Dr. Gary A. Chapman, Director |
A Ministry of the |
DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY FAQs
College-Level Classes
Why are these classes offered in Southwest Virginia? In 2006, the Southwest Virginia Christian Leadership Network developed a partnership with The John Leland Center, a Virginia Baptist education partner (more about The Leland Center at http://www.johnlelandcenter.edu ) . The Leland Center is fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools , the premier accrediting body for schools of theology in North America. Part of the vision for the Christian Leadership Network from its beginning in 2004 has been to offer affordable and accessible degree-credit classes here in SW Virginia. Our partnership with The Leland Center allows us to make college-level, certificate classes available to persons in our region. Our vision also includes masters-level (seminary) classes beginning in spring 2009.
Our educational philosophy? The focus of all classes we offer is on preparation for ministry and Christian impact, whether in the local church or in the community and culture. In doing so, we teach from a solidly Biblical perspective. We encourage an “engagement process”, believing ministry preparation is best achieved through open exchange of ideas and interaction between students, instructor, and curriculum. Our aim is to produce “reflective theological practitioners”, able to critically appraise, from a Biblical and theologically-sound perspective, any ideas they encounter while being effective in Kingdom ministry.
Advantages of Leland Partnership
Who would benefit from the classes? Full-time ministers, bi-vocational ministers, lay church leaders, laypersons interested in spiritual knowledge and growth. Those seeking continuing education credits should check to be sure these courses suffice.
Why take the classes? These classes allow persons to pursue a Diploma in Theology (48 hours credit), take courses individually without pursuing the full diploma, and even audit a single class. This program allows you to begin undergraduate studies, looking to a time when you may choose to pursue a full undergraduate degree. Or, you may be resuming undergraduate studies begun previously. The Diploma in Theology is a significant and beneficial course of study for any Christian who aspires to more effectiveness in their spiritual walk. For example, if you are already involved in or exploring a call to professional ministry, not only will you gain knowledge and practical ministry skills, but many churches will take note of your accomplishment. And, if you minister in your church or community on a volunteer level, your ministry can only be enhanced by further study.
What is the cost for taking these classes? Tuition for any of the three-hour classes is $375. If a member of a Baptist General Association of Virginia church and taking the class for credit, students are eligible for a tuition supplement of $125/class, meaning tuition would be $250/class. Students can also audit a course for $188. However, those auditing a class or those not members of BGAV churches are not eligible for the tuition supplement.
Students taking classes for credit are assessed a "student activity fee” of $35 each semester. These fees cover administrative costs to register a student for classes, maintain grade records, and provide transcripts. A student auditing a class does NOT pay the “student activity fee”.
When do classes begin? Fall semester classes begin in late August and Spring semester classes begin in late January. Classes meet 3 hours/week for 15 weeks. One week each semester is set aside for reading days/spring break and classes do not meet that week. We plan to offer daytime and evening classes as well as occasional “intensives”.
Diploma in Theology Requirements Each course offers 3 academic credits
BIBLICAL STUDIES (15 hours)
BS 111 Introduction to New Testament
BS 112 Introduction to Old Testament
Three of the following:
BS 135 Studies in the Prophets
BS 145 Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels
BS 155 Life and Letters of Paul
BS 170 Johannine Literature
THEOLOGICAL/PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES (12 hours)
TP 201 Christian Theology I
TP 202 Christian Theology II
PH 245 Philosophy of Religion
PH 265 Christian Ethics
HISTORICAL/CULTURAL STUDIES (6 hours)
HC 301 Church History
HC 321 Baptist Belief and History
MINISTRY STUDIES (15 hours)
MS 415 Preaching and Communication
MS 445 Worship and Music
MS 465 Formation for Ministry
Two of the following:
MS 412 Spiritual Formation
MS 425 Church Administration
MS 430 Christian Education
MS 455 Pastoral Care & Counseling
48 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED Note: As Susan Moore of the Leland Center is fond of saying, these classes are not “Sunday School on steroids”. Rather, the classes are taught on a college level and provide undergraduate credit.
Does Leland have articulation agreements with other institutions? Because the John Leland Center is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, other colleges and seminaries will, normally, accept transfer credits from Leland. Formal articulation agreements are already in place with some institutions and other agreements are being finalized. Check with Dr. Gary A. Chapman, director of the Christian Leadership Network, for more information.
How do I arrange to take classes? Before registering for a class, you must be admitted as a student to The Leland Center. This is necessary whether you take a class for credit or audit. There is a one-time fee of $25 to be included with the admissions form. As you will already be admitted to Leland for future classes, you will not have to pay this fee again. To begin the admissions process, simply contact the Christian Leadership Network, 540.777.3014 or toll-free, 866.223.9344. You can also e-mail the Network at gary.chapman@vbmb.org .
If you desire more information about the Diploma in Theology program, the Leland catalog is available online: http://www.johnlelandcenter.edu/pdfs/2008catalog.pdf .
