"Talbot's Christian education department focuses on teaching skills for ministry in Christian discipling and spiritual development. In an era of rapid innovations in methodologies, the program not only equips students with current skills but also provides a basis for evaluating future trends.,, - Dr. Dennis If. Dirks Assistant Professor of Christian Education - Talbot Master of Arts Program in Christian Education PHILOSOPHY OF THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM The scope and significance of the Christian education program are determined by the four dimensions which follow. Theological Orientation
The Christian education program is an integral part of the theolo gical environment of the seminary. The program relates educa tional practice to the theological principles, seeking to merge life sciences and theology. Both life sciences and theology view man in descriptive terms. Therefore Christian education is committed to the development of the whole person. Ministerial Preparation The Christian education program exists to prepare ministers in the New Testament sense, with a variety of functional roles implied for service in local churches and related institutions. This focus on ministry includes the implicit view that responsibil ity extends beyond the classroom into the churches and related institutions where students and graduates function . Individualized Program The program is characterized by emphasis on adaptation to the individuality of the students, both in regard to personal distinc tives and in regard to the distinctives embodied in varied forms of Christian education ministry. It is presumed that students will enter the program with clearly established Christian faith and , normally, with definite profes sional orientation. The program is designed to afford each student a fourfold oppor tunity: (a) the acquisition of knowledge, (b) the development of professional skill, (c) personal growth and (d) the deepening of personal commitment to Christ. Timeliness of the Program The Christian education program is designed to meet the specific needs of the church at this point in time. In the light of increasing demands for persons trained in Christian education , the program is structured to prepare persons to serve competent ly in the field. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS All applicants must hold the Bachelor of Arts degree, or its academic equivalent. They must have a 2 .6 grade po int average
(on a 4.0 scale). Those accepted who do not meet this latter requirement will be placed on probation. Graduates from approved unaccredited colleges , if accepted , will be granted provisional acceptance , though except ions may be made when the grade point average is 3.0 or higher. Applicants must have eight units of Bib le and/or doctrine courses prior to entry. Those who enter with a deficiency in thi s area will be required to enroll for a maximum of eight units in Bible and/or doctrine in addition to the core curriculum. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS A. Satisfactori ly complete 66-68 semester units. See (D. ) be low. B. Take the courses prescribed in the Master of Arts in Christian education curriculum.
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