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PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
 A great many individuals
enter ministry as the pastor of a relatively small church. Usually,
this is immediately following graduation from Bible College, or in
connection with entry into a denominational training program. Once
licensed or ordained and established in the role of pastor, the
opportunity to continue with additional formal education is either greatly
limited or simply impractical. Years pass, and the once young pastor of a
small church matures into the senior pastor of a strong congregation.
Along the way, these dedicated servants of the Lord attain tremendous
knowledge of the Word of God, while becoming respected church leaders and
trusted spiritual advisors.
For many
senior clergy who were never privileged to go on to seminary to earn a
master's or doctorate degree , there comes a time when they acknowledge
within, an honorable desire to attain legitimate formal recognition for
important achievements, while at the same time, wanting to truly earn such
recognition. These mature servants of the Lord have spurned cheap
degree programs, but have also decided against enrolling in a formal
degree program knowing that the demands of their ministry make such a
venture unreasonable. Furthermore, senior churchmen have usually
mastered a great many of the subjects required in Bible College or
Seminary training. In fact, except for the lack of appropriate
academic credentials, senior leaders are, more often than not, well
prepared to actually teach many of these subjects. Though obviously
not intended as an alternative to an academic degree, the Doctor of
Divinity program may be an ideal opportunity to acquire a capstone
credential for a life-time of learning.
PROGRAM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
The applicant must meet the following minimum requirements.
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Be not less than forty-five
(45) years of age.
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Have served in an approved
Christian ministry role for not less than twenty (20) years (does not
have to be continuous and may be bi-vocational service).
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Currently hold licensure or
ordination from a recognized denomination or an acceptable
ecclesiastical body.
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Have earned an appropriate
bachelor’s degree from an acceptable institution.*
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*Senior clergy having not earned a bachelor's degree,
may otherwise qualify providing they are at least fifty-five (55) years
of age, and have served not less than twenty-five (25) years in
ministry. In such cases, a General Bible Knowledge exam will be
required to validate the
ecclesiastical equivalent of a bachelor's degree.
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Be able to provide official
and verifiable documentation of all of the above.
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STANDARD DIRECTED STUDY PROGRAM
COMPLETION OPTION
Using the
standard directed study option, the Doctor of Divinity student is
provided with a private web-based program page. The program web
page provides complete instructions. Four component study guides
are then used to direct the doctoral student step-by-step beginning
with the initial project right through to graduation.
The four
program components document an essential area of knowledge. Each
Component is designed to be completed in about ten (10) to twelve (12)
weeks. Therefore, the entire program may be finished in about
one year. This schedule allows busy senior clergy to move
through the program at a reasonable pace that does not interfere with
the normal duties of the ministry. However, in order to allow
adequate time for unforeseen events, individuals accepted into the
program will be granted up to five years to complete all four
Components.
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ALTERNATIVE SEMINAR PROGRAM
COMPLETION OPTION
The
Alternative Seminar-based option allows the flexibility of electing to
replace the standard directed study guide with the student's choice of
either a short on-site seminar held at the Divinity School, or a short
seminar event held live over the Internet. Both the on-site and
online alternative options are scheduled to allow the student to
complete the entire program in one calendar year. ALSO - the
student may elect to mix the seminar and directed study options.
For example, the student may elect to complete Component #2 through
the standard directed study guide option, next complete Component #3
in a short on-site seminar, and then finish Component #4 through a
seminar event held live through the Internet (or any other
combination). These mix-and-match options offer the greatest
possible program flexibility. Only Component #1 must be
completed though the standard directed study guide method since
Component #1 is a documentation project only.
 Please refer to
the online
seminar schedule for the dates and times scheduled for Components
#2 - #4. Search both the Online Live and the On-Site
schedules to pick dates that fits with your own ministry schedule.
NOTE:
When using the Alternative Seminar method, you may take Components #2
- #4 out of sequence. This makes it entirely possible to
complete the program via seminars in not more than twelve months! |
FINANCIAL MATTERS
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Program
tuition
is $5,400 ($180 x 30 units), but may be reduced though generous clergy
grants.
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Tuition may
be paid using interest-free monthly installments or in-full at the time
of enrollment.
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Cost for the
seminar option is in addition to the regular program tuition, and
reasonably priced.
The Four Program Components
-30 Units Total-
Program Components are completed in order (1-4).
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COMPONENT # 1
(Required but No Units)
Completed Only by
directed study guide. |
COMPONENT # 2
(Ten Units)
May be completed by directed study guide or either of the two
alternative
seminar options. |
COMPONENT # 3
(Ten Units)
May be
completed by directed study guide or either of the two alternative
seminar options. |
COMPONENT # 4
(Ten Units)
May be
completed by directed study guide or either of the two alternative
seminar options. |
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Orientation OR-DO
Ministry Contribution
DD-701
The following will be sent as a single
submission (official documents must be verifiable).
1. Copy of ordination or license.
2. A three to four-page description of your conversion
experience, and subsequent call to ministry.
3. Three letters from peers attesting to Christian service and
character.
4. Three letters from current or former church members who have
known you a minimum of 7 years.
5. A complete history of your personal ministry highlights.
6. A three to five-page description of your future ministry
plans and goals.
7. Official transcripts of college credits, denominational training
credits, and other documentation as may be required.
Students may not proceed with Component
# 2 until after this information is received, reviewed by the academic
committee, and granted a pass. |
O.T.
Competency
DD-702
This
Component will provide the student with an opportunity to demonstrate
a personal comprehension of the Old Testament as a continuum from the
creation of the current heavens and earth through the return of the
Exiles to the land of Israel.
The student will have an opportunity to demonstrate a mastery of the
Old Testament in such a way as to confirm that the student actually
possesses a connected generic and whole comprehension of the content
of the Old Testament Scriptures.
To accomplish this Component, the student will be guided through a
series of writing, detailing, and outlining assignments that after
having been graded and returned to the student, can actually serve as
an advanced guide for teaching the Old Testament in a variety of
circumstances. |
N.T.
Competency
DD-703
This
Component will provide the student with an opportunity to demonstrate
a personal comprehension of the New Testament as a continuum from the
coming of Messiah through the return of Christ and the creation of the
new heaven and earth.
The student will have an opportunity to demonstrate a mastery of the
New Testament in such a way as to confirm that the student actually
possesses a connected generic and whole comprehension of the content
of the New Testament Scriptures.
To accomplish this Component, the student will be guided through a
series of writing, detailing, and outlining assignments that after
having been graded and returned to the student, can actually serve as
an advanced guide for teaching the New Testament in a variety of
circumstances. |
Theology Competency
DD-704
This
Component will provide the student with an opportunity to demonstrate
a personal comprehension and mastery of the particular theological
position of his denomination or persuasion.
That is,
the student will be able to compare and contrast his own theological
position on the major themes of Systematic Theology with that of
groups holding differing positions.
To
accomplish this Component, the student will be guided through a series
of writing, detailing, and outlining assignments that will draw
comparisons between the major divisions of Christian Theology (e.g.
Calvinist, Wesleyan, Reformed, Pentecostal), with an emphasis on
defending the student's particular persuasion.
After
having been graded and returned to the student, this Component can
actually serve as an advanced guide for teaching Theology in a variety
of circumstances. |
Upon the
successful completion of the four Components, the student will be awarded
the Doctor of Divinity awarded on the basis of actual accomplishment,
directed research and writing!
If you
believe that this unique Doctor of Divinity program may be right for you,
we encourage you to call today to speak personally with an Admissions
Counselor. Please telephone 1-800-933-1445 (U.S.A. & Canada Only).
Standard calling use: 1-812-471-0611. Or, if you prefer, you may request a personal
evaluation online by clicking
HERE.
ACTUAL DOCTOR OF DIVINITY
GRADUATES REPRESENTING HUNDREDS OF OTHER GRADUATES
These highly accomplished individuals, represent the best of senior-level
ministry. If you qualify, you can join them!
 Paul Olson, D.D.,
Pastor, Assembly of God; B.Th., International Seminary; Cert., Arizona
State University. |
 Vhulahani Madzinge, D.D.,
Pastor, Christian Worker Center; Dip. Pan African College, M.A.,
Master's Divinity School. |
 Gregory Denysschen, D.D.,
Director and Founder of the Jivannadi Mission; B.A. & B.Th.,
University of Pretoria, S.A. |
 Sterling Lands, II, D.D.,
Pastor, Greater Calvary Baptist Church; B.S. Southern University and
A&M College. |
PERSONAL TESTIMONIALS FROM D.D. GRADUATES
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From day-one in my exposure to Master's I have found that
each partner in the school is focused upon one thing: equipping
individuals to fulfill the church's purpose! A quality education
coupled with quality staff, along with quality curriculum - all at a
bargain price - adds up to the overall attraction of the school.
Add to the above the personal touch that each professor
brings to the classroom (with everyone being called by their name and
not a number, and you have a recipe for success! And, I'm not
merely talking about success of overall institutional concerns, but
academic and inspirational success in the lives of students.
Master's International School of Divinity stands upon the Rock - Jesus
Christ - with an undeniable penchant toward Biblical Orthodoxy!
Barry Thornton. D.D.; B.S., Cincinnati Bible College; M.A.,
Cincinnati Seminary
It has been a rare pleasure to have begun and completed this
very deep study of all aspects of divinity. While my decision to
push ahead and complete the study in a very short period of time
surely made it harder than it had to be, I am nonetheless pleased with
my work, and what I learned through it. Moreover, I believe I
demonstrated to my peers what can be done with an extra measure of
determination. Through it all, I made every effort to do quality
work, and leave no aspect of the study circumvented or discounted,
lest my study provide less than its ultimate impact on me. I am
proud of the accomplishment and of my work.
My grandfather, Dr. Meredith Samuel, was a true American
hero. He was an Army Brigadier General, and once Surgeon General
of the U.S. in World War One. He was the grandson of Major
General Solomon Meredith, who fought the first skirmish of the Battle
of Gettysburg in the Civil War. At an even higher level, as a
Christian I honor my kinship with my Savior Jesus Christ. I am more
than His namesake, I am His ambassador!
I purposely embarked on this voyage for higher learning
because I believed, even at age 68, that God had a new and robust role
for me to play in His world for the next few decades. I followed
in the thoughts of W. Oscar Thompson, the former Professor of
Evangelism at Southwestern Seminary, who learned he had inoperable
cancer just as he was finishing his classic book, Concentric
Circles of Concern. Once diagnosed, Dr. Thompson said he
went to his quiet place and prayed, "Lord if I'm coming home that's
ok. But if I have even a few days left here, I want them to
count." I too want mine to count!
Meredith Samuel "Buddy" Merrick, D.D., Lt. Col., U.S.A.
Retired; B.S., Wayland Baptist University
Without compromise of academic rigor, theological integrity,
or high standards of excellence, for me, the seminars that I have
attended at Master's International School of Divinity offered a true
biblical education for my mind, a re-washing of my heart, and a
new excitement in my spirit. Unlike other doctoral level
courses that I have taken, the unique aspect of the MISD seminars is
that they ignited a thirst and yearning in me not only for knowledge,
but more importantly I found myself re-evaluating my Christian walk
and rededicating myself to the work of the Lord.
I genuinely felt that each seminar was based on a foundation
of love, mutual respect, patience, and a deep sense of caring that
exuded in everything that was said and done. I left each seminar
feeling uplifted and validated rather than beaten and spent as many
other academic pursuits have left me feeling. I can truly say that I
am a better Christian and infinitely more knowledgeable in the Word of
God attributable to the MISD seminars.
I hold in esteem the ability of each instructor to teach the
subject matter as they exampled it and the positive vigorous exchange
and sharing with my fellow students. "Two thumbs up for the Master's
International School of Divinity: Doctor of Divinity seminars. BRAVO!"
Iris Banister, D.D.; B.S., Jarvis Christian College; M.S., Genesco
State University
Maj. Michael Pope,
U.S. Army Chaplain
Chaplain Pope is a worthy example of dedication to God and
country. The D.D. program was an ideal option for this pastor
warrior. |
Without the slightest hesitation and indeed with fulsome
praise and admiration for the excellent program of D.D. program at
Masters, I gladly submit this testimonial hoping to encourage others
to take the plunge and join this marvelous program.
My experience of the DD program from the very start has been one of
pure joy and unalloyed satisfaction. From the moment I submitted my
initial evaluation, and was contacted by MISD, until I completed my
program, I was impressed with the courtesy, skill and helpfulness of
all the professionals with whom I've had contact.
Normally in distance learning there is the problem of remoteness, and
one can feel a little detached from the hurly burly of academic life.
However, I suffered no such feelings, for the D.D. program was so full
and rich in material and so compelling in its variety and depth, that
for me the time spent flew by rather quickly.
I wholeheartedly recommend this D.D. program to all those busy persons
out there in Christian ministry who want to deepen their understanding
of the Bible, and go the extra mile to equip themselves with the tools
and knowledge to more effectively serve Jesus Christ in this present
generation.
Henderson Ward, D.D.; B.A., Open University
I greatly appreciated
the opportunity to take the Doctor of Divinity degree program with
Master’s. Foundational truths are so often under attack and it is
important for men in the ministry to be kept aware of developments and
trends in theology so that they can answer the heretics and give
guidance to the flock of God. Satan is a devious and clever enemy who
is always seeking to distort the truth. We need to be alert to the
dangers of compromise and to the subtle attacks on the faith once for
all delivered to the saints.
This is one reason why
a course with an evangelical institution is so valuable. In my own
work in the pastorate it has been valuable to be reminded again of the
vital truths of gospel grace. With my increasing commitments overseas
as well, regularly lecturing to students at a Bible training centre in
South India and also to seminary students in Manila, Philippines it
has been valuable to have completed the Doctor of Divinity degree.
This means that the lectures that I give can be counted towards their
own degree qualifications. This gives academic rigour as well as
pastoral sensitivity to the material that they receive.
The course at Master’s
was an important component of equipping me in my own pastoral ministry
and in lecturing to the seminary students. I count it a priceless
opportunity and privilege under God to continue to teach the timeless
truths of Holy Scripture.
Ian M. Densham, D.D.;
B.A., (Hons) Trinity Theological Seminary; M.A., Trinity Theological
Seminary (University of Liverpool)
Thirty-one
years after I entered seminary, I entered the DD program at Master's.
Having served around the Commonwealth as well as in the States, I was
pleased with the balancing they'd done between this traditional
British highest degree and the usual American honorary version (by
restricting enrollment to veteran pastors).
While it
was much less rigorous than my Ph.D. or D.Min., it made the ideal
choice to meet my denomination's continuing education requirements. I
have used my Introductions to Biblical Books in Serampore's Bible
Survey courses in India, as well as delivering some of the sermons I
wrote for this degree in pulpits & Homiletics classes in Fiji. The
theological and apologetical components took me well beyond my
Credo/thesis at SMU, challenging me to reach new levels of integration
between my practical Ecumenical & Inter-Faith experience and its
formal presentation. I have also gathered my work for this degree into
a 290-page book to which I repeatedly refer.
I would
recommend this program to my fellow experienced pastors-and-teachers
in theological colleges.
David Upp,
D.D.; B.A., Rice University; M.Th., Southern Methodist University;
D.Min., Southern Methodist University
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