Discipleship Training
Centre
NON-ACCREDITED PROGRAMMES
DTC also offers other programmes which are not accredited by Asia Theological Association.
DIPLOMA IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
This is a two-year programme for students who do not have a degree from tertiary institutions or the professional equivalent. Students are required to obtain 60 credits.
FOUNDATIONAL COURSES (36 CREDITS)
BIBLICAL STUDIES
OT Studies I & II
6 Credits
NT Studies I & II
6 Credits
Biblical Hermeneutics
3 Credits
Electives: OT and NT books
3 Credits
THEOLOGICAL & HISTORICAL STUDIES
Biblical Theology
3 Credits
Asian Church History
3 Credits
Christian Ethics
3 Credits
Mission Studies II: Biblical Basis of Mission and Theology of Mission
3 Credits
RELIGION & CULTURE
Asian Studies I: Asian Religions
3 Credits
Gospel & Culture
3 Credits
TOTAL
60 CREDITS
SPECIALISATION COURSES (24 CREDITS)
Christian Spirituality
3 Credits
Christian Education
3 Credits
Ministry Skills I: Study Skills and Homiletics
3 Credits
Ministry Skills II: Evangelism & Spiritual Warfare
3 Credits
Pastoral Studies I: Pastoral Counselling
3 Credits
Pastoral Studies II: Ministry Formation and Practice
3 Credits
Mission Studies I: Serving Cross-culturally and Church & Mission
3 Credits
Asian Studies II: Trends and Theologies
(Asian & Third World Theologies & Current Trends in Asia)
3 Credits
TOTAL
60 CREDITS
CERTIFICATE IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
Students who complete one full year of the Diploma in Christian Ministry may be awarded the Certificate in Christian Ministry. Students need to complete 30 credits.
SABBATICAL STUDIES PROGRAMME
This is a post-seminary and post-field course designed for those wishing to review, reflect and refresh through course attendance, writing or guided personal reflection or self-study. The duration could be one or two semesters, or a period of six to nine months at DTC.
Listed below are four suggested categories for reflection, research, and writing. On the completion of a paper or a project a Certificate of Sabbatical Studies may be awarded.
CATEGORY ONE: ON PERSONAL GROWTH
Reflection and research through guided reading and/or field interviews on any issue or issues related to self-care in the field and/or post-field, including Spiritual Disciplines. This may be useful to cross-cultural workers needing a restful pause from active ministry or ministry workers contemplating a ‘career’ change wanting some spiritual refreshment.
CATEGORY TWO: ON MINISTRY GROWTH
Ministry development and leadership issues and theories could be researched and reflected upon, including organizational theories and structures of mission agencies and denominational churches. This may be useful to those in role or positional transition within the same organization or from parachurch agency to denominational church.
CATEGORY THREE: WRITING PROJECTS
Those who are able to take a writing sabbatical to concentrate on a writing project and want the support of a community environment for fellowship and interaction.
CATEGORY FOUR: REFRESHMENT AND RENEWAL
Those who need some time away from active ministry to have extended time for prayer, reflection and rest, and still be able to benefit from the fellowship of community life at DTC.
FIELD EDUCATION
In addition, all students, except those doing the Sabbatical Studies programme, are required to do Field Education. There are two components to this. The first is a weekly slot in which students are expected to be engaged in some form of Christian ministry outside DTC. This is to enable the student to learn and develop skills in a number of different areas. Students are required to do an average of 5 hours a week. The second component is a two-week full-time placement in which the student is involved in some kind of Christian ministry in a cross-cultural situation. This usually takes place during the November-December break. On alternate years, the student will be involved in a team ministry. GDIS students are required to be involved in a four-week cross-cultural placement which also takes place in the long break.
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All students have to submit reflection papers on their field education.
COMMUNITY LIVING
In line with our Objectives and Ethos, we have scheduled certain communal activities which facilitate a student’s personal growth and the development of a wholesome and healthy community. All students are required to take an active role in these communal activities. Students must attend chapel from Tuesday to Friday, during which they learn from and interact with guest speakers and lecturers. Students are also required to preach at chapel once a quarter. These chapels take up two and a quarter hours a week.
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All students must attend Family Evenings (when the whole community meets together) and Pastoral Groups (when students meet in a small group under the pastoral care of a lecturer). These activities take up 2 hours a week.