MASTER OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES in Pentecostal Studies

This two-year degree program , which will be offered in conjunction with Tyndale, is unique in North America. One full year of study will be devoted to an intensive examination of the history and theology of pentecostalism. The other year of study, which will be offered by Tyndale, will encompass both foundational and broader themes from an evangelical perspective. (Students who are already enrolled in graduate work at Master’s/Tyndale will be able to transfer existing credits into this program).

The MTS in Pentecostal Studies is one of the creative results of the partnership begun between Master’s Seminary and Tyndale Seminary in 1996. The reasons for the launch of the MTS in Pentecostal Studies are several: 1) pentecostalism, which has emerged as a dominant influence within global Christianity, deserves study in its own right; 2) there is a growing demand among pentecostal pastors who have prepared for ministry at the undergraduate level for graduate studies; and 3) the present cooperative relationship between Master’s and Tyndale offers an unusual opportunity. Since Pentecostalism is part of the evangelical tradition, one cannot understand it without analyzing it against the background of the evangelical world. Consequently, the 18 courses in the degree program are divided evenly between Master’s and Tyndale.

This program is open to all graduate students. A primary market for this degree will be the pentecostal pastor who desires intensive study of the pentecostal tradition. This degree program will also be of interest to the lay person who desires to study the pentecostal world.

There is a thesis option, which lengthens the program from 18 to 19 credits. This option is valuable for those who desire to do another academic degree at the Graduate or Doctoral level.

Please note: this degree is not designed to prepare an individual for ministry (which is the role of the M.Div.), but, as the mission statement makes clear, to enhance the ministries of all who enrol in the program.

Mission Statement:
To equip and motivate individuals (through the promotion of cognitive, behavioural and spiritual development) to cooperate with the Spirit’s work in bringing about God’s will: that all might know Christ and be transformed into the image of the Coming King.

COMPETENCIES FOR MTS IN PENTECOSTAL STUDIES:

In order to achieve the above-stated goal, the Pentecostal Studies major will assist the student to attain:

Cognitive Proficiency in:

1. 1. Understanding the historical and theological roots of pentecostalism.
   
   
2. 2. Understanding the historical and theological development of Canadian pentecostalism.
   
   
3. 3. Understanding the commonalities between and complexities of the various facets of pentecostalism worldwide.
   
   
4. 4. Understanding the lines of continuity and discontinuity between pentecostalism and the evangelical and broader Christian traditions.
   
   
5. 5. Understanding the issues surrounding the formation of a pentecostal identity that is true to its holiness roots and also effective in interacting with the surrounding culture.
   
   
6. 6. Understanding the nature of post-modern culture and how pentecostals might interact with it.
   
   
7. 7. Understanding that pentecostal leadership is compatible with a team approach to hearing and implementing God’s will.
   
   
8. 8. Understanding appropriate exegetical practices and a hermeneutical approach to the Scriptures that is consistent with a pentecostal heritage.

Ministry Skills in:

1. Articulating with clarity, accuracy and cultural sensitivity the gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes those aspects deemed essential to a full gospel presentation.
   
   
2. Analyzing one’s local context toward formulating a ministry strategy that is appropriate both biblically and culturally.
   
   
3. Implementing a philosophy of ministry that has been shaped by biblical, theological, and contextual considerations.
   
   
4. Leading effectively and developing the leadership of others.
   
   
5. Working collegially with others both inside and outside of the pentecostal context so as to maximize one’s influence for the kingdom of God.
   
   
6. Advancing the fulfilment of the Great Commission locally and globally.
   
   
7. Performing ministry skills creatively through the life of the Spirit.

Personal Formation (Character, Attitudes and Spiritual Formation) through:.

1. A growing awareness of the work of the Spirit, both in sanctification and proclamation.
   
   
2. A renewed commitment to the pentecostal emphasis on empowered witness.
   
   
3. An appreciation for the work of the Spirit outside of pentecostal contexts, which will lead to cooperation with other believers in advancing the kingdom of God until he comes.
   
   
4. A conviction that life and ministry must be carried out passionately and prayerfully in light of the imminent return of Christ.
   
   
5. An awareness of the pentecostal emphasis that the work of the Spirit is not primarily for the believer’s recreation, but for proclamation.
   
   
6. A deepened sense of God’s grace and one’s dependence on the work of the Spirit.

COURSE CONTOURS:

To attain the competencies for the major in Pentecostal Studies, the following courses will be required:

M.T.S. — PENTECOSTAL STUDIES

Note: The student must not take LEAD 0510 and MISS 0782 from the same institution. That is, either one may be taken with Master's or Tyndale, but not both. For example, if Leadership is taken with Master’s, then Gospel, Church and Culture will be taken with Tyndale. The student may choose.

Note: for those with a B.Th., there will be opportunity to make advanced course substitution for core courses already covered at the undergraduate level (e.g., Church History, Systematic Theology 1 & 2, OT & NT Theology and History). Consequently, the student with a previous Bible degree will have more electives than the allotted 2 electives.