"Amherst Theological Seminary is a religious institution

exempt from state regulation and oversight in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

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Welcome to ATS. We believe that as you work through your doctoral program your relationship with God will deepen more than you ever thought possible.​​

 

Amherst Theological Seminary offers a Doctorate of Theology degree. Successful completion of a Masters Degree is required to enroll in the Doctorate program. A student who has been awarded an appropriate Bible Masters degree may petition in writing to bypass the Masters Degree program. Course credits from other recognized Bible programs may be accepted upon examination of the student's transcript.   

 

Acceptance into the program requires a personal interview as well an essay indicating their purpose, mission, and call in God's Kingdom. The essay will include a statement of the student's specific passion as well as their calling for ministry. Upon successful completion of all course requirements the student will be conferred a Doctorate degree. 

 

In order for a candidate to qualify for Doctor of Theology (ThD) degree, the following steps must be completed:

 

   - Meet the initial requirements

   - Write a paper addressing contemporary issues facing to today's church.

   - Complete the following dissertation project:

        - Write a 50 page paper as discussed below

        - Produce 5 sermon outlines as discussed 

   - Complete the discipleship course sequence discussed below

         (Unless the candidate has previously completed them)

   - Take the open book final as discussed below

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1 OF 5: INITIAL REQUIREMENTS​

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- MUST PASS AN INITIAL INTERVIEW

      WITH THE CHANCELLOR OR VICE CHANCELLOR 

- 3 LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION OR RECOMMENDATION

      FROM A STRATEGIC PARTNER OR AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION.

- MEET THE BIBLICAL REQUIREMENTS OF AN ELDER

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/what-are-the-requirements-to-be-an-elder/

 

2 OF 5: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES PAPER:

 

- WRITE A PAPER OF AROUND 10 PAGES ON WHAT YOU SEE AS              CONTEMPORARY ISSUES FACING THE MODERN CHURCH.

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Research and explain what you think are problems facing the Christian church today. In your writing, elaborate on the various problems you identify and discuss why they are problems and how they might be addressed.

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You may use any and all christian resources at your disposal. Your mentor may help you. There are numerous resources on the internet that you can consult. You may consult anyone you think would  be helpful. Whatever resources you use you should cite and identify where you got your information from. If you copy something be sure to cite where you got it from. The honor system is in place here.

 

3 OF 5: DISSERTATION PROJECT:

 

- THE DISSERTATION PROJECT IS TO INCLUDE THE SUBMISSION OF AROUND 50 PAGE PAPER ON A TOPIC OF THE STUDENTS CHOOSING PENDING APPROVAL OF THE STUDENTS MENTOR AND THE VICE-CHANCELLOR. 

- THE DISSERTATION PROJECT IS TO INCLUDE A MINIMUM OF 5 SERMON OUTLINES EXPOUNDING UPON THE TOPIC OF THE STUDENTS PAPER. 

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The paper will explain what you are passionate about and why. You will need to identify what you believe your calling is and how it fits your passion. You will discuss your spiritual gifts mix and how your calling and passion fit in with the 5 fold ministry as identified in Ephesians 4:11. Further, discuss how your passion and calling and your gift mix and your 5 fold ministry calling will be used in your personal ministry to further God's kingdom 

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In particular, you will need to discuss how you will support yourself and how you will ensure that you will make your family a priority. Highly important is how you will ensure that you get personal rest as well. You should also discuss how you will further your education and you will fit in prayer and bible study.

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Of particular import is as a man or woman of God, how will you be accountable? Is your spouse aware of your weaknesses? Do they know who and how you are accountable? Proverbs 16:17-18 warns us sternly:

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"The highway of the upright avoids evil;
  those who guard their ways preserve their lives.

Pride goes before destruction,
  a haughty spirit before a fall."

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The man or woman who does not admit they are vulnerable to various temptations is playing with fire and asking for trouble. This is no minor consideration! Do not underestimate this portion of your dissertation! A momentary failure can destroy years of ministry!  

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In essence, you are developing a personal ministry plan that hopefully will guide you.

 

- DISSERTATION DRAFT: Draft submission of the sermon outlines

 

- DISSERTATION FINAL DRAFT: The final submission of the sermon outlines 

 

- DISSERTATION REVIEW AND DEFENSE: An oral review and defense of the dissertation project. The purpose of the review and defense is to make sure the student is prepared to defend His/her contentions in the modern secular world.​

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4) DISCIPLESHIP, RENEWAL & RESTORATION COURSES

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(THE FOLLOWING COURSES MUST BE COMPLETED IF THE STUDENT HAS NOT ALREADY COMPLETED THEM IN THE BACHELORS OR MASTERS PROGRAM.)

 

- FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING COURSES,

WRITE A 5-7 PAGE PAPER.

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The required text for CF-105, CF-107, and CF-109 as well as all 7 CT courses

(CT-100 thru CT-190) listed below can be purchased by clicking HERE.

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CF-105: THE CHRISTIAN IDENTITY

Examines what it means to be a true seeker and follower of Jesus Christ.

What does that mean for us on a practical, day-to-day basis? 

      REQUIRED TEXT: "The Walk Applied: Living the New Creation Life

               as a Citizen of God's Kingdom in a Secular World", (Marica) 

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CF-107: COMMUNING W/ JESUS: CHRISTIAN PRACTICES 

Examine the various Christian practices. Why they are important? 

      REQUIRED TEXT: "The Walk Applied: Living the New Creation Life

               as a Citizen of God's Kingdom in a Secular World", (Marica)      

      REQUIRED: http://spiritualpractice.ca/what/what-2/the-common-christian-practices/

 

CF-109: THE GODLY MARRIAGE 

Discuss authority & submission in the Godly marriage

     REQUIRED TEXT: "The Walk Applied: Living the New Creation Life

               as a Citizen of God's Kingdom in a Secular World", (Marica)  

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CT-100 THE SIN NATURE & THE HEART

Discuss the various aspects of the "Walk Applied" Christian Counseling Model.

What are some distinctives of the model?

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CT-110 GODLY HEALING

Discuss the "Walk Applied" Christian healing methodologies?

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CT-130 HEALING & RESTORATION

Research & discuss various ways of biblical healing and restoration

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CT-140 SANCTIFICATION & RENEWAL

Research and discuss sanctification & the sanctification process

 

CT-150 CHRISTIAN MINDFULNESS

Research and discuss “Christian Mindfulness”

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CT-160 UNDERSTANDING THE KINGDOM

Research and discuss “The Kingdom of Heaven here on earth”:

Elaborate on the notion that our identity is found in Jesus.

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CT-190 THE SPIRITUAL IDENTITY

Research and discuss the notion that our identity is found in Jesus​.

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CT-210 THE BIBLE

Research and discuss the concept of Biblical Inerrancy. Elaborate on

the history of the development of the Bible, how it is the standard of truth,

and how it is applicable to our lives today.

    

CT-220 MIRACLES & SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Research and discuss miracles and spiritual gifts. Present arguments for both sides: Do miracles still happen? Are spiritual gifts valid?

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5) TAKE OPEN BOOK FINAL EXAMINATION:

 

Your final task will consist of a open book final exam of about 100 questions.  As before, you can use any and all resources available to you. Cite your sources. The purpose of the open book exam is to broaden your appreciation of scripture and widen your biblical horizons. It is NOT an exercise to try an "catch you" or try to "trick you". Instead, you will discover that your knowledge of scripture will increase significantly And benefit you greatly.

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