MASTER OF DIVINITY B. A. IN MINISTRY DIP. IN MIN

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1 Degrees accredited by the Asia Theological Association Affiliated to the International Council for Higher Education Prospectus and Regulations for DISTANCE EDUCATION PROGRAMME MASTER OF DIVINITY B. A. IN MINISTRY DIP. IN MIN Head Office: ACTS Academy of Higher Education P.O. Box. 9529, 54, MIG, KHB Colony, 5th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore, , India. Tel: / / Fax: The Principal: Vice-Principal: CAMPUS: ACTS Academy of Higher Education, Rayasandra, Bangalore. Tel: /36

2 Vision and Mission ACTS Academy of Higher Education is committed to training people to be witnesses of the Gospel in the real world. The vision that Dr Ken Gnanakan received was from a reading of the Apostle Peter's words in Acts 3:6 - Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Starting out as ACTS Institute, a basic Bible school, it has now grown into the ACTS Academy of Higher Education. Its diverse programmes are accredited by Asia Theological Association and are affiliated to the International Council for Higher Education. The programmes are based on integration, where Bible and theology is constantly studied in its interface with the concrete realities of the world we live in. ACTS Academy embraces the dynamic philosophy of holism, which is reflected in all its educational programmes. This holistic approach to mission enables us to consider God s Word in God s World in its entirety. ACTS Academy aims to equip leaders for the Church and its mission through its vision of a holistic integration of work, worship and witness, for a more effective ministry in our world today. Men and women from all walks of life are trained for ministry both within the Church as well as outside. Learn to live is what we believe in. HISTORY ACTS (an acronym for Agriculture, Crafts, Trades and Studies) was founded in July 1979 vide Society Act No. 80 / in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Today, the ACTS Group of Institutions has spread all over India and is known internationally for its appropriate education programs, both theological and secular. ACTS Institute began as a vision given to Dr. Ken Gnanakan during his Doctoral studies in London in May Returning to India in October 1978 Dr. Ken Gnanakan set out to implement what is today a unique training programme for young people in India. The vision was a direct result of reading the book of Acts, which is the description of the early church in practical demonstration of the love of the Lord Jesus. The programme started in a housing colony in a suburb of Bangalore on July 1, Eleven young people came out successfully after their two year training and today are scattered all over India in various ministries. Some are in conventional Christian ministries while others are attempting to demonstrate the integration of Work, Worship and Witness, the central driving force of the ACTS vision. Over the years ACTS has trained thousands of students who have benefited from the intensive programmes provided on its 12 ½ acre campus outside of Bangalore. We have been providing one year certificate, two year diploma, three year degree programmes, giving students a wide variety of opportunities for practical service in real life situations. Our stress has constantly been on a practical ministry orientation. Sensing the need for a higher level of training, we introduced a new degree programme in August This Bachelor of Arts in Ministry (B.A. Min) degree maintained all the ACTS distinctives. The programme is as demanding as the Bachelor of Theology offered by Bible Colleges, but offers the ministry orientation so urgently needed for service in all kinds of areas of Christian service today. We went on to add the M.A. in Ministry, M.Div, M.Th and D.Min programmes to cater to the need for higher education. We are a community, seeking to develop holistically so that a more powerful and practical witness for Jesus Christ could be built up. The programme is built on a desire to integrate Work, Worship and Witness and has introduced a unique way of theological education. 1

3 INTRODUCTION TO MASTER OF DIVINITY PROGRAMME The Master of Divinity degree is a programme carefully worked out to meet the academic standards of postgraduate degrees in universities in India and institutions accredited by Asia Theological Association all over Asia. The degree is recognized by higher educational bodies in various parts of the world for admission to research degrees. There has been a growing demand for a more contemporary and contextual programme of studies for students of theological as well as secular studies. Adapting newer approaches to education, campus and off-campus learning and equipping of professionals in service has been an urgent need. ACTS seeks to bring together a well worked out programme through an integrative and inter-disciplinary approach. The Master of Divinity degree aims to equip students with an understanding of the Bible and its teachings, to give a total view of life in its spiritual, cultural, political and environmental dimensions. It has been designed to equip the whole church for its life and witness. Hence, not only pastors and teachers within the church, but also Christians actively involved in various walks of life will benefit from this study. OBJECTIVES 1. To equip men and women with academic tools for ministry of the church in diverse cultural contexts. 2. To develop proficiency in men and women in order to engage in independent and critical research relevant to the context. 3. To promote interdisciplinary perspectives leading to an integration of theological knowledge and ministerial skills. 4. To introduce innovative and effective patterns of education that will prepare students for Christian ministry in context. 5. To equip all God s people of various vocational callings in the ministry of Christian witness in the society. FACULTY Dr. Ken Gnanakan, Ph.D - Founder Dr. Richard Gnanakan, Ph.D - Principal Dr. Edward Ramani Ph.D - Vice Principal Dr. A. Christdhas, Ph.D. Dr. Paul Mohan Raj, Ph.D. Dr. K. Devaraj, Ph.D. Dr. Jacob Varghese, Ph.D. Rev. G. James, M.Th. (Ph.D.) Mr. Rajesh Ravindra, M.Th., (Ph.D.) Dr. Sunil Kumar Samuel, M.A., D.Min Rev. A. Wilson, M. Th., (Ph.D) Mr. H. Caleb Martin Hilton M.A., B.D., Mrs. Latha Samuel B.D. Mrs. Renuka, D.D., (Ph.D.) Mrs. Malliga Ramani, M.A., C.I.Lib.Sc., Dip. Documentation - Associate Librarian Mr. Robert Lawrence, M.A., M.Div., BLISc Associate Librarian 2

4 LIBRARY The Library is housed in ACTS Academy campus, Rayasandra which affords a wealth of material and information. At present there are over 23,000 volumes in the library, and the strength of the volumes is increasing constantly. The Library also subscribes to periodicals, more than 80 scholarly journals, magazines and newspapers (English & Regional). Library is computerized and provides opportunity for Internet facilities to the students. The Library is also a member of the Joint Library Scheme in the city. During the Residential Contact Seminars students are given Internet accessibility. ENTRANCE EXAMINATION A written examination consisting of three papers Bible Knowledge, English and General Knowledge will be required to be taken by all. On passing the written tests, candidates will be interviewed by a panel for final approval. MASTER OF DIVINITY Admission Requirement The entrance requirement into the three year Master of Divinity degree programme is successful completion of a University undergraduate degree [Bachelor degree in Arts, Science, Commerce] or equivalent. Those who have appeared for the final B.A/B.Sc/B.Com degree examination and are awaiting their results may be admitted provisionally until the end of the first term/semester. Those who cannot produce their pass certificate would not be admitted. An ATA-accredited Bachelor of Theology [B.Th] degree or B.A.in Ministry is an equivalent to a University undergraduate degree. However, advanced credit up to 10 subjects - towards the Master of Divinity degree can be granted only to those who have secured a B grade average or above in their B.Th. / B.A.(Min.) degree programme. Applicants who have successfully completed an unrecognized B.Th / B.A.(Min.) degree programme will need to appear and successfully pass a qualifying examination consisting of three papers set at the final year B.Th / B.A.(Min.) degree in Biblical Studies, Theology and Christian Ministry. However, no applicant with an unrecognized theological degree is to be given any advanced credit towards the M.Div degree. Mature candidates who do not have the required entrance qualification, but at least 30 years of age, may be admitted into the programme on the basis of a qualifying exam set at the bachelor degree level [at least three subjects]. 3

5 APPLICATION Application form duly completed need to be submitted with following documents. i. Two copies of mark sheets from university/ college/seminary attested by a Gazette officer. ii. Three recent photographs iii. Two recommendation letters, one from your pastor and the other from the head of the institution you last worked or from your present employer. iv. Application fees of Rs. /- v. A valid Medical Certificate vi. An indication of financial support for undertaking the programme. Incomplete application will not be consider for admission. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS i) For the three year course, learners are required to complete 30 courses (90 units) The courses are divided into 20 core courses and 10 optional courses. The following is the course and other requirements: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Pass 25 courses A Thesis or two additional courses Complete six ministry reports Complete six integrated papers or three additional courses Complete six residential seminars ii) For the two years course learners are required to complete 20 theological courses (60 units. The courses are divided in to 16 compulsory and optional courses, Four Integrated papers or additional courses, four ministry reports, a Thesis or additional courses, Four Residential Seminars iii) iv) One thesis of a minimum of 60 pages or 10,000 words needs to be submitted. Learners will also submit one ministry report and one integrated paper per semester. Two integrated papers will be considered as equivalent to one course. The purpose of the integrated papers is to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills gained by studying the courses in each block. The candidate shall write an integrated paper in every block. An integrated paper shall reflect the understanding of issues, analysis, evaluation and solutions to it. v) The students are expected to work at least one week in a place other than the pastoral ministry and submit a report which will be considered as requirement for graduation. Practical involvement in work as well as ministry programs is also underlined as requirements for graduation. 4

6 THESIS 1. A candidate shall submit a thesis proposal/ thesis title by the end of the second block for the approval of the Academic Committee. The thesis proposal approved by the Committee will be final. Before submitting it, the student should contact a theologically qualified person and get a consent letter from him/her expressing willingness to guide the thesis. 2. The thesis must be typewritten on A-4 size bond paper, double spaced, on one side only and bound in stiff covers. Three copies of the thesis along with an abstract should be submitted not later than March 31st of the final year. 3. The length of the thesis shall be about 10,000 words. 4. In awarding the grades for the thesis, examiners will take into consideration of the following: a) Accuracy and range of knowledge of the subject b) Coherence of arguments c) Independence of thoughts d) Presentation (Format, typing etc) 5. When a candidate submits his/her thesis, one should also submit three copies of the abstract of approximately 300 words. The abstract shall be a brief summary of the problem, the methodology followed in the research and the main findings. 6. The thesis should be submitted with a forwarding letter of the adviser and declaration by the student that it is his/ her original work and not submitted elsewhere for the same degree. 7. All students are required to participate in an Exit Interview. At this interview an assessment will be made not only of the students ability in research and writing of thesis but also their overall growth and development in theological reflection and application. 8. A thesis can be published only after receiving a written permission from ACTS. B.A. IN MINISTRY [B.A. (MIN)] The entrance requirement into the three year Bachelor of Theology degree or B.A. in Ministry programme is a successful completion of 12 years of schooling or the equivalent. Those who have appeared for the HSC/+2 and are awaiting their results, may be admitted provisionally until the end of the first term/semester. Those who cannot produce their pass certificate should not be admitted. The ATA-accredited two-year Diploma in Ministry is an equivalent of the HSC/+2. Applicants who have completed successfully a two-year programme that has an entrance requirement of successful completion of 10 years of schooling [SSC], but is not ATA-accredited, must appear for and successfully pass a qualifying examination consisting of three papers set at the final year Dip. in Biblical Studies, Theology and Christian Ministry. Unless this is done they are not qualified for entry into an ATA-accredited B.A. degree programme. However, no such applicant can be granted any advanced credit toward the B. A. degree. Mature candidates who do not have the required entrance qualification, but are at least 25 years of age, may be admitted into the programme on the basis of a qualifying exam set at the 12th standard level [at least three subjects]. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS i. Six Residential Seminar Compulsory ii. Three Ministry Report iii. Successful completion of 22 core subject, 14 optional and an integrated paper. iv. An assessment of field education involvement. v. An assessment of character, spiritual development and ministry commitment 5

7 DIPLOMA IN MINISTRY (LIFE SKILLS) The entrance requirement into the two-year Diploma in Ministry (Life Skills) programme is a successful completion of 10 years of schooling. Besides, there ought to be a break of at least a year before they are admitted into the programme. Those who have appeared for supplementary papers in the SSC or equivalent and are waiting their results may be admitted provisionally until the end of the first term/semester. Those who cannot produce their pass certificate cannot be admitted. Mature candidates who do not have the required entrance qualification, but are at least 22 years of age, may be admitted into the programme on the basis of a qualifying exam set at the 10 th standard level [at least three subjects]. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS i. Four Residential Seminar compulsory ii. Successful completion of 24 subjects. iii. An assessment of Field education involvement. An assessment of character, spiritual development and ministry commitment. RESIDENTIAL SEMINARS AND TUTORIAL SESSIONS 1. Students are required to attend Residential and Tutorial sessions which will be organized from time to time. Faculty members from ACTS, visiting professors and internationally recognized scholars will conduct tutorials and give lectures during these sessions. The venue, dates and other details will be intimated. 2. There will be time for discussions, interactions and clarifications during the seminars. 3. Residential Seminars are compulsory 4. Participation for all the days in the Residential Sessions is a requirement for graduation. 5. Library is made available for study and research. INTEGRATED PAPERS DURATION OF STUDY In addition to the course work, a student is expected to write an integrated paper in each block. Each integrated paper carries 50 marks. The purpose of the integrated paper is to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills gained by studying the courses in each block. The candidate shall write an integrated paper in every block. The candidate shall write an integrated paper in every block. An integrated paper shall reflect the understanding of issues, Analysis, Evaluation and Solutions to it. MINISTRY REPORTS The M.Div., B.A. Degree requires a minimum period of three years of study and a maximum period of five years. One year extension with necessary fees is possible. No more further extension will be given. A candidate who wants to continue his/her studies need to register once again and do the full course. For Diploma candidates two years will be the minimum and four years will be the maximum period of study. Students who are not active for more than two years will be consider as inactive candidates and the admission stands cancelled. We expect the students to have a meaningful interaction and involvement in church and society. It is required of each student to give a report of such involvement once in every block. Ministry report is one of the requirements for graduation. 6

8 GRADING SYSTEM The following is the key to the grading system: First Class Second Class Third Class A+ (80% & above) B+ (65%) C+ (50%) A (75%) B (60%) C (45%) A- (70%) B- (55%) C- (40%) Written Examination Assignments - 60% - 40% FEES STRUCTURE S. No Particulars Application, Prospectus & Processing Fee Entrance Exam fee Admission fee Admission Late fee Course fee (Each Course) Examination Fee (Per paper) Re-examination fee Thesis Fee Graduation fee Transcript fee Certificate Re Issue Mentor Fee Seminar Dip Min B. A M. Div Mode of Payment: All Academy fees are to be paid as follows: a. Application processing fee should be sent along with the application. b. Other fees, should be paid on or before registration. c. All payments must be made by Demand Draft in favour of ACTS Academy Of Higher Education. d. Fees once paid will not be refunded/adjusted in any circumstances. e. Fee structure subject to change without prior notice. 7

9 COURSE OUTLINE MASTER OF DIVINITY Semester I 1 Introduction to the Bible - I 2 Introduction to Christian Theology - I 3 Introduction to History of Christianity 4 Introduction to Major Religions Semester II 1 Introduction to the Bible - II 2 Introduction to Christian Theology - II 3 Holistic Mission 4 Life & Work of Jesus Christ 5 Theology of Work Semester III 1 Prophetical Movements with the book of Isaiah 2 Synoptic Gospels 3 Life & Work of Christian Worker 4 Detailed Study of Islam Semester IV 1 Church in Indian History 2 Understanding the Indian Society 3 Counselling : Theory and practice 4 Management and Leadership Development 5 Intro. to Cultural Anthropology Semester V 1 Asian Contextual Theology with Special Emphasis on India 2 Education for Transformation 3 Mass Media & Communication 4 Minor Prophets in the Asian Context 5 Romans Semester VI 1 Christian Social Ethics 2 Gospel of John in the Indian Context 3 MRSM (Advanced) 4 Indian Philosophy 5 Understanding Global Issues 8

10 B.A. IN MINISTRY Semester I 1 Integrated English - I 2 Liturgy and Music in Worship 3 Introduction to the Bible - Old Testament 4 Introduction to History of Christianity 5 Study and writing Methods 6 Christian Call and vocation Semester II 1 Integrated English - II 2 Introduction to the Bible - New Testament 3 Introduction to Christian Theology - I 4 Life & Work of Jesus Christ 5 Theology of Work 6 I & II Corinthians Semester III 1 Religion and Culture 2 Pentateuch with Genesis 3 Introduction to Christian Theology - II 4 Introduction to Communication 5 Gospel of Mark 6 Christian Care & Counselling Semester IV 1 Life & Work of a Christian Worker 2 Christian Leadership and Development 3 Church in Indian History 4 Pauline Epistles 5 Indian Christian Theologies 6 Acts of the Apostles 7 Health & wellbeing Semester V 1 Integrated Education 2 Biblical Interpretation 3 Old Testament Theology 4 Christian Principles of Management 5 Special Study of Hinduism Semester VI 1 MRSM 2 Holistic Mission 3 Introduction to Christian Ethics 4 Creation Ecology and Human Responsibility 5 Introduction to Mass Media 6 Community Development Optional courses: 1 Prophecy and Prophetical Movement 2 Minor Prophets in Indian Context Notice In all matters regarding admission to the programme, the decision of the Admission Committee will be final and binding on the applicant. No correspondence from the applicant with respect to his/her non-selection will be entertained. The admission process and any other dispute regarding study at the ACTS Academy of Higher Education shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Bangalore. 9

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12 Head Office: ACTS Academy of Higher Education P.O. Box. 9529, 54, MIG, KHB Colony, 5 th Block, Koramangala, Bangalore, , India. Tel: / / Fax: The Principal: actsinst@blr.vsnl.net.in president@actsgroup.org Vice-Principal: viceprincipal.actsacademy@actsgroup.org CAMPUS: ACTS Academy of Higher Education, Rayasandra, Bangalore. Tel: /36