texts, preaching, counselling, teaching, small group facilitation, mobilisation, and other areas needed for effective leadership and ministry
The Master of Divinity at SBC allows exploration of ministry interests by giving students the flexibility of taking competency courses. The three tracks available are Biblical Studies, Pastoral Ministries and Intercultural Studies. Students may also opt for a General Studies track.
The Biblical
Studies Track
The Biblical Studies track focuses on Bible exegesis in preparation for ministries in teaching and research.
The Pastoral Ministries Track
The Pastoral Ministries Track focuses on foundational understandings and skills in preparation for pastoral leadership.
The Intercultural Studies Track
The Intercultural Studies Track focuses on missions studies and skills in preparation for field and home missions leadership.
Prerequisites for Programme Admission
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University or Bible College
- Applicants with a Polytechnic degree may apply to do a 32-credit bridging programme to qualify for admission. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for more details.
English Language Minimum Requirements
- ‘A’ Level: B4
- TOEFL: 550 (PBT)/213 (CBT)/80 (IBT)
- IELTS: 6.0
General Requirements
- At least 24 years old
- Christian for at least 2 years
- Evidence of involvement in ministry
- Evidence of call to ministry and service
- Endorsement by church leadership
毕业要求
- Completion of 93 credit hours of studies including field education
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
Curriculum
| 第一学期 | 数学分 |
|---|---|
| Old Testament Foundations | 3 |
| 释经学 | 3 |
| Biblical Greek I | 3 |
| Survey of Church History | 3 |
| Research and Writing | 2 |
| Field Education | 1 |
| 15 |
| 第二学期 | 数学分 |
|---|---|
| Old Testament Studies I | 3 |
| New Testament Foundations | 3 |
| Biblical Greek II | 3 |
| Asian Church History | 2 |
| Homiletics I | 3 |
| Field Education | 1 |
| 15 |
| 第一学期 | 数学分 |
|---|---|
| Biblical Hebrew I | 3 |
| Old Testament Studies II | 3 |
| New Testament Studies I | 3 |
| Introduction to Christian Spirituality | 3 |
|
NT Exegesis I OR Competency/Elective |
3 |
| Field Education | 1 |
| 16 |
| 第二学期 | 数学分 |
|---|---|
| Biblical Hebrew II | 3 |
| New Testament Studies II | 3 |
| Systematic Theology I | 3 |
| Missiological Perspectives | 3 |
| Competency/Elective | 3 |
| Field Education | 1 |
| 16 |
| 第一学期 | 数学分 |
|---|---|
| Systematic Theology II | 3 |
| OT Exegesis OR Competency/Elective | 3 |
| Competency/Elective | 3 |
| Competency/Elective | 3 |
| Shadow Internship | 2 |
| Field Education | 1 |
| 15 |
| 第二学期 | 数学分 |
|---|---|
| Systematic Theology III | 3 |
| Homiletics II | 3 |
| Competency/Elective | 3 |
| Competency/Elective | 3 |
| Capstone Course | 3 |
| Field Education | 1 |
| 16 |
Criteria for Selecting Competencies/Electives: (Total 21 CR)
- Either OT Exegesis I or NT Exegesis I – 3CR
- Required 1 course from each competency : Christian Worldview & Witness / Pastoral Care / Pastoral Leadership – (9CR)
- Track-Specific Requirements:
Biblical Studies Track – Must take any 3 OT or NT courses (9CR) OR
Pastoral Ministry Track – Must take any 3 PT courses (9CR) OR
Intercultural Studies Track – Must take any 3 IS course (9CR) OR
General Track – Any 3 courses (9CR) besides the above combinations
| Competency 1: Christian Worldview & Witness | |
|---|---|
| 第一学期 | 第二学期 |
| 伦理学 | Gospel, Church & Culture (PM/BS Track recm’d) |
| Engaging World Religions (IS Track recm’d) | Apologetics and Outreach |
| Cultural Anthropology for Ministry | |
| Competency 2: Pastoral Care | |
|---|---|
| 第一学期 | 第二学期 |
| Pastoral Counselling (PM Track recm’d) | Theology of Work and Vocation |
| Emotional Health of a Pastor | Building Strong Families |
| Conflict Resolution & Reconciliation (PM Track recm’d) | |
| Competency 3: Pastoral Leadership | |
|---|---|
| 第一学期 | 第二学期 |
| Pastoral Theology and Ministry (PM Track recm’d) | Principles of Christian Education |
| Ministry to Youth & Youth Culture | Teaching-Learning Process (PM Track recm’d) |
| Ministry to Adults | Cross Cultural Discipleship (IS Track recm’d) |
| Other Electives | |
|---|---|
| 第一学期 | 第二学期 |
| Diaspora Missiology | OT Studies III |
| NT Exegesis I (if not as req’d MDiv course) | NT Studies III |
| OT Exegesis I (if not as req’d MDiv course) | NT Exegesis II |
| Culture & Contextualization | OT Exegesis II |
| International Development | |
注解： Course offerings are subject to change.
