Asia Graduate School of Theology-Philippines
in partnership with
Peacemaker Ministries U.S.A. (www.peacemaker.net)
hosted by the International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL)

AGST-Philippines is a consortium of seminaries that have been working together
since 1984, equipping leaders for the church in Asia and the Pacific region
at the post-M.Div. degree level.

A new cycle of classes is beginning May 2011! We are again accepting applications for admission to the Doctor of Ministry in Peace Studies program. We are welcoming applicants now!

The D.Min. in Peace Studies is designed to develop servant-steward leaders who will model and teach their churches and other ministries how to respond to conflict with biblically based, Christ-centered reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18; Mt 5:23-24). As a result, these ministries can more effectively fulfill the Great Commandment and Great Commission in a broken world. The program is focused on preparing trainers of ministry leaders (2 Tim 2:2).

PROGRAM VISION:

Resolving conflicts is not the ultimate purpose of our efforts, though that is an important step of obedience! We envision a growing movement of men and women, who will, as servant-steward leaders, practice, motivate and train their church communities in the skills of building a biblically based, Christ-centered culture of peace. We envision the church in Asia becoming spiritually and relationally healthy, effectively resolving conflict in a faithful and God-honoring way. The result will be a radiant church more effectively fulfilling its calling to the ministry of reconciliation: reconciling people to God, to each other in community, and to each other between communities.

PROGRAM VALUES:

• Centrality of Christ – Genuine peace comes from living reconciled relationships through the truth, justice and grace found in the cross of Christ.

• Calling of the Church – A transformed church has a transforming presence. True Christ followers live reconciled relationships, growing to become peacemakers, impacting surrounding communities.

• Necessity of Biblical Counseling – Conflict involves material matters tied to relational heart issues. Conflict resolution includes dealing with destructive desires of our hearts that affect others.

• Authority of God’s Word – The Bible speaks with universal principles to conflict issues. Various insights, often discovered through sensitive dialog, help guide wise application of God’s truth to all of life.

• Model of Leadership – Servant Steward leaders compassionately serve God and people, fulfilling kingdom purposes, and giving an account for the truth, people and opportunities entrusted to them.

• Dynamic of Learning Environments – Program participants are valued as adult learners whose life experiences and interaction enrich classroom, field, and mentored learning environments.

• Balance of Program Elements – Program participants are developed in the knowledge, character and skills needed for effectively practicing and equipping others in biblical peacemaking.

PROGRAM CONTENT:

This 39 semester program includes:

Core: (7 classes of 3 credits + 2 practica of 1.5 credits = 24 credits)
• Personal Life/Ministry Assessment
• Theology and Practice of Personal Peacemaking
• Building A Culture of Peace
• Peace Systems
• Assisted Intervention Strategies
• Teaching/Training for Peacemaking
• Research Methods

Electives include: (3 classes of 3 credits = 9 credits)
• Community Peacemaking and Inter-Community Conflict
• Peacemaking and Religious Polarization
• Peacemaking in Marriage and Family
• Economics and Restorative Justice in Peacemaking
• Healing Wounds of Violence, Trauma, Abuse
• Arbitration Skills for Peacemaking

Dissertation research and writing (6 credits)

Classes begin in May 2011 and continue October 2011

    • Personal Life/Ministry Assessment
    • Theology and Practice of Personal Peacemaking
    • Building A Culture of Peace

First three classes are team taught by . . .

        Karl Dortzbach, Ph.D. Missions
            (University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa)
         Peacemaker Ministries Sr Int’l Representative

        Steve Hobson, D.Min. Missions
            (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL)
         Chairman Leadership Studies Dept, IGSL

        Along with other resource teachers.

SPECIAL NOTE: POSSIBLE PhD TRACK

We are pursuing approval to offer continuation work toward a PhD degree in Peace Studies. This further academic study would build on the DMin course work with its solid foundation of biblical study, character and skill development.

APPLICATION AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

This DMin program is designed for ministry leaders and educators in the seminary or Bible college who have an M.Div. or equivalent and at least four years of ministry experience after their M.Div. degree.

Applicants must meet other character, ministry, and academic standards appropriate to the program, including: a grade point average of “B+” or above (3.3 on 1-4 scale, 4.0 high).

Should an applicant’s masteral study or GPA not meet admission requirements, leveling classes (not for DMin credit) may be required and/or admission under academic probation may be allowed.

Participants whose mother tongue is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the English Proficiency Test supplied by the host school (IGSL) in order to demonstrate adequate English proficiency.

Application deadline (including references and transcripts) is November 5, 2010. Applications can be downloaded here or contact:

        Dr. Theresa Lua, AGST Dean
       “Theresa Roco-Lua” <theresarlua@hotmail.com>

BASIC FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Application fee – US$ 35.00
Tuition fee (per unit) – US$ 50.00

The entire program is estimated to cost approximately US$ 6,000 (classes, practica, and dissertation research/writing including tuition, books, food and lodging) for participants from developing countries. Travel costs are not included. For participants from developed countries (e.g., Australia, N.Zealand, N.America, Singapore) the estimated cost for the entire program is approximately US$ 10,500. Travel costs are not included. For more detailed information please contact the program director or associate program director.

• Application deadline November 5, 2010

Note: Please make sure that all checks to be issued for payment are payable to:
       INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP

FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you would like be notified of further program developments or have questions please contact:

Dr. Steve Hobson, Program Director
Email: < Steve.Hobson.IGSL@gmail.com>
Postal Mail: IGSL DMin Peace Studies
                  Admissions Department
                  QCCPO Box 1495-1154
                  Quezon City, MM 1102 Philippines

How to Apply