Northeastern Seminary
Northeastern Seminary[[1]] (NES)is a graduate school of theology located on the campus of Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester N.Y. Since opening its doors in 1998, Northeastern Seminary has continued to grow in prominence as a significant resource for the church community in upstate New York. Northeastern Seminary is an independent, multi-denominational seminary in its approach to theological education leading to Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, or Doctor of Ministry degrees. The 150 students and 300 graduates minister around the nation and world representing more than 30 Christian faith traditions. Northeastern Seminary has been fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada since 2003[[2]]. It is also accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges[[3]] and Schools and the New York State Board of Regents University of the State of New York.[[4]]
Northeastern Seminary is shaped by the following mission statement and core values: Rooted in biblical and historic Christian faith, Northeastern Seminary prepares Christ-centered men and women for faithful, effective ministry to the church and the world.
- Theological education is built on a deep, sustained engagement with biblical and historic Christianity.
- A respect-filled community affirms and learns from each person in the richly-diverse community of faith
- Intentionally-integrated academic programs cultivate an aptitude for faithful theological reflection about the central questions of life and ministry.
- A vital relationship with God through Christ is the indispensable foundation for Christian ministry, and so a nurturing community in which genuine Christian faith can deepen and thrive is cultivated.
- Students are equipped for ministry that is wisely and faithfully responsive to the constantly changing culture and world.
- A theological seminary does not exist for its own sake, but exists rather to serve and resource the church of Jesus Christ.
Christian Heritage of Northeastern Seminary Expressing a continuing commitment to the ideals of its founder, Roberts Wesleyan College founded Northeastern Seminary in 1998 as a graduate school of theology.
Roberts Wesleyan College, originally Chili Seminary, was founded by Benjamin Titus Roberts in 1866. Roberts was an evangelical Methodist minister and the first General Superintendent of the Free Methodist Church. He and the other founders of the Church affirmed the view of Christian teaching, personal piety, and social action taught by John Wesley. The Church’s official teaching in its Articles of Religion clearly shows its roots in classical Christianity. Its heritage can be traced through the thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England, the Augsburg Confession of the Protestant Reformation, and the great historic creeds of the early church, such as the Apostles’ Creed, back to the Scriptures, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.
This heritage has been of major importance in the development of the educational programs at Roberts Wesleyan College, and informs the mission of Northeastern Seminary as a graduate school of theology. Stating his purpose for the founding of Chili Seminary, Roberts wrote, "While we cannot prize too highly the benefits of mental culture, we should not lose sight of that moral and religious culture which lies at the foundation of correct principles and good character."
[edit] Master's Programs
Master of Divinity (M.Div.) The M.Div. is a 92-credit program designed primarily for those preparing for ordained ministry. It is also preferred for students seeking to prepare for chaplaincy, missions, and parachurch ministries. Students meet on a one-night-per-week schedule as part of a cohort of up to 27 students for the first two years. Eighteen to 24 months are needed to complete other required courses and field education experience. Specific denominationally-based ordination requirements may be accommodated in the elective credits.
There are four M.Div. concentrations:
M.Div. in Biblical Interpretation for Preaching and Teaching
M.Div. in Spiritual Formation
M.Div. in Theology and Social Justice
M.Div. in Transformational Leadership
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Master of Arts in Theological Studies(M.A.T.) The M.A.T. is a 52-credit program offering a basic theological education, with a solid foundation in biblical studies, church history, theology, and personal and spiritual formation. It is intended primarily for lay persons. Traditionally, it is the degree preferred by those going on to Ph.D. studies or a teaching professions. A capstone research seminar is required of all those enrolling in this degree program. A thesis option is available with faculty approval.
Master of Arts in Theology and Social Justice The M.A. in Theology and Social Justice is a 52-credit program and is designed to equip both pastors and laypersons to work in the areas of local church mission, global justice ministries, social work and social policy to effect change on both the micro and macro levels. Students studying in the program will be exposed to various theological paradigms including, but not limited to, Protestant realism, Catholic social teaching, and liberation theologies and practices. An emphasis on theological reflection and practical application will be at the core of each course and the program as a whole. Students will have an opportunity to work in the area of social justice in one of a variety of settings offered including the parish, parachurch and social justice organizations, and community centers for their field experience.
Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership The M.A. in Transformational Leadership is a 53-credit program and is designed to equip Christian leaders in a variety of contexts for faithful, effective ministry to the church and the world. Built upon the foundation of a deep, sustained engagement with biblical and historic Christian thought, the program prepares leaders who are not merely pragmatists, but rather thoughtful, reflective practitioners of leadership that is truly Christian. Students will understand that character is the indispensable foundation of effective Christian leadership and will learn to make their own personal and spiritual formation a priority of their leadership. In addition to their significant work in scripture, theology, and spiritual formation, students will learn models and principles for leadership that are truly transformational. Best practices in Christian ministry and the business world will be explored, and students will have the opportunity to put their learning into practice in a full year internship experience. A capstone research seminar is required of all those enrolling in this degree program.
[edit] Doctor of Ministry Program
Scripture, Spirituality and Leadership
The Doctor of Ministry degree is a 36-credit program designed for seasoned ministry professionals who want to bring renewed vitality and effectiveness to their ministry. It is for leaders who want to expand and refine their knowledge of and facility with God's word and Christian theology through a program that integrates scripture, spirituality, and leadership.
Program Distinctives:
- A regular rhythm of retreat experiences that are designed as encounters with God to strengthen the soul of your leadership
- Online collaboration among faculty and doctoral candidates extend interactive learning beyond the residency
- Nationally known scholars and practitioners such as Dallas Willard, Will Willimon, Gordon Smith, Ruth Haley Barton, and Leith Anderson join Northeastern Seminary faculty in leading the academic process
- Peer interaction and reflection is collegial and builds valuable networks
- Extensive personal and professional assessment of a formative nature facilitates professional development
- Remain in full-time ministry and self adjust load according to personal needs
