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Pastoral Studies

Comprehensive Approach

The Master of Divinity degree is designed exclusively to prepare men for pastoral ministry. It is the doctrinal conviction of Calvary Theological Seminary that the New Testament teaches that only men be trained for and ordained to the ministry (1 Tim. 2:8-3:7) and that these men be “the husband of one wife” (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Thus, only men are accepted into and may graduate from the Master of Divinity program, provided they have never been married, have been married only once (widowers excepted), and have not been divorced.

The Master of Divinity program also serves to provide solid preparation for ministry on the mission field. Other ministry goals, such as Christian education, campus ministry, or counseling, will also benefit from the biblical and theological foundation offered in the Master of Divinity program. Advance standing is granted for those who have adequate undergraduate preparation in the specified areas.

The Master of Divinity program builds on any of the M.A. programs of the Seminary. Because both the Greek and Hebrew languages are required for this program, it fits better with either the N.T. or O.T. programs. However, because the core is the same for all M.A. programs, any M.A. degree may be applied toward the M.Div. degree.

Advanced Standing Option

Graduates from Christian colleges that hold a doctrinal position similar to Calvary's may petition to have up to 15 credit hours waived (i.e., reducing the total hours required) if they have earned at least a B in equivalent upper-level (junior or senior) courses in the following areas: Hebrew (up to 8 hours); Greek (second-year or above; up to 8 hours); biblical language electives (second-year or above; up to 6 hours); Bible exposition electives (up to 6 hours); theology electives (up to 4 hours); homiletics (up to 3 hours); and Bible, biblical language, or theology electives (up to 6 hours).

Objectives

• That the student be prepared for a pastoral ministry.
• That in the study of Scripture, the student applies correct linguistic and hermeneutical skills.
• That the student interprets Scripture from a dispensational perspective.
• That the student fashions a ministry philosophy and practice based on an accurate theological foundation.

Curriculum