The Equip-MBS Master of Divinity is intended to prepare students for professional work in Christian ministry within local churches as well as para-church organizations. This degree provides an in-depth knowledge of biblical leadership principles and methods, and an in-depth study of Scripture, Biblical Languages, Biblical Studies and Christian Theology.
Training for Ordination
Our diploma and degree courses prepares you for ordination in your denomination. Our flexible course pathway allows you to continue to remain in ministry at your local church while you grow in your theological capabilities. Our degree courses also requires a short internship with a church or para-church organization to help further strengthening your experience and applying your theological knowledge to work. These courses are aimed in preparing you for life-long ministry, so you will be solidly grounded in God’s Word in which ever context God will put you in. We aim to help you serve while you train theologically.
Course Structure
To fulfill the requirements of the Master of Divinity you need to complete 90 credit points which are the equivalent of three-year full-time study. However, the course can be taken part-time.
The 90 credit points may be taken from three subject pools:
Pool |
Description |
Points per subject |
100 level subjects that may be taken as classes or self-study. |
1 point |
|
200 level subjects that may be taken through Intensive classes. |
3 points |
|
MBS Subjects or recognized subjects through other institutions. |
1 - 3 points |
To be awarded the Master of Divinity, a student must fulfill all the requirements of the Master of Christian Studies, plus an additional 30 credit points as follows. It is necessary to have a prior degree (in any area) to enroll in this course.
Unless otherwise noted, any combination of subjects is allowed to make up the credit points in each section as found below.
Subject |
Credit Points |
Biblical Studies |
6-9 points |
Biblical Theology 4 or OT/NT Theology |
3 points each |
Any subjects of NT201-229 or OT204-227 not previously counted Any other Biblical Studies subjects in DP or GPS not previously counted |
3 points each 3 points each |
Theology, Church History and Society |
3-9 points |
Issues in Theology |
3 points |
Reformation Church History (DP Course CH206) |
3 points |
Malaysian Religion IIA Any other Theology or Church History subjects in DP or GPS |
3 points 3 points each |
Applied Theology |
3-12 points |
Guided Spiritual Formation (Spiritual Direction) (DP PC249A) |
3 points |
Selection of DP Subjects in the Area (EM, PC, DM). |
3 points each |
Selection of general pool subjects in the area (Counselling, Preaching, MBS, STM). (See appendix 3) |
1-3 points each |
Internship* |
0 points |
Languages |
6-15 points |
DP Greek LA004A or MBS equivalent |
3 units |
DP Greek LA004B or MBS equivalent |
3 units |
DP Intermediate Greek LA010 or MBS equivalent |
3 units |
DP Hebrew LA003A or MBS equivalent |
3 units |
DP Hebrew LA003B or MBS equivalent |
3 units |
DP Intermediate Hebrew LA011 or MBS equivalent |
3 units |
DP OT209 Hebrew Exegesis or MBS Equivalent |
3 units |
Project |
3-9 points (MBS to determine length point ratio) |
* Internship refers to either a 6-week full-time or 8-month part time (weekends only) placement in a church approved by Equip and MBS, where they are trained and involved in ministry. Internships are compulsory, but do not attract any credit.
Any subjects completed under other awards may be counted towards this award provided they meet the above criteria.
To receive the Master of Divinity, it is also required to complete the same course requirement of the Master of Christian Studies of 60 credit points as follow:
60 points |
||||
Division of points: |
Min |
Max |
||
Certificate pool subjects |
Must include Bible Overview, Biblical Theology 2 (Promise to Fulfilment). |
2.0 |
9.0 |
|
Degree Pool Subjects |
10 core subjects, 3 Exegesis Subjects, 2 Other subjects |
45.0 |
45.0 |
|
General Pool Subjects |
6.0 |
13.0 |
10 Core Degree Pool Subjects for M.C.S (with MBS assignments: 1 essay 30%, 1 other assessment 10%) 3 credit points each |
|
CH201 |
The Church to 1550 |
CH206 |
The Church from 1550 to Modern Times |
TH210 |
Doctrine of God and Christ |
TH211 |
The Holy Spirit, Grace, Hope |
TH212 |
Christology |
TH213 |
Ecclesiology and the means of Grace |
NT201 |
Content and Setting of the Gospel Tradition |
NT202 |
The Early New Testament Church |
OT201 |
Old Testament Foundations |
OT202 |
Old Testament Prophets and Writings |
OT Exegesis Degree Pool Subjects for M.C.S. (with MBS assignments: 2 exegetical papers 10+10= 20%, 1 essay 20%) |
|
OT 205 |
Genesis, Deuteronomy, Samuel |
OT 206 |
Pre-exilic Prophets |
OT 207 |
Exilic Prophets and Wisdom Literature |
OT 208 |
Psalms, Post-Exilic Literature |
NT Exegesis Degree Pool Subjects for M.C.S. (with MBS assignments: 2 exegetical papers 10+10= 20%, 1 essay 20%) |
|
NT 205 |
Luke & John (not with NT210) |
NT 206 |
Romans & 1 Corinthians (not with NT211) |
NT 207 |
Selected letters of the Pauline Corpus and the Book of Revelation |
NT 208 |
Hebrews and selected NT letters |
NT 210 |
Luke & John (Greek Text) |
NT 211 |
Romans & 1 Corinthians (Greek Text) |
Internship
Apart from the above requirements it is a necessary to complete an internship with a duration of either 6 weeks full-time or 8 months part time (weekends only) in a church/ministry approved by MBS and Equip, where they are trained and involved in ministry. Internships are compulsory, but do not attract any credit.
Credit From Previous Studies
Any subjects completed under the Equip-MBS Certificate of Theology or Equip-MBS Diploma of Theology may be counted towards the Equip-MBS Masters of Christian Studies provided that the student obtained at least a Credit (Certificate Pool) or pass (degree or general pool) for their final mark.
Application
Before being accepted into their course, students will be required to complete a detailed registration form and attend an interview with Equip. They may be required to attend another interview with MBS if so desired by MBS.