Philosophy of Theological Education | Theological Education and the Student
Theological Education and the Church of the Nazarene | Theological Education and the World

Philosophy of Theological Education

APNTS seeks to promote both academic excellence and Christian maturity in order to prepare men and women for Christian ministry in Asia and the Pacific. It does so with the understanding that there is no contradiction between the highest standards of education and the deepest attainments of spiritual development. The levels of academic expectation at APNTS are consistent with other theological seminaries, and suitable for graduate-level education in Asia and the Pacific.

The seminary’s academic policies are built upon the assumption that students already have basic mastery over a core of general as well as theological knowledge, and that graduate work must include the critical analysis and synthesis of material while building upon these foundations. The aim is to produce preachers and teachers who can think and theologize creatively based upon their competence in the Bible, the Christian tradition and faith, and the practical arts of Christian ministry. The seminary aims to be intellectually honest with students as well as spiritually sensitive to their needs.

Theological Education and the Student

Graduate work in theological education requires that students be self-motivated and responsible. Basic skills in research and critical thinking are essential. From a thorough knowledge of the contents, history and theology of the Bible, graduates should be able to interpret the Bible appropriately for the Asia-Pacific context. This requires that each student synthesize ideas from the various theological fields in order to develop a personal philosophy of ministry. Students should learn to reflect theologically from a Wesleyan basis in order to guide those for whom there will be pastoral care. The seminary’s instructors aim to wed academic insights with practical realities, but students themselves must constantly be at this task. Students should seek to appropriate from biblical foundations,and from the broad history and faith of the church, what is necessary and helpful for faithful ministry. Students must not lose sight of their own cultures, so that they can apply their insights in ways that are suitable for their own people as well as consistent with the gospel message. The curriculum of APNTS is shaped around these goals, which are consistent with the Institutional Mission and Objectives.

Theological Education and the Church of the Nazarene

Higher education in the Church of the Nazarene has historically and rightly pursued broad areas of inquiry. The philosophy behind this is that the Holy Spirit has worked and is working dynamically in many areas of human behavior, both inside and outside of the church. The Church of the Nazarene is not intimidated by the critical application of human knowledge to every area of life, and is neither cowardly nor defensive in the various fields of education. The Church affirms the power of God to sanctify and use for divine purposes all creation. The Church emphasizes the participation of every Christian in this saving activity of God. Nazarene education helps guard against any sectarian-like tendencies or human boundaries that would create barriers to the outpouring of God’s grace in the world, and guards from narrow-mindedness and fear of the world.

This character of Nazarene higher education, as well as the theology under-girding it, provides for a healthy respect for the historic mission of the Church of the Nazarene, to proclaim and to live out the sanctifying work of God in the present world. Consistent with this, the seminary should instill charity along with the wisdom to distinguish the difference between those issues that are and those issues that are not essential to salvation.

Theological Education and the World

The Seminary, like the Church, exists in the world, since that is where ministry takes place. APNTS welcomes contacts with various recognizing and accrediting agencies. The tests of adequate preparation must take into account the measures of those for whom ministry is intended. The Seminary attempts to influence the world broadly not only through its students and graduates but through its own witness to the time and place wherein it stands. The final tests of the adequacy of preparationfor ministry are the faithful and fruitful lives of APNTS graduates.

Success at APNTS is not the sole determinant of a blessed ministry. Indeed the Spirit uses men and women of all backgrounds and degrees of preparation. But it is hoped that the preparation facilitated at this school provides tools, concepts and philosophies that will sustain a long and productive ministerial to Jesus Christ.

-- Floyd T. Cunningham, Academic Dean