ThM/ PhD in Theological Studies and Church History
The ThM/PhD in Theological Studies and Church History programs form scholar-theologians for the Asian church by equipping them to apply the insights of Christian theology in the Asian context and to tell the largely untold story of Asia’s Christian communities. The ThM is a research-oriented degree that builds on an MDiv or sometimes, with supplemental coursework, an MA. The PhD is a research-oriented degree that builds on an earned Master’s degree. It is the most advanced degree in the fields of Theological Studies, and is intended for those who engage in intensive and original research in a specific academic discipline.
After completing a ThM or PhD in Theological Studies or Church History, graduates typically serve in teaching, leadership, or administrative roles in their churches, colleges, or seminaries, and continue writing and research projects designed to aid the church in living out its distinctive calling in the Asian context.
AGST’s ThM/PhD in Theological Studies and Church History has a long legacy of preparing faithful leaders for the church and academy in Asia and around the globe. Today, our graduates serve as deans and presidents at Bible colleges and seminaries throughout Asia and beyond, and are leading the way in pioneering new resources for the Majority World church.
Why pursue ThM/PhD in Theological Studies and Church History?
Join a community of scholar-theologians being equipped to teach and lead the next generation of Asian Christians.
- Be equipped to be a thought leader in your church, academic institution, or by sharpening your skills in theological reflection, research, and communication.
- Gain a credential suitable for teaching in an academic environment. The ThM generally qualifies one to teach at the MA and MDiv levels; the PhD qualifies one to teach at all levels of instruction, including PhD.
- AGST’s ThM/PhD program is accredited by the Asia Theological Association, and its programs are officially recognized by the Philippines Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Program Distinctives
- Small-batch courses offer rich opportunities to learn from leading local and international faculty.
- Emphasis on contextual reflection informed by close analysis of local realities, the great treasures of the Christian tradition, and the best insights of contemporary scholarship.
- Students and faculty come from a rich diversity of cultures, backgrounds, and denominations, and unite around evangelical faith.
- Mentoring from local faculty focuses on spiritual and character formation alongside academic growth and acquisition of scholarly skills.
- Wide-ranging digital library resources to support student learning; physical libraries at IGSL and AGST consortium schools are also available for student use.
- Program of study culminates in a thesis (ThM) or dissertation (PhD) project focused on an issue relevant to your ministry context.
FACULTY AND PROGRAM COMMITTEE
DR. STEPHEN PARDUE
Program Director
Areas of interest: Contextual Theologies, Christology in Asia, Theological Method, virtue ethics and theology, humility.
Dr. Pardue holds a PhD in Theology from Wheaton College. He serves as the Associate Publications Secretary for ATA Publications, overseeing the development of new textbooks for the growing Asian church. His most recent book is Why evangelical Theology Needs the Global Church (Baker Academic, 2023). Prior to this work, he co-edited Asian Christian Theology (ATA/Langham, 2019), Majority World Theology (IVP Academic, 2020), and the 6-volume Majority World Theology series (Eerdmans/Langham).
Dr. Pardue holds a PhD in Theology from Wheaton College. He serves as the Associate Publications Secretary for ATA Publications, overseeing the development of new textbooks for the growing Asian church. His most recent book is Why evangelical Theology Needs the Global Church (Baker Academic, 2023). Prior to this work, he co-edited Asian Christian Theology (ATA/Langham, 2019), Majority World Theology (IVP Academic, 2020), and the 6-volume Majority World Theology series (Eerdmans/Langham).
DR. ALDRIN PEÑAMORA
Program Committee Member
Areas of interest: Political and Public Theologies, Christocentric Ethics, Just Peacemaking, Interfaith and Christian-Muslim Relations
Dr. Peñamora holds a Ph.D. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the co-editor of Christologies, Cultures and Religions: Portraits of Christ in the Philippines (OMF Literature and ATA), and he has published essays both locally and abroad. He is also the co-editor of Asian Christian Ethics: Evangelical Perspectives and Faith and Bayan: Filipino Evangelical Responses to Contemporary Social Political Questions.
Dr. Peñamora holds a Ph.D. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the co-editor of Christologies, Cultures and Religions: Portraits of Christ in the Philippines (OMF Literature and ATA), and he has published essays both locally and abroad. He is also the co-editor of Asian Christian Ethics: Evangelical Perspectives and Faith and Bayan: Filipino Evangelical Responses to Contemporary Social Political Questions.
DR. BEA ANG
Program Committee Member
Areas of interest: John Chrysostom, Patristics, Systematic Theology, Church History, Preaching, Bible
Dr. Ang holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from the University of Edinburgh. The title of her dissertation, for which she earned her doctoral degree, was “Ministering Between Heaven and Earth: John Chrysostom’s Theology and Practice of Church Leadership”. She has published two articles on Chrysostom and continues to pursue research and writing in the field of Patristics. She is also a co-editor of the Journal of Asian Evangelical Theology.
Dr. Ang holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from the University of Edinburgh. The title of her dissertation, for which she earned her doctoral degree, was “Ministering Between Heaven and Earth: John Chrysostom’s Theology and Practice of Church Leadership”. She has published two articles on Chrysostom and continues to pursue research and writing in the field of Patristics. She is also a co-editor of the Journal of Asian Evangelical Theology.
Rev. CRAIG THOMPSON
Program Committee Member
Areas of interest: Theology Proper and Theological Anthropology, Christology and Soteriology, Bibliology and Prolegomena, Church History, Research and Writing Methods
Rev. Thompson is a PhD Theology candidate at the Asia Graduate School of Theology Alliance, working on his dissertation entitled “Luther’s Cross and Asian Theological Method: Illuminating the Contribution of Luther’s Theologia Crucis to Asian Theological Method.” He has completed Ph.D. seminars in Bible and Theology at Wheaton College and holds a ThM in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He currently teaches theology at IGSL, where he also serves as the acting Academic Dean and the Director of Leadership Programs.
Rev. Thompson is a PhD Theology candidate at the Asia Graduate School of Theology Alliance, working on his dissertation entitled “Luther’s Cross and Asian Theological Method: Illuminating the Contribution of Luther’s Theologia Crucis to Asian Theological Method.” He has completed Ph.D. seminars in Bible and Theology at Wheaton College and holds a ThM in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He currently teaches theology at IGSL, where he also serves as the acting Academic Dean and the Director of Leadership Programs.
DR. RON BARBER
Program Committee Member
Areas of interest: Contextualization, Indegenous theologies, Japanese culture and theology
Dr. Barber holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He wrote research articles entitled, “Host-directed Short-term Missions: Interviews with Japanese liaisons” and “Globalization, Contextualization and Indigeneity” both published in Missiology. He also co-authored with Robert Priest the chapter, “Culture and the Missional Engagement with Good and Evil: What We Learned About Contextualization from J. Robertson McQuilkin”, in the book Transformed from Glory to Glory.
Dr. Barber holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He wrote research articles entitled, “Host-directed Short-term Missions: Interviews with Japanese liaisons” and “Globalization, Contextualization and Indigeneity” both published in Missiology. He also co-authored with Robert Priest the chapter, “Culture and the Missional Engagement with Good and Evil: What We Learned About Contextualization from J. Robertson McQuilkin”, in the book Transformed from Glory to Glory.
DR. JOHN WALDROP
Program Committee Member
Areas of interest: Post-Reformation Renewal Movements, Jonathan Edwards, 18th and 19th Century Protestant Thought, Spiritual Theology, Modern Missions
Dr. Waldrop holds a PhD in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. The title of his dissertation, for which he earned his doctoral degree, was “Revival at Home and Abroad: Jonathan Edwards and the American Board’s Mission to Ottoman Turkey”. He spent over 25 years as a teacher, church planter in Ukraine, and pastor in Prague and Istanbul.
Dr. Waldrop holds a PhD in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. The title of his dissertation, for which he earned his doctoral degree, was “Revival at Home and Abroad: Jonathan Edwards and the American Board’s Mission to Ottoman Turkey”. He spent over 25 years as a teacher, church planter in Ukraine, and pastor in Prague and Istanbul.
DR. GERGAN MATTHIAS
Program Committee Member
Areas of interest: Ecclesiology, Public Theology, Missions, Narratives, Cultural and Religions Identity
Dr. Gergan holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies graduate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He serves as Project Editor for Non-Commentary Books for ATA Publications. His current research interests are World Christianity, the church in Asia, and the development of theological studies in Asia. His most recent article is “Faith Seeking Understanding in the Indian Himalayan Region” in Insights Journal.
Dr. Gergan holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies graduate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He serves as Project Editor for Non-Commentary Books for ATA Publications. His current research interests are World Christianity, the church in Asia, and the development of theological studies in Asia. His most recent article is “Faith Seeking Understanding in the Indian Himalayan Region” in Insights Journal.
ThM Program Design
- New cohorts begin every August
- At present, all coursework is delivered online. As conditions allow, we may open face-to-face opportunities for study. For further information about present plans in light of conditions and local government policies, please use the inquiry form here. Note: The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has suspended previous restrictions on digital learning in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and a moratorium on most in-person educational activities in the Philippines. However, international students may need to be aware of certain restrictions on receiving a CHED-recognized degree when studying in a fully online format. (This should not affect the validity of your degree vis-à-vis ATA recognition.)
- Courses delivered via IGSL’s Learning Management System, Canvas
- Courses are delivered both via modules in January and June, and in semesters (August-December and January-May)
- Requirements for applying to AGST’s ThM/PhD in Theological Studies and Church History:
- Completion of an MDiv or the equivalent with a GPA of 1.5 (B+) from a seminary accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA), the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA), or a similar accrediting body. Transcript should demonstrate completion of the following:
- Twelve (12) credit hours in graduate-level biblical studies;
- Twelve (12) credit hours in graduate-level theological studies; Six (6) credit hours in graduate-level Hebrew and six (6) credit hours in graduate-level Greek. Studients who have not completed these requirements in their previous coursework may receive offers of admission conditional upon the completion of supplemental coursework requirements.
- A TOEFL score of at least 550 or the equivalent for all applicants whose first language is not English
- At least 3 years of ministry experience
- Completion of an MDiv or the equivalent with a GPA of 1.5 (B+) from a seminary accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA), the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA), or a similar accrediting body. Transcript should demonstrate completion of the following:
- To apply to the ThM program, complete the online form here:
- To apply to the PhD program, complete the online form here:
- Pay application fee (one-time, non-refundable): USD 35
- A TOEFL score of at least 550 or the equivalent is required for all applicants whose first language is not English. If you do not have a recent TOEFL score (valid within two years from the test date), you will be required to take an English Proficiency Test administered by IGSL at USD 10 fee.
- The Program Director or member of the program committee will conduct a brief online interview to get to know you. This will also present an opportunity for you to ask further questions about the program.
- Submit writing sample.
- Submit official transcripts. These must be directly from all institutions of higher education you attended. Transcripts in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation.Notification of completed application
- Applications for joining the program open at the start of the calendar year for applicants seeking to matriculate the following August (e.g., those seeking to start their studies in the 2022-2023 school year may begin applying in January 2022). For consideration in the first round of admissions, applications and supporting documents must be received by April 1. Later applications will be considered if the first round of decisions has not filled all open seats for the incoming year.
- January 1: New applications open
- May 1: Applications for round 1 of admissions must be complete
- April 30: Round 1 Admissions decisions
- June 30: Round 2 Admissions decisions (if slots remain available after Round 1)
Php 10,938.00/ US$185 for enrollees coming from developing and developed countries except for US, Korea, and Singapore. It includes the following:
| Tuition and other Fees | Developing and Developed Countries (in USD) |
|---|---|
| For students from developed or First World countries For students from developing or Third World countries | US$ 135 per credit hour US$ 105 per credit hour |
| Estimated cost of books | US$ 125 per course |
| Comprehensive Exam | US$ 50 |
| Thesis/ Dissertation Fee | US$ 800 |
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | US$ 35 |
| English Proficiency Test (if needed) | US$ 10 |
| Registration Fee | US$ 10 per semester |
Administrative Fee
| US$ 120 per semester US$ 60 per semester |
Library Fee
| US$ 60 per semester US$ 30 per semester |
| Graduation Fee | US$ 35 |
The ThM/PhD degree is awarded upon successful completion of the following:
- Satisfactory completion of 24-credit hours of coursework with at least 1.75 GPA (B).
- Satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination.
- Completion and successful defense of 6 credit hours thesis (for ThM)/9 credit hours defense (for PhD)
- Satisfactory completion of all other requirements (languages, etc.) specified by the student’s program committee.
All these requirements must be completed within three years of matriculation into the program for full-time students and within five years for part-time students. Petition to extend the statute of limitation may be made by a student to the Program Committee.
- Limited scholarship funds are available to students with financial need and serving in Majority World contexts.
- Before applying, students should seek support from their church, organization, teaching institution, and family; in addition to academic promise and strategic impact, the program seeks to prioritize applicants with strong support from their ministry stakeholders. Maintaining a scholarship will require remaining in good standing with the program, including a GPA of 1.75 or higher.
If you have questions or would like more information about the program, you may send your inquiries, here.