"As far as preparing students for ministry, Talbot's M.A. in Christian education program is one of the most well-developed Christian education programs in the country. Even so, we are constantly striving to tune up, build and improve the program to make it better in all areas." Dr. Charles Bradshaw Assistant Professor of Christian Education
Master of Arts Program in Christian Education PIDLOSOPHY OF THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM The scope and significance of the Christian education program are determined by the four dimensions which follow. a) Theological Orientation The Christian education (C.E.) program is an integral part of the theological environment of the seminary. The program relates educational practice to the theological principles , seeking to merge life sciences and theology. Both life scien ces and theology view man in descriptive terms. Therefore Christian education is committed to the development of the whole person . b) Ministerial Preparation The C.E. 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 respon sibility extends beyond the classroom into the churches and related institutions where students and graduates function. c) Individualized Program The program is characterized by emphasis on adaptation to the .individuality of the students, both in regard to personal distinctives and in regard to the distinctives embodied in varied forms of C.E. ministry. It is presumed that students will enter the program with clearly established Christian faith and , normally, with defi nite professional orientation. The program is designed to afford each student a fourfold opportunity: (a) the acquisition of knowledge , (b) the de velopment of professional skill , (c) personal growth and (d) the deepening of personal commitment to Christ. d) Timeliness of the Program The C.E. 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 pro gram is structured to prepare persons to serve competently 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 point 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 exceptions may be made when the grade point average is 3.0 or higher. Applicants must have eight units of Bible and/or doctrine courses prior to entry. Those who enter with a deficiency in this area will be required to enroll for a maximum of eight units in Bible and/or doctrine in addition to the core curriculum.
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