A Reform Baptist Seminary for Distance Christian Studies

Transcription

1 South Asia Theological Seminary A Reform Baptist Seminary for Distance Christian Studies Study to Show thyself Approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed.. 2 Timothy 2:15 PROSPECTUS

2 South Asia Theological Seminary A Ministry of Ambassador Bible Centre A Reform Baptist Seminary for Distance Christian Studies Study to Show thyself Approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed.. 2 Timothy 2:15 PROSPECTUS South Asia Theological Seminary A Ministry of Ambassador Bible Centre #18, Woods Enclave, Gedalahalli Bangalore ; Karnataka State, India Phone: , satseminary07@gmail.com w w w. s a t s e m i n a r y. w e e b l y. c o m

3 Contents 1. Message from the President Why Distance Education? 2. Mission Objectives and Purpose. Seven Distinctive of SATS. 3. Doctrinal Statements 4. Affiliation 5. Academic Information Course Offered To Begin With Assignments Thesis Curriculum 6. Admission and Graduation Requirements Transfer Credit Hours On-Line Studies 7. Financial Information 8. Contact

4 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear friend in Christ, Thank you for your inquiry. We are always happy to hear from those who may be interested in the South Asia Theological Seminary. Why Distance Learning at SATS? The Church and Bible Schools are the backbone of the morality of any country, therefore the more, the better. Bible Colleges and Institutes are the educational arm of the Body of Christ and such Para-Church ministries are never to be under-estimated in their influence and significance. Continuing Christian Education is one of the greatest ministries in the world today involving many who are on the cutting edge of the Cause of Christ. The quality of educational services offered by our seminary helps build the Christian character of students, who in turn directly impact the world for Christ. At SATS, we understand the mobility of today's working student or minister. Whether you are an inquisitive learner or someone in the ministry, distance learning provides you with an opportunity to obtain your education in a flexible learning environment no matter where you are. At SATS, students will have the option of a distance education modality that makes it possible to continue the learning process without interruption anywhere in the world. Having an engagement, work obligation or any given lifestyle changes need not interrupt your path to graduation or achieving your goal. Through distance learning education, the seminary solidifies its commitment to providing each student with a comfort of having no barriers or walls of learning during the educational experience at SATS, no matter where you are literally and spiritually. This is why we are dedicated to promoting and upholding Christian ministers, who are committed to motivating, activating, and mobilizing Christian workers and ministers outside the campus, around the globe. And we want to assist you in your divine mission from God. Consequently, distance learning provides a more flexible learning environment for students with job and family responsibilities. Here is the information you requested and an application. I am sure as you read the following information you will prayerfully consider the benefits of becoming committed student of His Word and will Study to Show thyself Approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed... (2Timothy 2:15). We would consider it an honor to evaluate your application form and documents. This might be just what you have been looking for. If you have further questions please feel free to contact us. May the Lord richly bless you as you take this step for His glory! In His Cause President, SATS

5 MISSION 1. To the fulfilment of the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. To be the reason in edifying the local Churches in India & Asia. 3. To give opportunity for every Christians to study God s word profoundly. OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE. The objectives of the course are as follows: - 1. To demonstrate & proclaim a basic understanding of Refrom Baptist Faith & Theology. 2. To develop leadership skills and administrative principles. 3. To academically equip the candidate for the ministry of the Church in diverse contexts. 4. To organize and setup training programs to meet the Biblical and holistic challenge of Christendom. 5. To develop awareness of the multiplicity of the cultural contexts where the Gospel of Jesus Christ has to be communicated. 7 DISTINCTIVE OF SATS 1. Reformed Baptist in Faith & Doctrines 2. Focused on Systematic Studies on Theology and Mission 3. Simple Readers & Less home work 4. Fully Distance & Via Internet Study provided 5. Affordable and Flexible payment mode 6. Experiences in ministry are considered apart from the basic qualifications. 7. Conduct no Examination DOCTRINAL STATEMENT South Asia Theological Seminary's doctrinal confession is taken The Second London Baptist Confession of Faith which is in part from the Abstract of Principles set down by James Pettigru Boyce, the principle founder of Southern Seminary (1859), the first Chairman of its Faculty ( ), its first President (1888), and its most distinguished professor of Systematic Theology. We would also indentify with the London Baptist Confession of 1689, the Philadelphia Confession of 1742, the New Hampshire Baptist Confession of 1833, and the Baptist Faith and Message of THE SCRIPTURES. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and are the only sufficient, certain and authoritative rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience. 2. GOD. There is but one God, the Maker, Preserver and Ruler of all things, having in and of Himself all perfections, and being infinite in them all; and to Him all creatures owe the highest love, reverence and obedience.

6 3. THE TRINITY. God is revealed to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being. 4. PROVIDENCE. God, from eternity, decrees or permits all things that come to pass, and perpetually upholds, directs, and governs all creatures and all events; yet not in any way as to be the author or approver of sin nor to destroy the free will and responsibility of intelligent creatures. 5. ELECTION. Election is God's eternal choice of some persons unto everlasting life-- not because of foreseen merit in them, but of his mere mercy in Christ-- in consequence of which choice they are called, justified and glorified. 6. THE FALL OF MAN. God originally created man in His own image, and free from sin; but, through the temptation of Satan, man transgressed the command of God, and fell from his original holiness and righteousness; whereby his posterity [i.e. descendants] inherit a nature corrupt and wholly opposed to God and His law, are under condemnation, and as soon as they are capable of moral action, become actual transgressors. 7. THE MEDIATOR. Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, is the divinely appointed mediator between God and man. Having taken upon Himself human nature, yet without sin, He perfectly fulfilled the law, suffered and died upon the cross for the salvation of sinners. He was buried, rose again on the third day, and ascended to His Father, at whose right hand He lives forever to make intercession for His people. He is the only Mediator, the Prophet, Priest, and King of the church, and Sovereign of the Universe. 8. REGENERATION. Regeneration is a change of heart, wrought by the Holy Spirit, who makes alive those who are dead in trespasses and sins, enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the Word of God, and renewing their whole nature, so that they love and practice holiness. It is a work of God s free and special grace alone. 9. REPENTANCE. Repentance is an evangelical grace, wherein the Holy Spirit makes a person aware of the manifold evil of his sin, so that he humbles himself with godly sorrow, detesting sin, and abhorring [i.e., hating] self, with a purpose and endeavor to walk before God so as to please Him in all things. 10. FAITH. Saving faith is the belief, on God s authority, of whatsoever is revealed in His Word concerning Christ; accepting and resting upon Him alone for justification and eternal life. It is wrought in the heart by the Holy Spirit, and is accompanied by all other saving grace, and leads to a life of holiness. 11. JUSTIFICATION. Justification is God s gracious and full acquittal of sinners who believe in Christ, from all sin, through the satisfaction that Christ has made. It is given not for anything wrought in them or done by them, but on account of the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, they receiving and resting on Him and His righteousness by faith. 12. SANCTIFICATION. Those who have been regenerated are also sanctified by God s Word and Spirit dwelling in them. This sanctification is progressive through the supply of Divine strength, which all saints seek to obtain, pressing after a heavenly life in cordial [i.e., willing] obedience to all Christ s commands. 13. PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS. Those whom God has accepted in the Beloved, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never totally nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly persevere to the end; and though they may fall, through neglect and temptation, into sin, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, bring reproach on the Church, and temporal judgments on themselves, yet they shall be

7 AFFILIATION renewed again unto repentance, and be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. 14. THE CHURCH. The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church, which is composed of all His true disciples, and in Him is invested supremely all power for its government. According to His commandment, Christians are to associate themselves into particular societies or churches; and to each of these churches He has given needful authority for administering the order, discipline and worship which He has appointed. The regular officers of a church are Bishops (or Elders) and Deacons. 15. BAPTISM. Baptism is an ordinance of the Lord Jesus, obligatory upon every believer, wherein he is immersed in water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of his fellowship with the death and resurrection of Christ, of remission of sins, and of his giving himself up to God, to live and walk in newness of life. 16. THE LORD S SUPPER. The Lord s Supper is an ordinance of Jesus Christ, to be administered with bread and wine, and to be observed by His churches till the end of the world. It is in no sense a sacrifice, but is designed to commemorate His death, to confirm the faith of Christians, and to be a bond, pledge, and renewal of their communion with Him, and of their church fellowship. 17. THE LORD S DAY. The New Testament Church gives the example of assembling on the Lord s Day (i.e. Sunday) for the reading and teaching of the Word of God, worship, prayer, and mutual encouragement - stimulating one another to love and good deeds. It is fitting to view the Lord s Day as a celebration of Christ s resurrection and the redemption of His people. 18. LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE. God alone is Lord of the conscience; and He hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are in anything contrary to His word, or not contained in it. Civil magistrates being ordained of God, subjection in all lawful things commanded by them ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 19. THE RESURRECTION. The bodies of men after death return to dust, but their spirits return immediately to God - the righteous to rest with Him; the wicked, to be reserved under darkness to judgment. At the last day, the bodies of all the dead, both just and unjust, will be raised. 20. THE JUDGMENT. God has appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world by Jesus Christ, when everyone shall receive according to his deeds: the wicked shall go into everlasting punishment; the righteous, into everlasting life. The South Asia Theological Seminary is the official training centre for the Harvest Foundation, a registered trust by the Government of India. Affiliated Member SATS is affiliated as one the Congregational Members to The World Reform Fellowship : The Commission on Theological Education to promote understanding, cooperation and faith of Reformed Christians in the advancement of the Gospel since 2008.

8 Recognized Seminary SATS also is one of the Recognized widely known Reform Seminaries and Colleges in the Christendom by Evangelical Reformed Council on Academics since ACADEMIC INFORMATION COURSE OFFERED Bachelor of Theology Bachelor of Theology Program is designed primarily to equip prospective candidates for the Christian ministry. The program seeks to integrate a classical theological curriculum with a broad course of Biblical, Historical, Theological and Mission Studies. The student will complete the program in 3 years, which is consisting of 115 credit hours. The medium of instruction is English total of 45 courses will have to be completed provided in the period of 3 years, having 2 semesters each. Bachelor of Divinity It is 1 year course for the bachelor degree holder and is designed to provide the sound and balance biblical doctrines and mission studies which cover up 12 subjects along with a thesis. Master of Divinity It is also 2 years course for the bachelor degree holder and is designed to provide the sound and balance biblical doctrines, religious, mission studies which cover up 12 subjects along with a thesis. B. D. is considered as the 1st year of M. Div. Master of Theology ( in Pastoral Theology ) Program Description : This course of study expands and deepens a student s abilities in ministry. It is designed for students who possess a Bachelor / Master of Divinity / equivalent degree or equivalent to help them take their learning to a higher level. The Master of Theology has essentially four components: ( The Academic Committee of SATS has all rights to change and modify the curriculum when and as required.) :- 1. Bible Studies, Theology & Ethics 2. Religions & History 3. Practical Theology, Christian Leadership & Interpretation 4. Mission & Evangelism TO BEGIN WITH Applicant upon the receiving admission letter from the office SATS, he or she is registered as student of the same and will receive a registered number for her further use at SATS. The text material will not be released form the office unless the 1 st installment fees towards the course has been paid by the student. Then after the student is hereby informed to send the next installment fees of the course to receive the rest of the test book and study materials. Each course carries along with a questionnaire. The mark and grade will be granted according to the answers provided by the student to the questionnaire. Thus student is requested to read thoroughly the study materials and answer it. Possibly student should have access to their respective nearest Christian library for further references and research. Academic faculties have the rights and privileges to check through the answers and give the marks and grade accordingly. SATS does not conduct exams for any course of the seminary.

9 ASSIGNMENTS CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM Writing papers involves more than parroting the ideas of other people. We require our students to interact with the information and ideas in such a way that shows they are not simply learning what to think, but also how to think in a theological field. All sources used must be cited. Cheating and plagiarism in any form is prohibited. You must not use other people's ideas or words without acknowledgment, copying other people's work as one's own, or falsifying the results of study. Cheating and plagiarism are viewed as a serious offense, and may result in removal from the student rolls. 1. Each assignment will be written using the course material and required readings. Other sources may be used sparingly but must be referenced. 2. Direct copying of any information or other web pages without proper references is strictly forbidden and may result in the student being expelled from their program. 3. Students are not to submit work which has been completed by someone else. 4. Each assignment is to be written by the student in the student's own words. 5. If a student is expelled for plagiarism, their fees will not be refunded. WHAT IS THE ASSIGNMENT LAYOUT? 1. Assignments should be written in an essay format. Please work with your Professor if you do not know how to write an essay or do an internet search on how to do an essay. 2. The assignments must be written in English. Leniency will be given to those who do not use English as their first language, but it is expected that each student will use proper grammar and correct spelling. Poor grammar and spelling will lower your grade. 3. Students are to upload their assignments via postal mail or to SATS when they are completed. If the assignments are via , assignments are to be submitted in one of the word (doc.) format. Assignments not uploaded in word (doc.) format will not be marked. HOW ARE THE ASSIGNMENTS MARKED? A + : % Distinctive A : % Excellent A - : % Superior Achievements B + : % Very Good B : % Good B - : % Above Average C + : % Very Satisfactory C : % Satisfactory C - : % Passed B. Av. : % Below Average

10 1. If the assignment is deemed unsatisfactory, the assignment will be marked "Rework" and will have comments from the Professor. The student will then redo the assignment and resubmit it for marking. Professors will work with students until they have submitted a satisfactory paper. There is never a mark of Fail given to a student. Everyone is given the opportunity to pass their assignments. 2. Some common issues that will lower a student's grade are: poor spelling, poor grammar, poor writing style, the assignment is not written in an essay format, not using any of the course material in the essay, and not referencing sources from outside of the course material. 3. Professors will aim for a 10 days maximum time frame between assignments being submitted and being marked. When an assignment is completed a letter grade will be issued by the student s mentor. The grade for the assignment is weighted as follows: A. Content 85% 1. Both outline and paper have been submitted 2. Clear statement of purpose 3. Appropriate methodology 4. Good use of sources, including but not limited to the assigned text 5. Good presentation of data 6. Sound analysis of and interaction with the assigned text 7. Appropriate conclusions B. Format 5% 1. Text (Appropriate typeface and size, margins, spacing, etc.) 2. Documentation (footnotes and bibliography) 3. Format (title page, table of contents, tables, figures, etc.) C. Paper Defense 10% 1. Ability to defend paper based on the mentor s interaction with it 2. Answering questions that the mentor has put forth after reading the paper 3. Interacting on more specific terms in any area that the mentor considers necessary All work that is handed in must have the following in the upper right hand corner of the paper: 1. Student s Full Name 2. Student ID (this is assigned at enrollment) 3. Class Number 4. Assignment Number 5. Date Students are required to keep a copy of all work that they submit. If an assignment that has been submitted is lost, the student will be required to provide a replacement. If the student does not have a copy of their work, it will be presumed that the work was not completed. THE THESIS 1. The B.D and M. Div. Programs require a Thesis to be completed as a part of their programs. 2. Both the requires the Thesis to be no less than 10,000 words.

11 3. Student has to submit at least 3 topics to the seminary academic committee on which he/she is interested. The committee will select one of the the submitted topics and asked to write. 4. The topic of the Thesis must first be approved by the student's Professor. 5. Each student will work with their Professor to complete a proper Thesis. Please contact your Professor or conduct an internet search to learn how to complete a proper Thesis. 6. The Thesis should be completed at the time of the completion of the program. If the student needs more time to complete their Thesis, they should seek permission from their the seminary academic committee and professor. 7. The Thesis is to be written by the student. Any sources used should be referenced. Any copying from sources which are not referenced could result in rejection of the thesis. CURRICULUM * First Semester 1. Introduction to the Bible. 2. History of Israel. 3. O. T. Survey. 4. N.T. Survey. 5. Life of Christ. 6. Synoptic Gospels. 7. Gospel of John. Bachelor of Theology FIRST YEAR B. Th Second Semester. 1. Church History-I 2. Prolegomena: An Introduction to the Systematic Theology. 3. Bible Geography and Archeology. 4. Johannine Literatures. 5. Book of Acts. 6. Pauline Epistles. 7. General Epistles. First Semester 1. Pentateuch. 2. Major Prophets. 3. Minor Prophets. 4. Church History-II. 5. Systematic Theology-I.( Bibliology, Theology Proper, Anthropology) 6. Christian Ethics. First Semester 1. Apocalyptic Literatures: Daniel & Rev. 2. Systematic Theology-III.( Stereological, Ecclesiology, Eschatology.) 3. Biblical Theology of Mission. 4. Cultural Anthropology and Church Planting Methods. 5. Hermeneutics. 6. Thesis Research Methods. SECOND YEAR. B. Th THIRD YEAR. B. Th Second Semester. 1. Poetical Books of the Old Testament. 2. Romans and Galatians. 3. Epistle to the Hebrews. 4. Indian Church History. 5. Systematic Theology-II. ( Christology, Pneumatology, Angelology.) 6. Major Religions & Cults. Second Semester. 1. Apocrypha. 2. Pastoral Theology. 3. Apologetics. 4. Homiletics. 5. Indian Christian Theology. 6. Christian Education. * The Academic Committee of SATS has all rights to change and modify the curriculum when and as required.

12 BACHELOR OF DIVINITY / MASTER OF DIVINITY I First Semester 1. Major Religions & Pluralism 2. Pauline Theology 3. Research Method 4. Modern Church History 5. Christian Education 6. Apocrypha Second Semester 1. Christian Ethics 2. Expository Preaching 3. Old Testament Poetical Books 4. Missiology 5. Counseling 6. Thesis First Semester 1. Exegesis of the I & II Corinthians 2. Ecclesiology : A Special Study 3. An Introduction to Christian Apologetics 4. History of Christianity in India 5. Reformation : A Special Study 6. An Introduction to the Church Growth 7. Church Planting Methods MASTER OF DIVINITY II Second Semester 1. Pastoral Ministries: A Pauline Perspective 2. Understating Worship & Music 3. Marriage, Family & Christian Community 4. Christian Leadership & Management 5. Cross-Cultural Mission Studies in India 6. Introduction to Christian Education 7. Thesis MASTER OF THEOLOGY ( IN PASTORAL THEOLOGY ) Bible Studies, Theology & Ethics 1. Exegesis of the Book of Acts 2. Exegesis of the I & II Corinthians 3. Theology of the Apostle Paul 4. Ecclesiology : A Special Study 5. Study of Eschatology 6. Puritan Doctrines, An Introduction 7. An Introduction to Christian Apologetics 8. Ethics Today & Christian Responses Religions & History 1. Encounter of Non- Christian Religions with Christianity 2. Hinduism : A Special Study on Communicating the Gospel to Hindus 3. Contemporary Cults & New Age Movements 4. History of Christianity in the World : I, II, & III 5. History of Christianity in India 6. Reformation : A Special Study Mission & Evangelism 4. Theology of Mission 5. Evangelism : Its Theology & Practices 6. Cross-Cultural Mission Studies in India 7. An Introduction to the Church Growth 8. Church Planting Methods 9. Thesis Research Methods Practical Theology, Christian Leadership & Interpretation 1. Pastoral Ministries: A Pauline Perspective 2. Understating Worship & Music 3. Christian Leadership & Management 4. Biblical Arts of Preaching & Interpretation 5. Introduction to Christian Education 6. Thesis

13 ADMISSION and GRADUATION REQUIRMENTS SATS admits students of any race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privilege, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the seminary. It should be understood that the admission to SATA depends on Christian Experience, spiritual growth, call to service and gifts for ministry, as well as the academic record of the applicant. Students without required educational qualifications should produces proper ministry experiences documents of at least 3 years for admission of the 3 courses. The student must have successfully completed all the required courses in the curriculum, irrespective of the number of Credit Hours earned. He/she must have submitted a satisfactory thesis/research work. The degree will not be conferred unless all the financial obligations to the School have been met. TRANSFER CREDIT Students can transfer credits from other institutions at the discretion of SATS Administration. Credits are generally accepted when ONE of the following is true: - Institution is nationally / internationally accredited / recognized. Institution is accredited by one WRF Commission on Theological Education or other wellknown reformed association. Genuine ministries experiences are consider by STAS and are being transfer as credit hours; ministries experiences are to be submitted with accurate records in recommendation or experience certifications. ON-LINE SERVICES... We are serious Christian educators at SATS, and we understand the busy lives of our students or ministers, and are committed to providing extensive on-line administration, and learning options. If the student owns a computer system with the internet access he / she can do any desired course through it instead of getting printed materials. The On line campus study will cost 25% less of the actually fess of the course. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Prospectus & Application Forms Rs ( non-refundable ) Admission Fees : Rs. 500 / - ( non-refundable ) Semester Fees : Please refer to the Seminary website : Note : SATS does not provide scholarship For further information please contact us in the below address : Admission Office South Asia Theological Seminary A Ministry of Ambassador Bible Centre #18, Woods Enclave, Gedalahalli Bangalore ; Karnataka State, India Phone: / satseminary07@gmail.com w w w. s a t s e m i n a r y. w e e b l y. c o m

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