News
Fagerstrom Releases 14th Book
Oct 23, 2009
Dr. Douglas Fagerstrom, president of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (GRTS), recently released The …
Cultural Intelligence
Sep 19, 2009
Leading with Cultural Intelligence by Dr. David Livermore NOW AVAILABLE! How do you lead with cultural …
Academic Overview
A Flexible Approach
The seminary recognizes that God’s providence leads many students from varied educational backgrounds and experiences into the ministry. The curriculum offers students without a background in Greek, Bible or philosophy the opportunity to take these foundational courses early in their education and then proceed to more advanced studies.
Those who have undergraduate preparation in Greek, Bible and theology will be able to move directly into advanced studies. Upon approval of the Theology Department, a student with the appropriate undergraduate background may substitute the seminar sequence in Systematic Theology for the regular three-course sequence.
Program Introduction Seminar (THE501)
Required during a student’s first semester, THE501 Program Introduction Seminar is designed as an introduction to graduate theological education in general, and to the academic culture of GRTS in particular. The course socializes entering students into the rigors of graduate scholarship by honing their skills in theological research, reading, and writing. A number of entering student assessments are also embedded within the course to aid GRTS in subsequent efforts to nurture the growth and development of students, both individually and collectively.
Program Completion Seminar (MIN711)
Required during the final semester of enrollment within the degree program, MIN711 Program Completion Seminar is designed to aid students in the transition from student life in the academy to professional practice in ministry. Particular focus is given to ministerial identity formation, resume development, ministry search process and resources, and ordination and licensure. A number of student assessments are also embedded within this course to aid GRTS in subsequent efforts to nurture student growth and development.
Student Assessments
In an effort to aid students in cognitive, affective, and behavioral growth and development, a series of student assessments, beyond traditional classroom grading, are integrated as requirements within the various GRTS degree programs. A brief description of some of these assessments is outlined below:
Entrance Interview
A brief introductory meeting with the faculty advisor which allows an assessment concerning the alignment of the degree program selection with the students’ aspirations, capabilities and vocational goals.
Christian Spiritual Formation (MIN500)
A battery of assessments (Myers-Briggs, DiSC, and MCMI-111) is incorporated into this course. The results of these assessments serve as the basis for the development of a personal growth plan as assigned within the course.
Organizational Leadership (MIN510)
Students complete the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI). Results of this assessment aid students in gaining a greater sense of their leadership style and lay a foundation for personal and professional growth.
Mid-point Interview
A formal analysis of the students’ academic and non-academic competency for degree completion and affirmation of vocational aspirations. This process involves the academic advisor, Dean of Student Services, Ministry Mentor, and Executive Director of Contextual Learning Center.
Ministry Residency
Students and their ministry mentors engage in four rounds of assessment each year in regards to the students’ contributions, needs, and developmental progress as they function within an authentic ministry setting.
Program Completion Seminar (MIN711)
A reflective essay is embedded as a requirement within this course, allowing the student to consider the extent and direction of growth and development while enrolled at GRTS.
Exit Interview
This is an opportunity for those students nearing graduation to provide substantive feedback concerning their GRTS experience. The exit assessment is coordinated by the Academic Dean and Dean of Students and takes the form of personal interviews and/or opinion surveys.
