Master of Divinity

• Learning Outcomes
  • Outcome One

    By graduation, the seminarian demonstrates a growing spiritual transformation and maturity, moral character, personal disciplines, and vision for ministry necessary for building up a local church and the broader Body of Christ.

    Corresponding Observable Measurements:

    • Graduate has the ability to articulate personal faith in Jesus Christ and describe his journey towards maturity in Christ (MDiv 1.1)
    • Graduate has the ability to articulate a call to ministry (MDiv 1.2)
    • Graduate practices integrity in personal relationships, including reliability, trustworthiness, and ability to observe appropriate confidentiality (MDiv 1.3)
    • Graduate exhibits biblical virtues of character, such as those leadership characteristics listed in I Timothy 3:1-7 and I Peter 5:1-11, and other key characteristics including but not limited to truthfulness, courage, patience, compassion, perseverance, and sexual fidelity (MDiv 1.4)
    • Graduate understands, articulates, and practices selective spiritual disciplines that impact and enhance one’s faith and walk with God (MDiv 1.5)
    • Graduate can articulate principles of spiritual transformation from various faith traditions within Christianity and understand their values and limitations (MDiv 1.6)
    • Graduate exhibits spiritual gift(s) in a manner that is effective and appropriate (MDiv 1.7)
    • Graduate gives appropriate attention to personal, emotional, and physical wellness (MDiv 1.8)
    • Graduate has the ability to articulate verbally and in writing a personal philosophy of ministry (MDiv 1.9)
    • Graduate has developed an expectation for the supernatural seeking to experience God at work in life and ministry (MDiv 1.10)
  • Outcome Two

    By graduation, the seminarian demonstrates a commitment to the authority of the Scriptures for personal living, preaching, and teaching so that the local church and the broader Body of Christ can be equipped to fulfill its worldwide mission of evangelism, discipleship, and social order.

    Corresponding Observable Measurements:

    • Graduate studies Scripture regularly and applies it to personal life (MDiv 2.1)
    • Graduate can articulate the nature and function of biblical authority for believers (MDiv 2.2)
    • Graduate demonstrates a general knowledge of the Old and New Testaments, including a synthetic development of the 66 books of the Bible (MDiv 2.3)
    • Graduate interprets Scripture in accordance with acceptable principles of biblical interpretation and humble dependence on the Holy Spirit to enlighten the mind (MDiv 2.4)
    • Graduate uses tools to help understand Scripture in its original languages demonstrating appropriate information literacy (MDiv 2.5)
    • Graduate can systematically teach Scripture to the congregation or those whom he or she is shepherding (MDiv 2.6)
    • Graduate demonstrates a passion for evangelism, discipleship, and the mission of God rooted in one’s knowledge of Scripture (MDiv 2.7)
    • Graduate has sensitivity to peace, social justice, and global humanitarian concerns reflecting a biblical world view rooted in Scripture (MDiv 2.8)
  • Outcome Three

    By graduation, the seminarian demonstrates competence in leading a local congregation or para-church ministry and the broader Body of Christ through one’s preaching and teaching, evangelism, service related ministries, pastoral care, and/or administrative tasks of ministry.

    Corresponding Observable Measurements:

    • Graduate has the ability to prepare a message (i.e., sermon) in accordance with accepted principles of biblical exegesis and effective communication (MDiv 3.1)
    • Graduate can deliver a message (i.e., sermon) effectively understanding and reaching the target audience (MDiv 3.2)
    • Graduate can clearly present the gospel and leads others to a saving faith in Jesus Christ (MDiv 3.3)
    • Graduate can effectively lead a worship service that is culturally appropriate to the target audience and can administer the ordinances of the Church (MDiv 3.4)
    • Graduate exercises effective pastoral care through skills of healing the sick, sustaining the poor and grieving, guiding those who are seeking and those who are in crisis, and reconciling the estranged and the sinner (MDiv 3.5)
    • Graduate has skills to creatively plan, execute, and evaluate adult biblical teaching in a congregational context (MDiv 3.6)
    • Graduate can effectively recruit, train, direct, and delegate to leaders, and can manage meetings of various sizes so that corporate decisions can be accomplished and team members can actively participate (MDiv 3.7)
    • Graduate can develop, structure, and oversee a congregational program of biblical education that is age appropriate (MDiv 3.8)
    • Graduate can articulate the believer’s position “in Christ” and uses that truth to encourage and comfort believers (MDiv 3.9)
    • Graduate articulates a leadership vision for the ministry or organization appropriate with the position in which service is provided (MDiv 3.10)
    • Graduate exhibits qualities of leadership and servanthood (MDiv 3.11)
  • Outcome Four

    By graduation, the seminarian demonstrates an integrated understanding of the Bible, Christian theology, Christian heritage, church polity, and cultural settings and behaviors enabling one to make disciples in the congregation or in an appropriate ministry setting.

    Corresponding Observable Measurements:

    • Graduate expresses a coherent understanding of the content of biblical literature; and biblical, historic, and systematic theology (MDiv 4.1)
    • Graduate articulates a coherent understanding of the traditions in Christian thought, current trends in Christian belief systems and practices, and culturally appropriate apologetic arguments (MDiv 4.2)
    • Graduate is passionate and can articulate the “mission of God;” this truth impacts his or her perspective on the ethne’ of the world and their spiritual needs (MDiv 4.3)
    • Graduate has a general understanding of the historic development of the Christian church, its structures, doctrines, cultures, and practices (MDiv 4.4)
    • Graduate has a basic understanding of church polity, ideally from the perspective of the student’s declared denominational home (MDiv 4.5)
    • Graduate employs practical reason in a fashion informed by the witness of the biblical text (MDiv 4.6)
    • Graduate demonstrates basic ethnographic and cultural awareness in order to exegete one’s cultural setting for ministry (MDiv 4.7)
    • Graduate understands the power of prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit resulting in systematically worshipping God, interceding for people, and requesting specific results from God (MDiv 4.8)
    • Graduate is regularly engaged in a discipleship relationship with someone (MDiv 4.9)
• Learning Format Options

  We offer courses in flexible delivery modes:

  • Online courses that include interaction with other students and professors
  • Hybrid-Intensive courses that include a combination of online interaction and a one-week intensive session with other students and professors on campus
  • Polycom courses that include a combination of online interaction and a one-week intensive session with other students and professors at an off campus learning center equipped to bring students together off campus.

  We believe some things can be learned individually and online; but we also believe that we must learn how to interact with other individuals so that we understand the human dynamics of ministry with God’s people.

• Program Requirements

  M.Div. Program Requirements: 74 semester units

  • Biblical Studies Courses
  • Theological Studies Courses
  • Ministry Leadership Skills Courses
  • Experiential Learning Courses
  • Specified or Open Electives
• Program Schedule

  While Tozer Seminary will attempt to offer courses more frequently than listed below; this chart provides an example of the normal sequencing of the M.Div. curriculum for students seeking to finish during a three to four year sequence. Many students double the time to finish a program so that they can balance home life, ministry, and training experiences.

  Year	Fall	Spring	Summer
  			Biblical Interpretation Spiritual Formation
  1	Pentateuch Prolegomena Personal Health Experiencing Ministry	Kings & Prophets God, Humanity, & Angels Catalytic Leadership Experiencing Ministry	Exegetical Skills Church History Evangelism & Community Engagement
  2	Gospels & John Jesus, H.S. & Church Elective Experiencing Ministry	Acts & Paul Sin, Salvation, & Mission Elective Experiencing Ministry	Pursuing Wisdom Worship & Liturgy Preaching the Word
  3	Pain, Suffering, Healing Elective Pastoral Leadership Experiencing Ministry	Non-Profit Finance Elective Pastoral Care Experiencing Ministry	Intercultural Ministry Alliance Ministry

• Required Courses

  Here is a listing of required courses which includes course title and descriptions. This list does not include elective course offerings.

  BI 6005 Biblical Interpretation (3 units)
  This is a foundational course that serves as a prerequisite to all other courses in Bible. The course is designed to teach students to read the Bible inductively, listening to Scripture itself. Students are introduced to the historical-grammatical method, critical tools, and the core principles of biblical hermeneutics. Students are also given a panoramic picture of the full biblical narrative from Genesis to Revelation.

  BI 6100 Pursuing Wisdom (3 units)
  This is an intermediate-level overview of the historical and poetic books of the Old Testament and also the New Testament book of James. The course focuses on literary genres, history, culture, chronology, geography, and theological themes. Special attention will be paid to the idea of pursuing wisdom more than money. (Prerequisite: BI 6005)

  BI 6030 Exegetical Skills Using Electronic Biblical Research (3 units)
  This course provides an introduction to electronic or digital research software and galleries in biblical and theological studies with information literacy skills to use such platforms. Emphases will be cloud based and online exegesis computer based tools to assist the student in biblical analysis plus an overview of international collections.

  CO 6100 Preaching the Word (3 units)
  A practical study of the art and science of sermon preparation, this course gives specific attention to sermon components, sermon delivery, and the responsibility of the preacher to handle the Word accurately. Students will be given the opportunity to increase their self-awareness as they develop preaching skills. They will also be equipped with regard to finding ways to manage themselves when responding to praise and criticism from a congregant. (Prerequisite: BI 6005)

  DM 6000 Spiritual Formation and Discipleship (3 units)
  This course focuses on the believer’s position “in Christ” and on the believer’s challenge to abide in Christ and practicing the presence of Christ. It addresses the central issues of spiritual development such as family background, stages of faith, past experiences in church, spiritual disciplines, and expectations of God. Emphasis will be on the role of prayer and how God stirs the heart in transformation; and understanding that maturation is not based on a formula. The course is designed to foster personal spiritual growth and ignite discipleship strategies equipping students to mentor others to receive from God and grow into their capacity to love Him.

  DM 6050 Evangelism & Community Engagement (3 units)
  Sharing the good news of Jesus as individuals and sharing the good news in the context of church ministry united together are critical to fulfilling the Great Commission. This course challenges students to understand the gospel, to express it in a personal way, to think strategically about how to communicate it in multiple cultural settings, and how to develop strategic plans to engage the church in reaching out with aspects of the gospel within a community.

  EL 6000 Orientation & First Year Ministry Experience (1 units)
  Experiential Learning in the context of practical ministry related to exploring one’s calling and gifting. In addition to orientation to experiential learning requirements, the student enters into a mentoring relationship with a seasoned pastor or church leader.

  EL 6005 Exploring Ministry Opportunities (1 unit)
  The seminarian continues in practical ministry related to exploring one’s calling and gifting. The student continues into a mentoring relationship with a seasoned pastor or church leader.

  EL 6100 Second Year: Ministry Experience (1 unit)
  The seminarian continues his experiential learning within his area of calling and gifting. For most students, they will continue under the supervision and mentorship of the individual selected in year one. Some students may adjust to a different mentor for the sake of breadth of experience.

  EL 6200 Third Year: Balancing Family & Ministry Experience (2 units)
  During the final year of experiential learning, the seminarian will continue to refine his or her competencies based on calling and gifting. The mentoring emphasis will shift from church or ministry related skills to addressing family needs in the midst of ministry experiences.

  EL 6205 Third Year: Exploring Community Life Outside Ministry (1 unit)
  During the final year of experiential learning, the seminarian will continue to refine his or her competencies based on calling and gifting. The mentoring emphasis will shift to addressing how one can and/or should relate to the community in which one lives (outside of ministry).

  GS 6015 Personal Health of the Leader (3 units)
  This course addresses the spiritual, psychological, emotional, mental, physical, and relational aspects of being a leader. It addresses aspects of diet, exercise, sleep, time and energy management, and the danger zones that often lead to burnout or moral failures. This course also deals with the complexities of church family life, the great need for self-awareness, the discipline of staying mindful of other people’s expectations, and honoring wise boundaries in relationships. Emphasis will be placed on biblical expectations for the leader and on the role of a shepherd’s prayer life.

  IM 6175 Inter-Cultural and International Ministry (3 units)
  This course introduces the principles and processes of intercultural communications, particularly with regarding to sharing the gospel across cultural lines. Emphasis is placed on the Church’s responsibility to take the gospel and disciple all the peoples of the world. Practical attention will be placed on how to lead small groups on international mission projects and how to determine when going causes more harm than good with the indigenous people group.

  ML 6030 Alliance Ministry (3 units)
  This is a study of ministry from the perspective of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. Students explore the history, values, governing structures, polity, and contemporary challenges in the denomination. Special attention is given to the Fourfold Gospel and requirements for C&MA ordination. Attention is also given to the place of evangelism and missions have played down through the legacies of A.B. Simpson and A.W. Tozer.

  ML 6045 Pastoral Leadership (3 units)
  This course focuses on the pastor’s responsibilities leading a congregation and its various operations. Emphasis will be on developing competencies related to strategic planning as well as planning and leading group meetings (boards, committees, task forces) in the various areas of ministry (worship, education, evangelism, missions, and fellowship). The course will also discuss selection of staff, operational structures, disciplinary actions, and dismissal of staff, and systematic reporting to boards and the denomination. Politics within a congregational setting will also be explored. Receiving a call and determining when to leave a call will also be addressed plus how to deal with termination in the context of ministry.

  ML 6100 Pastoral Care (3 units)
  This course focuses on the shepherd’s care for the flock including the four traditional functions of (1) healing the sick, (2) sustaining the poor and grieving, (3) guiding those who are seeking and those who are in crisis, and (4) reconciling the estranged and the sinner. In addition to these basic competencies, the student will gain skills in administering the holy ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, officiating weddings and funerals, developing habits in prayer, and performing other ceremonies such as baby dedications. Reflection upon how one lives as a public person, and how one shepherd’s one’s family also are elements. The pastor will also think through how to avoid developing dual relationships with members of his flock while entering into positive relationships with many.

  ML 6055 Catalytic Leadership (3 units)
  Explores the role of a leader in terms of guiding and motivating people to do good deeds and how to mentor others into leadership roles; the course teaches students how to cast vision, run effective meetings, develop appropriate organizational structures, mentor others into peer leadership roles, and evaluate organizational effectiveness. Basic conflict resolution skills and negotiation skills will be addressed along with developing the skills as a change agent and life coach.

  ML 6145 Non-Profit Finances, Regulatory Compliance, & Risk Management (3 units)
  An introduction to the reality of legal obligations, financial obligations, and community politics for churches is part of the emphasis of this course. Developing a theology of money will also be a focus. The course will address an understanding and encourage a healthy stewardship of resources, creating and managing church budgets, and reading, understanding, and reporting monthly financial reports, and risk management and regulation compliance matters. An overview of church management software programs is also included.

  ML 6170 Worship Planning & Liturgy (3 units)
  Part of the role of a shepherd is to guide the development of a worship calendar and the various forms of liturgy that a church embraces throughout the church calendar (i.e., Advent, Easter, Pentecost, other special events) and a theology of worship rooted in Acts 2:38-47. This course helps the student establish a basic theology of worship, and gives basic planning skills so that the pastor can guide the process of establishing appropriate worship liturgy whether or not he or she sees oneself as a worship leader and/or musician. This will help pastors in their communication vocabulary and strategies with worship team members (musicians, worship leaders, and technology specialists).

  NT 6211 New Testament: Gospels and Johannine Literature (3 units)
  This course is a comprehensive survey of the compilation and theological themes of the Gospels and Johannine literature. The course focuses particularly on life of Jesus, highlighting the differences between the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John and studying certain portions in-depth. (Prerequisite: BI 6005)

  NT 6212 New Testament: Acts and Pauline Epistles (3 units)
  This course looks at Paul's epistles alongside Luke's narrative of Acts. The course deals not only with theological themes, but also with historical, geographical and literary backgrounds. (Prerequisite: BI 6005)

  OT 6211 Old Testament: Pentateuch (3 units)
  An overview of the literature, history, culture, chronology, geography, and theological themes of the first five books of the Old Testament is the focus. Special attention will be given to the status of the Pentateuch in the Old Testament and church history, and to its application in the life of the contemporary church. (Prerequisite: BI 6005)

  OT 6213 Old Testament: Kings and Prophets (3 units)
  This course surveys both the kings of Israel and Judah as well as the major and minor prophets God sent them. Consideration will be given to the role of Old Testament history in spiritual formation and contemporary ministry leadership. (Prerequisite: BI 6005)

  TH 6015 Events in Church History (3 units)
  This entry-level course offers students a sweeping overview of church history. It focuses on major events such as the Council of Nicea, the Council of Chalcedon, the Great Schism, the Reformation, and other major events that give students some perspective on why the Church today is the way it is.

  TH 6060 Prolegomena, Authority, & Scripture (3 units)
  This course provides an introduction to the “first things” and the theological reasons for the reliability and veracity of Scripture and the core questions related to its authority for believers and for the Church. It also addresses core concepts in Bibliology such as inspiration, authority, infallibility, inerrancy, preservation, canonicity, and translations.

  TH 6070 God, Humanity, and Angels (3 units)
  This course introduces students to the basic vocabulary and core doctrines related to Theology Proper, Biblical Anthropology, and Angelology. In this exploration, the student will also be introduced to theological reflection and methodologies by which to construct one’s belief system. Emphasis will be placed on Trinitarianism, the character of God, creation of humanity in the image of God, and the creation of spirit-beings serving God and the rebellion in heaven which sets the stage for the evil one to tempt human kind with sin. (Prerequisite: TH 6060 or permission of the instructor)

  TH 6170 Jesus, Holy Spirit, and the Church (3 units)
  This course introduces students to the basic tenets of orthodoxy with regard to Christology, Pneumatology, and Ecclesiology. The course focuses especially on the incarnation and atonement, the hypostatic union, the headship of Christ, and the role and works of the Holy Spirit especially as he relates to the Church, and core principles on which the apostles established the Church, its leadership, and its mission and holy ordinances. (Prerequisite: TH 6060 or permission of the instructor)

  TH 6270 Sin, Salvation, and the Mission of God (3 units)
  This course focuses on the nature of sin and its impact on humanity (Hamartiology), on God’s design for saving mankind (Soteriological core concepts including justification, sanctification, and glorification and adoption into the family of God), and the mission of God (redemption available for all mankind) emphasizing the Great Commission. (Prerequisite: TH 6060 or permission of the instructor)

  TH 6300 Church and Society (3 units)
  This course deals with the nature and mission of the Church within the context of society and world. Students are challenged to grapple with specific ethical issues as they attempt to discern the kind of relationship the local church should have with the surrounding community. Issues such as the tax status of the church, public prayer, public education, patriotism, and marriage will be discussed. (Prerequisite: TH 6060 or permission of the instructor)

  TH 6405 Pain, Suffering, and Healing (3 units)
  This course focuses on the problem of evil, and evil’s role in pain and suffering. Students are exposed to testimonies of healing, and they exegete key New Testament and Old Testament passages pertaining to biblical wholeness and healing. Students also grapple with why, at times, God does not seem to heal. Students develop a theology of suffering and a theology of healing which should inform their pastoral care. (Prerequisite: TH 6060 or permission of the instructor)

  FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF COURSES AND THEIR DESCRIPTIONS, GO TO THE SEMINARY CATALOG.

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