School of Divinity Master of Divinity
Our Students may study advanced Greek and Hebrew, Aramaic, and Theological German. In the truest sense of the word theological, we exist to equip, nurture, encourage, and support men and women for their very best service in the Kingdom of God. -Dr. Robert Canoy At the School of Divinity, men and women are encouraged to pursue their ministry calling wherever God is leading them. 2 GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY Stretching the Mind, Stirring the Heart, Serving the Church
SCHOOL OF DIVINITY THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION STRETCHING THE MIND, STIRRING THE HEART, SERVING THE CHURCH Excellent scholars teach the classical Christian disciplines with full awareness that academics alone will not meet the needs, concerns, and challenges of the varieties of Christian ministries to which God calls us. We are certain that unless we attend to our spiritual, personal, and emotional development, the ministries to which we are called will fall far short of our Lord s expectations. At Gardner-Webb University, great faith manifests itself in who you are and how you act. Greatness, after all, is really about changing lives and helping others (at Gardner-Webb, you ll do plenty of both). Here you ll test your intellectual mettle and you ll also seek your purpose. You ll strive to find that place where your faith reaches out to meet the needs of the world. In other words, your calling. Dr. Robert Canoy Dean School of Divinity Quick Facts S O D Accreditation: Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in U.S. & Canada (ATS). Financial Aid: Students receive financial assistance including grants, institutional and external scholarships, and loans. Schedule: Operates on a block schedule in which classes are offered all day Monday and Tuesday and Thursday evening, allowing full-time employed students to attend. Graduates: Our graduates serve as ministers in local, regional churches as denominational leaders, as missionaries, as chaplains, as campus ministers, and as professors. History: Founded in 1992. Affiliations: Affiliated with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of NC, and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Location: Boiling Springs, NC, located 50 miles southwest of Charlotte, NC, 50 miles north of Greenville, SC, and 68 miles southeast of Asheville, NC. Campus: Located on 250 acre main campus of Gardner-Webb University. Faculty: 11 Full-Time, all with the highest degree. Study Travel: Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Ireland, New York, and Alabama. Number of Students: Total student population 208 (189 M.Div. 19 D.Min.). Areas Represented: Our students come from NC, SC, TN, VA, FL, CO, and Brazil. Student to Faculty Ratio: 15:1. Faith Service Leadership 3
School of Divinity MISSION Engage critically and reflectively the data, meaning, and implications of the Christian faith, beginning at its biblical base. Enter into thoughtful and critical assessments of church history and theology. Worship as a community of faith in Dover Chapel. Become Involved in the process of spiritual formation personally, socially, and vocationally. Participate in the study and practice of various expressions of Christian mission and ministry. Founded Upon the affirmation of ultimate commitment and loyalty to the God disclosed most fully and completely in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Stands in the mainstream of the Baptist tradition within the Christian heritage. Faculty Affirms and bears witness to their commitment that the Scriptures constitute the final authority in matters of faith and practice. SCHOOL OF DIVINITY ACCOMPLISHMENTS The School of Divinity is nationally accredited by The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS). The Master of Divinity (M.Div.), as the basic professional degree, offers concentrations in six (6) areas: Biblical Studies, Christian Education and Formation, Missiology, Intercultural Studies, Pastoral Care and Counseling, and Pastoral Studies. The School of Divinity employs eleven (11) full-time faculty members who serve as both professors and spiritual mentors to the Divinity student. Graduates of the School of Divinity are employed in many local and regional churches and para-church ministries, as well as organizations such as the Baptist State Convention of NC and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The School of Divinity launched its Scholar-in-Residence Program Spring 2011. The first scholar to serve was Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., pastor emeritus of Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, CA and distinguished professor of preaching and church ministries at the American Baptist Seminary of the West and the Graduate Theological Union, Berkely, CA. The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree at the School of Divinity was the first doctoral degree offered by Gardner-Webb University. GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
School of Divinity School of Divinity The School of Divinity is committed to ethnic diversity among the faculty. Ethnic heritages represented by the faculty include African-American, Asian, and Latina.
Stretching the Mind, Stirring the Heart, Serving the Church Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Procedure for Admission Master of Divinity Submit a completed paper or online application and return to the Divinity Admissions Office. Submit official transcripts of all baccalaureate and graduate-level work. Provide three references, which should include an academic reference, a ministerial reference, and a personal reference. The submission of a statewide criminal background check for all residing states within the last 5 years, with a residence verification form. 6 GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
SCHOOL OF DIVINITY MASTER OF DIVINITY We offer the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, a three-year course of study accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, as the basic professional ministerial degree. The M.Div. degree is available in six concentrations, each sharing a common 60-hour core, and multiple dual-degree combinations. Emphasizing theological reflection and ministerial formation, this course of study is designed to provide men and women with a comprehensive, in-depth knowledge of the body of divinity and to help ministers develop the skills necessary for effective ministry. Beyond the core, students may choose a 30- hour concentration in Biblical Studies, Christian Education and Formation, Intercultural Studies, Missiology, Pastoral Care and Counseling, or Pastoral Studies. Program Design Unique to the School of Divinity s Master of Divinity program is a two-day-a-week block schedule format. Most classes are offered in 3-hour blocks of time all on one day instead of being spread out through two or three days per week. This scheduling format makes it possible for students to take a full semester course load while still maintaining their secular or churchrelated employment. Core Curriculum The M.Div. core curriculum is designed to be integrative, inductive and interactive. Moving beyond the artificial dichotomy between theory and practice, it requires students to reflect theologically on the practice of ministry while they are actually engaged in ministry. Components of the Core Curriculum Biblical Studies 18 credit hours Spiritual Formation 12 credit hours Historical Theological Studies 12 credit hours Ministry Studies 18 credit hours A guiding principle behind the core curriculum is that effective ministry is not simply a function of what the minister knows, or even what the minister does, but must also include what the minister is, both personally and vocationally. Requirements for Full Admission A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A minimum grade point average (GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale) in baccalaureate work. A stated and demonstrated commitment to ministry. Submit a completed Church Approval Form from the church where the applicant is a member. Submit a 1-2 page Christian pilgrimage statement outlining conversion, call to ministry, and ministry objectives. Submit a completed Immunization History. SDSA Join the School of Divinity Student Association and promote excellence in ministry education, innovation, and pace setting leadership in the Christian community. www.gardner-webb.edu/divinity Faith Service Leadership 7
SCHOOL OF DIVINITY M.DIV. CONCENTRATIONS Biblical Studies Offers specialized training for persons who wish to emphasize in their ministry the study and the teaching of Scripture. With additional hours of Old Testament and New Testament electives, and pedagogy, research and writing for publication seminars, this concentration prepares students for graduate research in biblical studies. Christian Education and Formation Through this study, one acquires an overview of age-group work, tools in designing a church s curriculum, and principles in organizing a church for mission and ministry. Missiology Offers specialized training to persons who will serve in a variety of mission and ministry settings that demand cross-cultural training. The program includes biblical, historical, theological and practical issues that must be addressed by missionaries and other Christian workers in the 21st Century. Intercultural Studies Offers specialized training to persons who will serve in cultures other than their own. The program aims to develop students knowledge, skills, and overall competence necessary for intercultural engagements in North America and overseas using the paradigm of change. The course would equip students to become effective agents of change in the face of the 21st Century religious pluralism, cultural relativism, urbanization, global diaspora, and globalization. Pastoral Care and Counseling Offers specialized training for persons who desire to emphasize in their ministry the pastoral role of the minister as counselor and care-giver, whether in a parish setting or in an institutional setting. The program gives attention both to theory and to clinical experience under supervision. Pastoral Studies Designed primarily, though not exclusively, with a view toward pastoral ministries (i.e. pastor, associate pastor, etc.), Pastoral Studies extends the basic M.Div. core curriculum by adding courses in advanced historical/theological electives, and courses focusing on the more practical aspects of ministry in local church settings. M.Div. DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS M.Div. M.A. English or English Education Designed to enhance divinity students literary skills by permitting them to earn a second degree, the M.A., instead of the usual M.Div. concentration. M.Div. M.A. Ed.S. in Mental Health Counseling Designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking to integrate theology, faith, and spirituality with counseling theory and clinical experience in the mental health field. M.Div. MBA Designed to enhance the administrative skills and expertise of ministers by permitting them to earn a second degree, the MBA, instead of the usual M.Div. concentration. The program has three potential student populations in view: the minister who desires greater expertise in business administration, the church administrator in a large church; or the bi-vocational minister. M.Div. M.A. in Religion Provides divinity students with a broadened and deepened context in the biblical languages, the academic study of religion, and opportunities in either thesis writing or teaching internship. Students earn a second degree, the M.A. in Religion, instead of the usual M.Div. concentration. 8 GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY www.gardner-webb.edu/divinity
MASTER OF DIVINITY Financial Aid, Tuition and Fees The Financial Aid Process First Step: Students applying to the School of Divinity s Master of Divinity program must complete a Student Aid Profile to be eligible to receive financial assistance through Gardner-Webb University. The Student Aid Profile will be sent to each divinity applicant during the admissions process. Students who wish to be considered for scholarships and grants offered by Gardner-Webb University must be enrolled in nine (9) or more semester hours. Second Step: Students should consider outside sources of aid to help defray the cost of their graduate theological studies at the School of Divinity. Information about these sources of aid may be obtained through the Office of Admissions of the School of Divinity. Third Step: Further financial assistance may be available in the form of Federal Direct Stafford loans. Divinity students interested in student loans are required to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Fourth Step: Once financial aid and total cost of divinity study have been determined, the student will be required to make full payment or deferred payment of any remaining balance to the Business Office at Gardner-Webb University on a prescribed payment deadline. Tuition Tuition is charged by the credit hour for the Master of Divinity degree. 2011-2012 tuition for the M.Div. program is $332 per credit hour. The School of Divinity Community Women comprise nearly one-half of our student body... 37% of our student body is represented by minority ethnic backgrounds, including African-American, Hispanic, and Asian ethnic heritages... The average age of our student body is 39... We are denominatonally diverse and welcoming! Approximately 30% represent other Christian traditions, including Lutheran, Methodist, and Non-Denominational. Stretching the Mind, Stirring the Heart, Serving the Church Faith Service Leadership 9
Gardner-Webb University AFFORDING EDUCATION Scholarships and Grants Offered By Gardner-Webb University for Master of Divinity Students Christian Service Organization Scholarship The CSO Scholarship Fund was created so private donors could partner together with students training to enter the ministry field. Applicants must enroll in the School of Divinity, must register for nine (9) or more semester hours, complete the Student Aid Profile, and must meet certain financial need criteria to qualify. GWU Theological Grant The GWU Theological Grant is a form of assistance through Gardner-Webb University to aid seminarians enrolled at the School of Divinity. Applicants must complete the Student Aid Profile, must register for nine (9) or more semester hours, and meet certain financial need criteria to qualify. Scholarships and Grants Offered By Partner Institutions C.B. Keesee Educational Fund, Inc. This educational fund provides assistance to seminarians who are residents of NC, SC, or VA and are members of a Baptist church in one of those states. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours of classes for part-time grants and 9 credit hours of classes for full-time grants. Applicants are expected to plan to enter full-time Baptist ministry or religious work in the Baptist denomination. Full-time grants may be awarded up to $4,500 per year and part-time grants up to $3,375 per year. Applications must be submitted by April 1 of each year. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (National) This scholarship is sponsored by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and provides assistance for Baptist students who are members of a CBF affiliated church. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need, commitment to serve in Baptist life in keeping with the mission statement of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and potential success in theological education and ministry. Students must be enrolled full-time. Award amounts are $2,000 per semester and up to $1,000 for traveling expenses associated with required travel the student must make to the CBF National General Assembly. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (State Affiliation) Scholarships may be available through individual state CBF offices requiring students to be members of a CBF affiliated church and adhere to CBF principles and the moderate Baptist movement. Applicants must demonstrate potential leadership for CBF churches and will be required to attend their state s general assembly. The following states provide scholarship assistance through their CBF office: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Baptist Women in Ministry Scholarship NC Baptist Women in Ministry Scholarship GA Women s Missionary Union (WMU) of North Carolina Scholarship Baptist Foundation of SC Scholarship William G. and Margaret B. Frasier Scholarship Fund Blackwell Memorial Fund Scholarship Risden P. Reece Scholarship The Jolly Endowment Fund Scholarship Craig Holbrook Parham Scholarship Donald Ray Watson Christian Scholarship Charles C. Coffey Memorial Scholarship Bullard Family Fund Scholarship Luther H. Butler Student Loan Fund Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) Virginia Baptist Foundation Scholarship District of Columbia (D.C.) Baptist Convention Scholarship The Fund for Theological Education (FTE) SeminaryScholarship.com For more information about financial aid, contact School of Divinity Office of Admissions (877) 498-4723 divinity@gardner-webb.edu 10 GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY Stretching the Mind, Stirring the Heart, Serving the Church
SCHOOL OF DIVINITY LOCATION Faith Service Leadership P.O. Box 7256 110 S. Main St. Boiling Springs, NC 28017 (877) 498-4723 (704) 406-4723 www.gardner-webb.edu/divinity The School of Divinity is located in Noel Hall, which is on the campus of Gardner-Webb University situated on over 250 acres in the Piedmont section of western North Carolina. Boiling Springs is a small, rural town. Nearby Shelby, a city of 25,000, is noted for its support of the arts and as the home of state and national leaders. Fifty miles east of Gardner-Webb is the thriving city of Charlotte, the largest city in the Carolinas. Less than one hour away to the south is the city of Greenville, SC, and Asheville is located 68 miles northwest. Find us by GPS 110 S. Main Street, Boiling Springs, NC 28017 KY TN GA Asheville I-26 Greenville WVI-74 I-77 I-81 Charlotte Roanoke I-26 Gaffney Spartanburg Greenville Charlotte SC I-40 NC I-95 Columbia VA I-85 I-85 SC Raleigh Wilmington Programs p M.Div. Yes, I want to learn more about the School of Divinity. p M.Div M.A. Yes, I want to learn more about the School Programs in English/ Please send me information! School of Divinity of Divinity. Please send me information! English Education M.Div. p M.Div M.A./ Ed.S. M.Div. M.A. in Name DOB Mental M.Div. M.B.A. Health Counseling p M.Div M.A. D.Min. Address in Religion Concentrations p M.Div M.B.A. City State Zip Biblical Studies Concentrations p Biblical Christian Studies Education Home Phone ( ) Cell Phone ( ) p Christian Education Missiology p Intercultural Studies Pastoral Care and Work Phone ( ) p Missiology Counseling p Pastoral Care Pastoral Studies and Counseling Email p Pastoral Studies Term Term College/University Fall p Fall p Spring Degrees Held p Summer Year 877877 Year (877) 877.GWU.GRAD GWU-GRAD www.gardner-webb.edu/divinity 11 v www.gardner-webb.edu/divinity Hickory I-40 GWU I-77 S O O D Faith Service Leadership
Faith Service Leadership www.gardner-webb.edu/divinity As a student at the School of Divinity, the University setting offers you many advantages such as NCAA Division I athletic events, concerts, and theatrical productions. For your enjoyment, access to the Suttle Wellness Center, pool, free weights and Nautilus rooms, tennis and basketball courts, and much more is available. We re all about community and fellowship, which is why the Koinonia Lounge, located in the School of Divinity, provides a gathering place for students to relax, join a study group, or find out where the crowd s going for lunch. School of Divinity School of Divinity Office of Admissions Gardner-Webb University PO BOX 997 Boiling Springs NC 28017-9980 997