Welcome to the Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) program. This program is offered by the Bible Theology Department. As someone who serves in the ministry, I know the value of continuous learning and understanding the Bible deeply. I’m excited to introduce this program to you. It is made to provide advanced biblical and theological education for ministers like yourself.
This program helps improve your ministry, especially in teaching and writing for the church. Knowing about biblical revelation, how to interpret texts, church history, and theology is essential for your ministry. Our program covers all these areas. It gives you the knowledge and skills you need for detailed Bible study and ministry work.
Equipping yourself with the right study tools is key in Bible study. That’s why we use SWOT analysis techniques in our program. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) helps you deeply understand the Bible. You’ll identify important themes, look at the context, and learn how to apply these to your work.
At our Bible Theology Department, we ensure you have access to faith resources. We offer a learning space that supports you. Our faculty are skilled in their fields and focused on giving you the best education possible.
Key Takeaways:
- Our Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) program offers advanced biblical and theological training for ministers.
- The program enhances ministry in teaching and church-related writing.
- We provide a comprehensive curriculum covering subjects such as biblical revelation, interpretative issues, hermeneutics, church history, and theology.
- We incorporate proven SWOT analysis techniques to enable in-depth Bible study and application.
- Our faculty consists of experienced experts who are committed to your success.
Program Learning Outcomes and Goals
In the MATS program, you’ll learn a lot about the Bible. You’ll get strong in biblical revelation and church history. The goal is to help you understand the Bible’s messages and its historical background.
You will dive into the Old and New Testaments in your studies. This will give you a deep understanding of God’s messages. You’ll also learn to look at the history and culture in which these messages were given. This all helps you see the true meaning behind the biblical texts.
The program also explores the political history of Judaism. This part is about the New Testament world. It gives you context to understand the Bible better. Knowing this history helps see connections between God’s kingdom, the church, and missions.
Studying hermeneutics and interpretation principles is key. It helps you connect the Bible’s ancient messages with today. This way, the Bible stays meaningful now and in the future.
Church history is another focus. You will learn about important issues and leaders in Christianity. This knowledge helps you understand your faith’s deep history. You’ll see the big picture of church history and how it affects today’s beliefs.
“The MATS program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of biblical revelation, interpretative issues, hermeneutics, and church history, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the biblical text with confidence and discernment.”
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of biblical revelation.
- Assess and interpret the flow of divine messages and teachings in the Old and New Testaments.
- Construct historical frameworks to contextualize biblical texts.
- Define and apply cultural background concepts to enhance interpretation.
- Explain critical issues related to the Old Testament.
- Gain knowledge of the political history of Judaism in the Hellenistic Period.
- Understand the social structures of the New Testament world.
- Formulate paradigms for bridging the horizons between the biblical text and the contemporary world.
- Recognize the link between the kingdom of God, the church, and missions.
- Acquire knowledge of major issues and key figures in church history.
| Learning Outcomes | Skills Developed |
|---|---|
| Develop a comprehensive understanding of biblical revelation. | Analyzing biblical texts, identifying key themes, and interpreting divine messages |
| Assess and interpret the flow of divine messages and teachings in the Old and New Testaments. | Comparing and contrasting biblical passages, understanding the overarching narrative of the Bible |
| Construct historical frameworks to contextualize biblical texts. | Exploring historical events and cultural contexts, understanding the historical background of biblical narratives |
| Define and apply cultural background concepts to enhance interpretation. | Studying historical, social, and cultural contexts to deepen interpretation |
| Explain critical issues related to the Old Testament. | Identifying and analyzing scholarly debates and interpretations of Old Testament texts |
| Gain knowledge of the political history of Judaism in the Hellenistic Period. | Understanding the political dynamics and influences that shaped Judaism during the Hellenistic Period |
| Understand the social structures of the New Testament world. | Exploring the social, cultural, and religious landscape of the New Testament era |
| Formulate paradigms for bridging the horizons between the biblical texts and the contemporary world. | Developing strategies for applying biblical teachings to modern contexts, understanding the relevance of biblical wisdom in contemporary life |
| Recognize the link between the kingdom of God, the church, and missions. | Understanding the interconnectedness of God’s kingdom, the role of the church, and the mission of spreading the gospel |
| Acquire knowledge of major issues and key figures in church history. | Studying pivotal moments in church history, understanding the contributions of influential theologians, and grasping the development of Christian doctrine |
MATS Program Capacity and Description
The MATS program is an academic degree at Evangel University. It’s offered by the Bible and Theology Department of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. It requires 48 credit hours and is perfect for those wanting to study more in theology. This program helps ministers improve their teaching and church writing.
One key feature of the MATS program is its wide range of courses. Students can focus on biblical languages, New Testament, Old Testament, and more. This variety lets students dive deep into their specific interests within the theology field.
Evangel University’s MATS program is taught by a dedicated faculty. They are experts in their fields, passionate about teaching, and preparing future ministers. This creates a successful learning environment, as shown by the quality of education and successful graduates.
The MATS program’s curriculum is carefully structured. It offers a well-rounded look at biblical and theological studies. Students learn to deeply study the Bible, analyze it, and reflect theologically. This prepares them for various ministry roles and to grow God’s kingdom.
FAQ
What is the Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) program?
The M.A.T.S. program is for ministers seeking advanced biblical and theological training. It includes topics like biblical revelation, hermeneutics, and church history. It is designed to enhance ministers’ understanding and knowledge.
What areas does the M.A.T.S. program focus on?
The program helps students evaluate biblical revelation’s progression. It allows them to build historical contexts and grasp cultural concepts. It also covers key topics about the Old Testament and the connections between God’s kingdom, the church, and missions.
What subjects are covered in the M.A.T.S. program?
The coursework ranges from biblical studies to theology, including specific areas such as church history. It also looks into significant topics within biblical and systematic theology.
What is the structure of the M.A.T.S. program?
This 48-hour program is given by the Bible and Theology Department at Evangel University. It’s tailored for ministers wanting deeper biblical and theological understanding. Students can choose specialized courses in topics like biblical languages or Pentecostal studies.
Who teaches the M.A.T.S. program?
Experienced faculty members, each an expert in their field, lead the M.A.T.S. program.
What are the program goals of the M.A.T.S. program?
The M.A.T.S. program aims to enhance ministry skills, teaching students how to write specifically for the church. It equips them with essential Bible study and ministry skills. The goal is to provide advanced biblical and theological training for ministers.
