Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries

Founded: 1973

Website: ascm.edu.ph/

Telephone: (632) 819-0697 TO 99 / (632) 810-7151

Location: 102 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1200 Makati, Philippines

History of the Asian Seminary

The vision of ASCM was born out of a desire to train men and women for the ministry. In 1973 with a few books, very few teachers and a handful of students, Rev. Arthur W. Pettyjohn founded the Church of God Bible Academy (COGBA) in Pasay City, Philippines. COGBA offered a three-year diploma course.

The second Director of COGBA, Rev. Gerald L. Holloway, elevated the program to a Bachelor’s level. In 1980, the school was renamed Asian School of Christian Ministries (ASCM). Two bachelor degrees were offered: Bachelor of Theology (BTh) and Bachelor of Christian Education (BCE). ASCM obtained correspondence status with the Philippine Association of Bible and Theological Schools (PABATS).

In 1985, Dr. Melba L. Pineda served as ASCM’s acting Director.

In 1986, Dr. Robert R. Seyda was appointed as the school’s first full-time President and ASCM moved to its present location in the ACCM Building in Makati City which was built with Church of God YWEA funds. ASCM received full accreditation with PABATS in February 1988 and a minor in music was added.

Dr. Hubert P. Black assumed presidency of ASCM in 1989 and initiated a Master in Christian Ministry degree the following year. ASCM was renamed the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries.

In 1992, Dr. Miguel O. Alvarez became president and launched the External Studies program. He established the Master of Divinity (MDiv) Program in 1994 and started the Master of Christian Leadership (MCL) in 1995. In December 1995, ASCM was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In 1996, ASCM’s Bachelor programs received accreditation with the Asia Theological Association (ATA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognized the BTh, BCE, and the MDiv programs. In 2000, the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership (MACL), the certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Certificate in Church Musicianship (CCM), and additional specialization tracks for the BCE program were initiated.

In 2001, Dr. Charles W. Quinley assumed the presidency. He revised the MACL program which received recognition from CHED in 2002. In 2004, the External Studies program added the Church of God’s Certificate in Ministerial Studies (CIMS).

Dr. Scott C. Rains became president in 2006. He established the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Program in June 2008. In 2009, the Bachelor programs were revised, changing the BTh and BCE to a Bachelor of Arts in Theology (BA) with nine concentrations and Bachelor of Education (BEd) with three concentrations. The Masters programs were also revised adding a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (MA), four concentrations to the MDiv, as well as thesis and non-thesis tracts to the MA and MDiv programs. In May 2009, CHED recognized the revised BA, BEd, MA, and MDiv programs. In January 2010, an ASCM extension program was established in India offering the MA in Pastoral Ministries and the MA in Christian Leadership. In May 2010, all of the Bachelor and Masters programs were re-accredited by ATA.

D. C. BARNES LIBRARY

Located on the fifth floor of the Seminary, it has a seating capacity of 72. The library houses more than 24,000 volumes of books, around 56 periodical titles and a collection of audio-visual teaching tapes. The Library of Congress classification scheme (LC) is employed and the Athena Automation System (using its on-line public access computer stations) and the card catalogue for manual access is the main “key” to library usage. The library provides open-shelf access to books and semi-private carrels for individual study or reading.

CHAPEL

A 250-seating capacity Chapel is available for students, along with faculty, staff and administration, to regularly come together as a community of worship and service. Chapel stands as the central expression of our worship, commitment and Pentecostal identity.

MEDIA CENTER

The media center is located beside the D. C. Barnes Library. It contains an Editing suite and a classroom for hands-on computer instruction.

COMPUTER LABORATORY

Computers are available for word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, multimedia, desktop publishing and Internet access for online research, e-mail and other usage. This is located on the fifth floor. Wireless internet is available throughout the building.

STUDENTS’ LOUNGE

A student lounge is provided for student rest and recreation. It is located on the second floor.

MINI-THEATRE

A facility on the sixth (6th) floor with a seating capacity of 130 is used mainly for special events and conferences.

STUDENT LOCKERS

Student lockers are conveniently located in the Students’ Lounge on the second floor and made available annually during the opening of the first semester. All lockers must be vacated during the last week of the school year.

DELK MUSIC CENTER

The Delk music center was constructed with the generous support of Paul and Grace Delk. The Delk Music Center houses the ASCM music education department and it is equipped with spacious music class rooms, band rooms, piano and guitar rooms.

Academic Programs

Certificate Programs

Certificate in Ministerial Studies

The Certificate in Ministerial Studies (CIMS) is a Distance Learning Program designed to offer educational experiences to prepare ministers and ministerial candidates for effective service in contemporary society. It is a 34-semester hour course study. The method of instruction involves a combination of videos, textbooks and study guides facilitated by a trained coordinator.

There are two certificates available through this Distance Learning Program. Completion of the 19 unit requirement for Level 1 will earn the student a Basic Christian Training Certificate and completion for both Levels 1 and 2 will award the student a Certificate of Ministerial Studies. This is a Non-CHED recognized program but credits earned may be converted to 21 units of ASCM’s B.Th. or B.C.E. degrees after admission to ASCM and the passing of a validation exam.

Certificate in Church Musicianship

The Certificate in Church Musicianship is a two-year program designed to equip the future music ministry leader to administer the whole church music program.

Course Codes:

MF - Music Foundation

MP - Music Performance

MLE - Music Leadership and Education

MC - Music Creation

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

This program of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is designed to equip participants with effective skills in teaching English as a foreign language within their own country or in a cross-cultural setting while they engage in gospel ministry. The program is open to those who have a Bachelor degree.

Upon the completion of the program, the participants will:

1. Gain academic foundation in second language teaching
2. Acquire a repertoire of teaching techniques and skills and
3. Learn to design and conduct effective lessons.

Bachelor of Arts in Theology (AB Theology)

Concentration Areas: Biblical Studies, Theological Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Youth Ministry, Children’s Ministry, Religious Education, Mission-Intercultural Studies, Church Music, Counseling

Mission Statement
The mission of Bachelor of Arts in Theology degree program is to educate students from diverse backgrounds in the fundamental skills, knowledge, and practice of Christian ministry (through courses and an internship) in order to (1) prepare them for ministerial positions in Churches, para-church entities, Christian NGO’s and mission organizations (2) prepare them for continuing for advanced degrees in theological or related disciplines. The program promotes a commitment to Christian character formation, servant hood and continued scholarship among graduates. Also, it promotes an inclusive and diverse environment that is charged with Christian faith.

Program Objectives

• Provides foundational knowledge of the content of Scripture as well as the skill and ability to use basic methods of bible interpretation.
• Provide a basic knowledge of the history of Christianity with emphasis on the history of Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.
• Provide basic knowledge of Christian doctrines, especially the doctrine of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
• Provide basic knowledge of Christian leadership, principles of administration, methods of teaching and pastoral counseling to be used in ministry contexts.

Bachelor of Education (BEd)

Concentration areas: Early Childhood Education, Music, Values Education

Mission Statement
The ASCM Bachelor of Education degree seeks to assist students in this area to develop a Christian philosophy of education and gaining the skills needed for teaching in a Christian school, private or public school. Courses taken in this program meet the licensing requirements of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) which administers the LET examinations for teachers. The B.S. Education is designed to enable students to defend a biblical philosophy of education and to develop a consistent, positive attitude towards education that reflects Christian values. A graduate of this program will demonstrate an ability to analyze, develop and implement goals and learning strategies based on student needs, demonstrating an understanding of learning theory and patterns of human growth and development.

Program Objectives

1. Provide foundational general education knowledge and skills, theoretical knowledge about teaching and learning, methodological skills, experiential knowledge and skills, and professional and Christian values, and subject matter knowledge appropriate to the level of teaching the pre-school
2. Provide a lab environment with technological aids for teachers, where students learn computer programs that are ideal for lesson plan and PowerPoint creation.
3. Provide practicum/internship in well-established schools that provide hands-on classroom experience.

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts (MA)

Concentration Areas: Pastoral Ministry, Christian Leadership

Mission Statement
The mission of Master of Arts degree program is to train men and women, who are called to a ministerial vocation, in the fundamental skills, knowledge, and practice of Christian leadership and pastoral ministry, in order to prepare them for service in the various professional capacities of leadership and pastoral ministry as well as teaching and research through a curriculum structured to provide a well-balanced training in both the theory and practice of leadership and pastoral ministry. The thesis based M.A programs requires a thesis which gives the student opportunity to combine the knowledge and skill components of education through a research project that has bearing on the student’s present and future ministry. This thesis paper should reflect his or her theology of ministry. This includes a helpful analysis of the institution where ministry was done, an integration of theology and praxis in a ministry setting and a realistic projection of goals for one’s future ministry. It is expected that the paper will reflect the ability to discuss and investigate the major themes of theology at the local and practical levels of ministry. A non-theses M.A. program is also available which require an additional 12 units of course work.

Program Objectives

• Prepare students to increase competence and understanding in the Word of God and develop skills and ability to use basic methods of biblical interpretation and exegetical tools.
• Provide a basic knowledge of theology, Christian doctrines, church history and history of Pentecostal and charismatic churches
• Promote research and critical thinking skills needed to produce an academic thesis and enable students to write on a selected topic from a unified biblical, historical and systematic theological perspective.
• Provide basic knowledge and skill in sermon preparation and the ability to effectively communicate Christian message in diverse contexts.
• Integrate theological reflection and practice through internship opportunities.

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Concentration Areas: Biblical Studies, Theological and Historical Studies, Missions, Religious Education

Mission Statement
The mission of Master of Divinity degree program is to train men and women, who are seeking a ministry career, already in ministry, who are bi-vocational, or who are contemplating a shift from a secular to a Christian vocation, in the fundamental skills, knowledge and practices of pastoral ministry through a six semester 89 credit hour program structured around an internship and the three curricula areas of the seminary: biblical studies, theological-historical studies and ministerial studies, in-order to prepare them to be senior pastors/associate pastor of churches or leadership positions in Christian NGO’s, para-church and mission organizations. The program promotes a commitment to competence in ministry leadership. Also, it promotes an understanding of the theological and historical heritage of Christian faith as the wellspring of the doctrine and practices of particular denominational traditions.

Program Objectives

• Provide sufficient knowledge of the theological content of Scripture with an application to selected contemporary situations.
• Provide basic knowledge and skill in biblical languages, use of critical exegetical tools and the writing of exegetical and theological papers.
• Provide a basic knowledge of theology, Christian doctrines, doctrine of the person and work of the holy Spirit, church history and history of Pentecostal and charismatic churches
• Promote research and critical thinking skills needed to produce an academic thesis and enable students to write on a selected topic from a unified biblical, historical and systematic theological perspective.
• Equip candidates with the biblical, theological and ethical understanding necessary to analyze and discuss contemporary social issues affecting the Church and society.

Masters in Applied Linguistics

This one year intensive training program is designed to produce language workers with the knowledge and skill to understand the process of language learning and development among Unreached and Bibleless people groups.

This Applied Linguistics Program (ALP) is offered in partnership with the Wycliffe Philippines and the Wycliff family of organizations; The Summer Institute of Linguistics and the Translators Association of the Philippines (TAP).

The Masters in Applied Linguistics equips and enables the student to work with sensitivity alongside members of another culture, learn to speak unwritten languages, develop practical writing systems, record and describe the sound system, the grammar, and the lexicon of a language, as well as do ethnographic research and apply it to language development.

The student will promote mother-tongue literacy and the development of ongoing literacy programs, assist an ethnic group and government agencies in planning and executing language development strategies, facilitate production of a body of literature in the indigenous language (such as educational literature, folk histories and legends, a dictionary, grammatical description, the Bible, and health manuals), and pass on the above skills to others, especially to the speakers of the indigenous languages.

Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program will equip you with an academically and professionally advanced degree to take leadership roles in the social work arena. The executive leadership and management component will provide you with the skills needed for career mobility in both the local and international social work stage.

Through an innovative integrated training model, graduates will obtain the knowledge and experience to facilitate social transformation to children, youth, families, and communities as advocates of the discriminated, displaced, marginalized, and impoverished people globally.

Open to both BSW and non-BSW degree holders, this Masters program will prepare you for career placement and career advancement as a licensed professional social worker.

“ASCM’s integrative method incorporates 1,088 hours of Supervised Field Instruction throughout the entire program giving you the advantage of combining classroom theory with hands on practical experience from start to finish.”

Dr. Zonia Tappeiner
MSW Program Director
- PHD in Social Work (University of Southern California)

- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (California, USA)

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Program Description
The focus of ASCM D.Min program is Christian spirituality. This program helps students grow personally and spiritually, develop cutting-edge skills and competence in the practice of ministry and make scholarly contributions to the field of spirituality. The program is cohort-based and as such it is an accelerated degree completion program that creates a dynamic, learning community of professional ministers. This first cohort group will allow the program participants to move through the program with a core group of leaders, providing an opportunity to develop life-long networks.

Program Goals & Objectives

• Bring about a deeper and more dynamic understanding of the classical Christian spiritual tradition
• Enhance the study of spirituality in general and Pentecostal spirituality in particular
• Help ministers of the gospel to have a theological understanding of spirituality in the context of pastoral ministries
• Foster an understanding of the world’s changing spiritual landscape
• Explore the intersection between issues of spirituality and other dimensions of life
• Explore the complementary relationship between spirituality, theology and ministry

Accreditation

The Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries is a higher education institution recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippine government. It is an accredited member of the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA), which is a full member of the World Conference of Associations of Theological Institutions (WOCATI) by which the ATESEA is networked with other regional associations and accreditation agencies for theological education worldwide like the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS), the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) and the Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College (BTESS) in India.

The Asian seminary of Christian Ministries is also accredited by the Asian Theological Association (ATA), Philippine Association of Bible and Theological Schools (PABATS) and is a member of the Asia Graduate School of Theology (AGST) consortium.

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