Master of Theology in Evangelical and Pentecostal Studies
Our Master of Theology (MTh) programme is a second cycle program of 90 ECTS leading to the MTh degree with specialized pathways in Biblical Studies and Missiological Studies. The coursework and thesis can be completed full-time in three years or part-time over five years. The programme is accredited by the Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie (NVAO), having received our initial accreditation in 2007. Click here to read more about our most recent accreditation renewal.
With our unique Pentecostal approach, the degree programme offers both core modules and pathways through which the student acquires knowledge in the fields of Bible, theology, and missiology. Classes are offered in one-week intensive modules which students can attend both in person and virtually via videoconference access. For students without previous studies in Bible or theology, our Bridging programme provides the necessary preparation to enter the MTh programme.
Alumni from the MTh programme currently serve in pastoral and teaching ministry roles, religious educators, leaders in religious, denominational, and parachurch organizations, and as cross-cultural workers. Others have continued their educational journey at the doctoral level.
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The Master of Theology programme at CTS combines a broad theological formation with the skill of conducting theological research in light of the contemporary religious environment.
The course provides a solid theological education and prepares students for entering different ministries of the church and for teaching Christian religion inside and outside the church. Students preparing themselves to become Bible teachers, exegetes or writers of theological literature are provided with expertise in both Old Testament and New Testament. It also introduces students to personal research in the areas of instruction through the modules, seminars and assessments.
The areas of specialisation offered at the seminary are designed to help the student concentrate some of his/her studies in a specific area of interest. A pathway is not comprehensive but is structured so that the student may gain a meaningful exposure to a specific discipline. After completing such a course, the student should have a grasp of the nature of the discipline and should be adequately equipped to do further work in the area of study.
The biblical and theological research abilities of the student are demonstrated in writing a thesis on a well-defined question or issue.
Bridging Programme
Every applicant to the MTh programme must submit his or her academic transcripts for all bachelor’s and master’s degrees already completed. For those applicants who are from academic backgrounds other than Bible and Theology, an individualized bridging programme is designed. The bridging programme consists of selected courses in Bible, Theology, Church History, New Testament, Old Testament, Hermeneutics, and Epistemology.
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MTh Programme Core Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the MTh programme, the graduate will be able to:
demonstrate advanced proficiency in the fields of Bible and theology and be able to participate responsibly in critical theological discussions;
critically assess theological ideas and themes within the Old and New Testaments; utilize advanced research methods to demonstrate competency in making a scholarly contribution to the field of theology;
follow, interpret, and evaluate the historical development of theology;
relate the lessons drawn from church history to solving theological problems that affect contemporary church practices;
assimilate the study material in an independent fashion and propose creative solutions for problems raised by theology while accounting for the plurality of approaches;
compare theological approaches to contemporary issues and estimate their value;
write an academic and formally correct paper and thesis on a theological topic through appropriate research methodologies;
apply Pentecostal and evangelical theology to contemporary ecclesial and societal issues;
critically reflect on the development and expansion of European Pentecostalism;
engage relevant research that critically applies theological studies to the changing needs and realities of the professional field.
Biblical Studies Pathway Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Biblical Studies Pathway, the graduate will be able to:
demonstrate advanced proficiency in biblical exegesis and theology and participate responsibly in exegetical discussions;
critically evaluate Pentecostal and charismatic approaches to biblical studies;
utilize advanced research methods to demonstrate competency in making a scholarly contribution to the field of biblical studies;
apply critical and hermeneutical reflection on texts in the light of their historical setting, using a range of primary and secondary source material;
apply biblical studies to contemporary ecclesial and societal issues in an exegetically responsible way.
Missiological Studies Pathway Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Missiological Studies Pathway, the graduate will be able to:
demonstrate advanced proficiency in Pentecostal missiology and participate responsibly in missiological discussions;
apply biblical principles and contemporary leadership paradigms to inform missiological praxis;
utilize advanced research methods to demonstrate competency in making a scholarly contribution to the field of missiology;
critique historical and contemporary missiological challenges in light of research from influential missiologists;
assess missiological praxis in Europe in light of multicultural complexities, religious plurality, and secularism.
Core Modules
Five core modules at 7 ECTS each are required.
Core Modules:
European Pentecostal Theology and Evangelicalism – 7 ECTS
Pentecostal Pneumatology – 7 ECTS
Historical Development of Major Theological Themes – 7 ECTS
Old Testament Evangelical Theology – 7 ECTS
New Testament Evangelical Theology – 7 ECTS
For a brief description of each module, click on the MTh Manual below.
Elective Module
One elective module is required at 6 ECTS.
Elective modules are offered on a rotating basis. In addition, a module from the alternate pathway may be used to fulfil the elective requirement.
Recent Elective Modules:
Pentecostal Theology of Social Justice – 6 ECTS
The Book of Revelation – 6 ECTS
Themes in Luke-Acts – 6 ECTS
For a brief description of each module, click on the MTh Manual below.
Schedule
Pathways
Biblical Studies Pathway
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The Biblical Studies pathway is designed to stimulate reflection on the use of the Bible in theology by crossing the conventional disciplinary boundaries between biblical exegesis and biblical theology applied in the contemporary ecclesial environment.
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Biblical Studies Pathway Modules:
Old Testament Exegetical Methods and Pneumatological Texts– 6 ECTS
New Testament Exegetical Methods and Pneumatological Texts – 6 ECTS
Pentecostal Hermeneutics– 6 ECTS
For a brief description of each module, click on the MTh Manual above.
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Biblical Studies Pathway Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Biblical Studies Pathway, the graduate will be able to:
demonstrate advanced proficiency in biblical exegesis and theology and participate responsibly in exegetical discussions;
critically evaluate Pentecostal and charismatic approaches to biblical studies;
utilize advanced research methods to demonstrate competency in making a scholarly contribution to the field of biblical studies;
apply critical and hermeneutical reflection on texts in the light of their historical setting, using a range of primary and secondary source material;
apply biblical studies to contemporary ecclesial and societal issues in an exegetically responsible way.
Missiological Studies Pathway
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The Missiological Studies pathway stimulates reflection on the use of the Bible in theology by crossing the conventional disciplinary boundaries between biblical exegesis and biblical theology. However, it is also designed to stimulate creative reflection on missions theology, history and trends in light of cultural changes in contemporary society and to equip church leaders and others to develop effective missions strategies through which the church might redefine its purposes in this context.
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Missiological Studies Pathway Modules:
Frontier Missions Missiology and Secular Europe – 6 ECTS
Contextualized Ministry and Pentecostal Theology – 6 ECTS
Dynamics of Leadership in Pentecostal Missiology – 6 ECTS
For a brief description of each module, click on the MTh Manual above.
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Missiological Studies Pathway Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Missiological Studies Pathway, the graduate will be able to:
demonstrate advanced proficiency in Pentecostal missiology and participate responsibly in missiological discussions;
apply biblical principles and contemporary leadership paradigms to inform missiological praxis;
utilize advanced research methods to demonstrate competency in making a scholarly contribution to the field of missiology;
critique historical and contemporary missiological challenges in light of research from influential missiologists;
assess missiological praxis in Europe in light of multicultural complexities, religious plurality, and secularism.
Master’s Thesis
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The writing of a thesis is the key research element in the CTS Master of Theology programme. It is prepared under the direction of a qualified supervisor, fulfilling the qualifications of scholarly research, which investigates a well-defined question or an issue in some historical, theological, exegetical, or theoretical body of knowledge.
Theses from MTh alumni can be found in the CTS library. This collection is a valuable resource for students and pastors. We invite researchers to use them for their studies and ministry. Click here to see a selection of the thesis titles.
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MTh Thesis Modules:
Practical Research Skills and Advanced Research Methods – 6 ECTS
Thesis Research Portfolio – 5 ECTS
Master’s Thesis – 20 ECTS
