Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology
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Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology (TTGST) is one of the very prominent theological institutions in South Korea, and rigorously committed to the cause of Christian Mission in Asia and across the globe.
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[edit] History of TTGST
Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology was born out of a five-year deliberation between the Korean Center for World Missions (Torch Missions Center) in Seoul, Korea, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School/Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, USA; opening its doors in March of 1998 with 64 students. In 2007 the school has approximately 300 students in enrollment.
Torch Trinity is an inter-denominational theological academic venture. The resident multi-national faculty is supplemented by visiting international lecturers. The Torch student body is drawn from varied traditions: Independent Bible, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, Pentecostal, and more.
[edit] Mission Statement
Torch Trinity is an educational institution whose primary mission is to equip Christian leaders to serve Christ and His church effectively.
More specifically, this mission is accomplished through the formation of dedicated, trained, and knowledgeable professional ministers, evangelists, cross-cultural missionaries, educators, counselors, and leaders for the evangelization of the world, particularly the unreached peoples.
The centrality of the person, saving work, and lordship of Jesus Christ and the complete trustworthiness of God's written Word are of fundamental importance in carrying out this mission. From these sources flow the evangelical perspective, value system, motivation for TTGST ministry, and it’s curricular emphases and strategies.
[edit] Accreditation
Torch Trinity is fully accredited by the Ministry of Education, the only accrediting agency in the Republic of Korea, and is a charter member of the International Council of Higher Education. Torch Trinity is a member of the Korea Association of Accredited Theological Schools (KAATS) and the Korea Association of Evangelical Divinity Schools. Internationally, the school is accredited by the Asia Theological Association (ATA), one of the premiere accrediting bodies in Asia. Students have transferred full credits to numerous ATS-accredited schools in North America with little difficulty. Because of the superb reputation of Torch Trinity, the graduates have been accepted for doctoral programs in the United States and the United Kingdom.
[edit] Degree Programs
Master’s Programs
Torch Trinity offers three master’s-level degrees: Master of Arts with six concentrations; Master of Divinity with two concentrations; and Master of Theology with six concentrations. Below is a general description of each degree, and the degree’s potential application to the future vocational goals of the student.
The Master of Arts (MA) degrees are considered graduate programs in general theological studies designed to provide a basic understanding of particular theological disciplines for a more advanced study or for general educational purposes. Students planning to do terminal degree work are advised to consult with the institution where they anticipate undertaking doctoral studies to ensure that their graduate-level preparation will be appropriate for doctoral admission. Vocationally the MA degree is often an adequate preparation for professional roles, including counseling, educational ministry in a church, Para-church ministry, or missions. However, master’s degree recipients should generally not assume that their preparation will be adequate to obtain full-time employment in a higher education institution without further pursuit of an academic doctoral research-based degree, generally a PhD or a Th.D.
The Master of Divinity (M.Div) degree is the degree to prepare persons for ordained ministry and for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings. The M.Div is the recommended degree for those intending to pursue advanced theological research degrees such as Master of Theology (Th.M), Doctor of Theology (Th.D), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The M.Div also is the required prerequisite degree for Doctor of Ministry (D.Min). Torch Trinity’s distinction is the offering of the M.Div in two concentrations--Church Ministry and Intercultural Studies--to meet the specific needs of students.
The Master of Theology (Th.M) degree intends to provide advanced theological study in one discipline beyond what is normally provided at the M.Div level. The Th.M may strengthen study toward future doctoral level studies, help prepare for some forms of teaching, provide enhancement of ministerial practice, or offer a context for disciplined reflection upon a specialized function of ministry
Doctoral Programs
Torch Trinity currently does not offer doctoral programs such as Doctor in Ministry (D.Min) and Doctor in Philosophy (PhD). However, Torch Trinity plans to offer the D.Min degree program in the near future.
[edit] Library
TTGST prides itself in housing a vast collection of books and periodicals. Books are classified into the following categories:
Biblical Studies, Biblical Theology, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Missions, Comparative Religion, Philosophy, Church Music, Children's Books, etc. Approximately 56,000 titles have been collected with a goal of 100,000 titles in the near future. The library also consists of the following holdings; basic text books, indices, abstracts, dictionaries, yearbooks, encyclopedias, Bibles, commentaries, sermon resources, Bible maps, etc.
The library subscribes to 107 domestically circulated periodicals and 183 foreign periodicals. Also approximately 5,000 copies of dissertations that consist of domestic and foreign masters and doctoral level theses are also available.
[edit] Faculty
Torch Trinity has an outstanding faculty with a vibrant spirituality and high academic credentials. Faculty in TTGST values the fine balance between spiritual devotion and scholarly excellence. In addition, the school hosts prominent scholars and lecturers from around the world for modular courses every semester.
[edit] Chapel Services
Chapel is the centerpiece of worship, community and spiritual life at Torch Trinity. Chapel gives expression to Torch Trinity’s purpose of worship and involves each member of the seminary in community and fellowship. Chapel provides opportunities for students to express themselves in worship through service. Chapel meets twice a week and attendance is required for all students. Each student is also expected to attend a weekly small group meeting. This is considered a part of mandatory chapel attendance.
[edit] Location
Torch Trinity campus is located in Seoul, the leading city of the Republic of Korea and one of the largest cities in the Pacific Rim. Seoul is a popular tourist destination. This location will provide students with the best of cultural, educational, and ministry opportunities, while also offering a rich Asian heritage. Seoul is served by both the Incheon International Airport and Kimpo Airport. There are various airport buses traveling to Yangjae Subway Station regularly. The estimated travel time from Incheon International Airport is one and one-half hours and from Kimpo, one hour. Also there are subways that would take you to Yangjae Station.
