Christian Foundations

The Christian Foundations program provides a comprehensive foundation in Christian theology, experience, and ministry. It offers the essential biblical and theological tools for thinking and living our faith as disciples of Jesus Christ. Graduates work as worship leaders, in campus youth ministry and many other capacities. Great flexibility lets Christian Foundations students design a program that reflects their interests and meets their desires for spiritual growth. For further information: please contact the Coordinator, Dr. James Beverley

The Master of Theological Studies is a two-year graduate degree that helps you understand the biblical, theological and historical foundations of the Christian faith. The MTS is flexible program that can be tailored to meet your learning and ministry interests, or help you prepare you for further studies. Students may select electives from across the curriculum, or use them to focus their studies in a chosen concentration.

Students completing the MTS program will acquire a broad understanding of the theological disciplines for Christian faith and practice. Students will:

  1. gain theological understanding and insight through study of the heritage of Christian scripture, history, theology and ministry;
  2. develop aptitudes for thinking critically, theologically and biblically in relation to faith, vocation and ministry; 
  3. acquire critical awareness of God’s mission in the world in its social, cultural and global contexts;
  4. demonstrate depth of understanding in a particular field (for those opting to concentrate in an area of study).

The MTS Modular is a specialized, cohort-based program that allows students to complete the degree, one evening per week, in a fixed sequence of courses delivered over three years. 

Program Requirements

Bible, Theology and History Courses (7 Courses)
  • [BIBL 0501] Biblical Interpretation: Interpreting and Applying the Biblical Text
  • [HIST 0561] History of Christianity I
  • [HIST 0562] History of Christianity II
  • [OLDT 0511] Old Testament Theology and History
  • [NEWT 0522] New Testament Theology and History
  • [THEO 0531] Systematic Theology I
  • [THEO 0532] Systematic Theology II
Ministry Formation (3 Courses)
  • [LEAD 0510] Leadership Development
  • [MISS 0782] Gospel, Church, and Culture
  • [SPIR 0700] Spiritual Formation
Electives (8 Courses)

Total MTS Courses: 18

Program requirements subject to change.
View Major Sheets »

The one-year Graduate Diploma program provides you with a foundation of biblical, theological and ministry studies for your spiritual growth and ministry development. The Graduate Diploma allows you to tailor your studies to meet your learning and ministry needs. You may choose a concentration in Christian Studies, Leadership, Global Mission and Intercultural Studies, Pastoral and Chinese Ministry Foundations, Pentecostal Studies, Spiritual Formation or Youth and Family Ministry.

The Diploma in Christian Studies may also be taken on Monday evenings in a modular, cohort-based format with a fixed sequence of nine (9) courses delivered over one and a half years. The MTS (Christian Studies) may be taken entirely online.

All successfully-completed coursework can be transferred to the MDiv and MTS programs.

Program Requirements

Christian Studies:

One Introductory Biblical Studies Course
One Theology Course
One History Course

One Ministry Foundation Course:
[LEAD 0510] Leadership Development or [SPIR 0700] Spiritual Formation
or [MISS 0782] Gospel, Church and Culture

Elective Courses (5)

Total Diploma Courses: 9

Program Coordinator: Dr. James Beverley

Program requirements subject to change.
View Major Sheets »

MTS Modular Overview

You may also want to visit the MTS Modular Program website.
 

The Master of Theological Studies Modular Program is a foundational program in Christian theology and ministry. Its purpose is to provide understanding in the theological disciplines, integrating intellectual rigor, spiritual formation and ministry development.

The program is organized around a missional understanding of the Church as the people of God, called and sent out into every sphere of society to witness in word and deed to the good news of God’s kingdom.

Structure

The MTS modular program makes graduate theological education accessible and manageable for people in the marketplace. Its class schedule is designed to meet the needs of students with demands such as family responsibilities, church commitments and full-time careers. There are 18 courses offered in a modular format consisting of weekly four-hour evening class for five or six weeks, supplemented by approximately 15-20 hours per week of independent study. This is essentially the same time involvement as a traditionally scheduled program.

Length of program

The program is designed to be completed in just less than three years, including one-week breaks between modules as well as Christmas and summer vacations. All modules are placed in a fixed sequence to facilitate progressive development in theological study. Classes are held on Mondays; a new cohort begins every September.

Learning in community

Students enter this program as a cohort and maintain this group throughout the entire program. This format provides a unique learning community with high personal support and peer interaction. The MTS modular program is well suited to adult learners who desire to take responsibility for their own learning.

Focus on spiritual formation

An ongoing required component of the MTS modular program is personal reflection and small group discussion aimed at integrating academic learning with spiritual growth and ministry development. Students are accountable to their peers in the learning process. Spiritual friends and mentors are a key component in the learning process.

Program Requirements

The following is the sequence of courses required for the MTS (Modular)

Year 1

  • [SPIR M501] Spiritual Formation
  • [THEO M511] Systematic Theology I
  • [BIBL M502] Biblical Interpretation: Interpreting and Applying the Biblical Text
  • [OLDT M503] Old Testament Theology and History
  • [NEWT M504] New Testament Theology and History
  • [INTD M505] Gospel, Church and Culture: Preparing Missional Leaders for the 21st Century

Year 2

  • [HIST M509] History of Christianity I
  • [THEO M513] Christian Ethics
  • [INTD M506] Work, Vocation, and Ministry
  • [SPIR M500] Leadership Development: A Lifelong Spiritual Journey
  • [NEWT M507] New Testament Book Study : Gospel
  • [OLDT M508] Old Testament Book Study

Year 3

  • [HIST M510] History of Christianity II
  • [THEO M512] Systematic Theology II
  • [THEO M514] Theology of Missions and Evangelism
  • [THEO M515] Christian Apologetics
  • [NEWT M517] New Testament Book Study: Ephesians
  • [INTD M516] Integrative Seminar

Total MTS Courses: (18)

Program requirements subject to change.
View Major Sheets »

Whether you're interested in vocational ministry and leadership or personal study and enrichment, Tyndale offers a wide range of degree options that will meet your needs and goals.

Graduate Diploma** MTS
Master of Theological Studies**		 MDiv
Master of Divinity***		 ThM
Master of Theology		 DMin
Doctor of Ministry		  
A program geared toward adult learners interested in being equipped for ministry in their chosen profession A degree that will develop students' theological understanding for general educational purposes A degree designed primarily for those considering vocational, church-based ministry An advanced academic degree that provides an opportunity toexplore biblical, theological or historical studies in preparation for a PhD or ThD program An advanced professional degree designed for church leaders whose ministry will be integrated into their study and research Description
9 18 27 6 courses + thesis 6 intensive modules + a major project

Courses
Required
1 year 2 years 3 years 1 year 3 years Duration*
Want to enhance your biblical and theological understandings in a setting that will engage your intellect and deepen your faith Are seeking a foundational graduate degree that can be utilized in a wide range of professional and ministerial contexts Wish to prepare for ordained ministry or for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings Have completed an MDiv or MTS and wish to enhance your ministerial and missional practice with additional scholarship, or prepare for further study at the doctoral level Have completed an MDiv or equivalent and are engaged in full-time ministry further developing your skills and capacities for effective leadership Pursue if...
Notes:
* Program durations are based on a traditional, full-time course load of nine courses per year.
** Also offered in a modular format designed to meet the needs of students with full-time demands such as family, church or career.
*** Tyndale also offers an In-Ministry MDiv degree program for people who are engaged in part-time or full-time in vocational Christian ministry.
» Program Coordinator

Dr. James A. Beverley

Professor of Christian Thought and Ethics

jamesbeverley@sympatico.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 6706

BA (Hon), Acadia University, 1975
MDiv, Acadia University, 1977
MTh, University of Toronto, 1983
PhD, University of St. Michael's, 1994 College(Toronto)

Areas of Specialization: Apologetics, World and New Religions, Charismatic Christianity, Roman Catholic Theology, and Christian Ethics

Professor Beverley has taught at Tyndale since 1988. From 1978 until his move to Tyndale, he was a professor at Atlantic Baptist University in Moncton, NB. He is the author and editor of twelve books, including Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions, Religions A to Z and Counterfeit Code, a reply to Dan Brown’s famous novel. He is also the Associate Director of the Institute for the Study of American Religion in Santa Barbara.

 
He is a specialist on the study of new religions and did his Ph.D. thesis on the inner teachings of Sun Myung Moon. He has been interviewed frequently by the media including BBC radio, Finnish television, CBC Radio, The Los Angeles Times, CBC television, Syrian television, CTV News, The Globe & Mail, etc. He is a contributing editor for Christianity Today magazine and a columnist for Faith Today magazine. In 2000 he had a personal interview with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
 
Professor Beverley is also an expert on the relationship of Christianity to Islam. He is the author of Christ and Islam (College Press, 1997), Understanding Islam (Thomas Nelson, 2001), Islamic Faith in America (Facts on File, 2002). He also wrote the entry on Muhammad in The Quran: An Encyclopedia (Routledge, 2005) and the entry on Islam in the six-volume Religions of the World (ABC Clio, 2009). He has done research on Islam in Africa, India, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
 
Professor Beverley is a member of the American Academy of Religion, Evangelical Theological Society, Canadian Society for the Study of Religion, Evangelical Philosophical Society, and the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. His expert opinion has been sought in both criminal and civil trials, including the case of Holocaust denier Malcolm Ross. His testimony in a Toronto criminal case was included in a television documentary.
 
His wife Gloria is a kindergarten teacher in the Ontario Public School system. Jim and Gloria have two adult children. Andrea is doing a Ph.D. in English literature and Derek has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Ontario College of Art and Design.

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» Program Faculty

Dr. Arnold Neufeldt-Fast

Associate Academic Dean
Director, MTS Modular Program

neufeldt-fast@tyndale.ca
416.226.6620 Ext. 2655

BTh, Mennonite Bible College, 1987;
BA, Brock University, 1987;
MA, Brock University, 1988;
PhD, University of St Michael's College, 1996

Areas of Specialization: Contemporary Protestant Theology and Ethics, Continental Philosophy, Anabaptist Studies.

Dr. Neufeldt-Fast brings to the position of Director of the Master of Theological Studies Modular Program a strong background in teaching and administration as well as international exposure. From 2000-2006 Dr. Neufeldt-Fast was the Coordinator of a MA in Pastoral Ministries modular program at the Theological Seminary, Bienenberg, Switzerland, in partnership with the University of Wales and the Oxford Centre of Mission Studies. He has taught primarily theology and ethics at both undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as courses in Christian spirituality. Dr. Neufeldt-Fast has authored a number of articles and scholarly book reviews in both English and German and has translated a variety of German theological texts into English. He is currently translating the second volume of Karl Barth’s Göttingen Dogmatics (Eerdmans). Dr. Neufeldt-Fast is an ordained minister in the Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada.

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Application Checklist for Full-and-part-time Degree-Seeking Canadian Students

One Course at a Time | Doctor of Ministry | International Students

Use the following checklist to assist you:

1. ☑ Review our Admission Requirements

2. ☑ Prepare all required supporting documentation*:

  • Complete our application:

  Online Application (Free) or
  Download the Paper Application (mail it to Tyndale).

  Download the Paper Reference Forms (have references mail the forms to Tyndale)

3. ☑ Make sure you meet the appropriate deadlines

4. ☑ Confirm and submit your application

Send reference forms and official transcripts directly to:

Tyndale Admissions Office
25 Ballyconnor Court
Toronto, ON M2M 4B3
Canada
 

*If applicable:

  • Send your TOEFL and TWE or IELTS scores to the Admissions Office.
  • Complete and submit your Residence Application and deposit.
  • Complete and submit Medical Form (this is mandatory for all international students and students applying for residence).

 

Applications for:  DMin Applicants • International Applicants • Occasional Applicants

One Course at a Time

Apply as an Occasional Student, a Letter of Permission Student, or an Audit Student by following the instructions on the Visiting Student Application Form.

Visiting Student Application Form
Download Visiting Student Application Form
 

Doctor of Ministry

Apply to the DMin program by using the D.Min Application Form.

D.Min Admission Requirements
D.Min Application Form

International Students

Apply by following the instructions on the International Application Form.

International Application Form

 

Need help? Contact Admissions at: 1-877-TYNDALE (896-3253) | 416-218-6757 (local) | admissions@tyndale.ca

The following is a list of all degrees, diplomas, and areas of study offered at Tyndale Seminary. As a graduate theological school, Tyndale Seminary admits students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college (see admissions requirements). Click on each of the items below to find descriptions, opportunities and course requirements.

Areas of Study

Degrees & Diplomas

Special Programs