For the benefit of those who wish more background in Bible and theology, but do not want to commit to a full degree program, Shepherd School has a Diploma Program.
Shepherd School of Ministry Diploma of Theology
Those finishing the full program (40 credit hours) will receive a Diploma of Theology; all credits may be applied toward an Associate of Divinity degree. The student need not decide in advance which of the programs to attempt. A person with a Diploma of Theology may simply add classes to get an Associate of Divinity degree.
Flexibility is the key to the nature of the programs. Courses are offered at various times, mostly Sunday through Tuesday night and on Saturdays, so a student can easily work and get an education at the same time. The student need not take a full load, but can stretch the program out to what is convenient, even taking only one class at a time.
Shepherd School of Ministry Associate of Divinity Degree
Successful completion of 64 credit hours in the prescribed program will allow the Shepherd School of Ministry to award an Associate of Divinity Degree (A. Div.), providing the first two years of college work a student might complete at a four-year Bible college or university. This degree is designed to prepare a student with initial skills needed for leadership in local church service, discipleship, and international or local ministry.
Purpose-
The Associate of Divinity program seeks to guide students to understand and practically apply the Christian faith in light of its devotional, doctrinal, and historical dimensions, and to utilize insights gained from these disciplines for the effective practice of ministry in the church, the community, and the world. This is part of the overall mission philosophy of training biblical leadership so we can send key people to key cities with key tools to accomplish the Great Commission and Great Commandment.
Objectives-
The Associate of Divinity program is designed to teach, train and develop biblical leadership for churches by promoting a student’s growth toward personal maturity and professional ministry competence. The objectives are accomplished by classroom instruction, modeling by professors and pastors, molding by practice of ministry in their local church, and other service and community outreach.
Strategies-
The program has a common CORE of courses in General Education, Bible and Theology totaling 48 hours. The degree is flexible and adaptable for those who are training to plant churches. With 16 hours of electives it can be tailored to accommodate an additional FOCUS in the following:
- Pastoral Ministries
- Cross-cultural Ministry (Missions)
- Music, Praise, and Worship
- Youth and Children
- Business Management and Administration