Diploma in Biblical & Missional Theology
The Diploma program has been developed specifically for people of high Christian character who are serving or called to serve in missional ministry leadership and who are capable intellectually and academically, but who, for various reasons, have not earned a college degree or perhaps may have earned a degree in a discipline unrelated to biblical or theological studies. This program exists to enable such persons to gain biblical, theological, and church historical knowledge at a credible level (at a level comparable to undergraduate/college level) and hone their ministry gifts, skills, and tools, within a missional theological and ministerial framework. The curriculum seeks to cultivate Christian leaders who are biblically grounded, theologically sound, contextually astute, and spiritually faithful, useful for Christ’s service as servant-leaders of God’s people.
Why choose our Diploma program?
The goals of the diploma program reflect the goals of Missio Seminary’s Master of Divinity program; and, indeed, the program is designed in such a way that students who excel in this program may be eligible for admission into the MDiv degree program (see details below).
In addition, the diploma program is designed for people who have been out of school for a while or who may need to be re-oriented to an academic environment through a transition program that will foster confidence and promote achievement based on hard work. The diploma program is designed, like Christ does in the spiritual realm, to meet people where they are in the academic realm – and enable them and teach them how, step by step, to reach higher and go higher and achieve more.
Details on pathway to the MDiv degree
- Students who complete the Missio Diploma Program AND are recommended by the program Director can succeed in being accepted as students in the MDiv degree program and may proceed with confidence in their ability to do successful graduate degree work.
- While one does not have to complete the Missio Seminary Diploma in Biblical and Missional Theology to be considered for special admission into the degree program, nor does a student who has completed the diploma program have any guarantee of admission into the MDiv program, the reality remains that chances of acceptance and later success are much higher for students who complete the Diploma in Biblical and Missional Theology highly successfully than those who seek admission without such.
Enrollment in the Diploma in Biblical and Missional Theology program does not guarantee entrance into the degree program. Only students who perform in this program at an exceptional level will be recommended; and, even then, the Admissions Committee decides each situation on a case-by-case basis.
Available tracks and curriculum
| Class # | Course Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | 1 | The Biblical Plotline |
| 2 | Introduction to Higher Education Research, Biblical & Theological Reading & Writing | |
| 3 | Biblical Genres | |
| 4 | Exegeting My Context | |
| 5 | Transformational Leadership | |
| Winter, Spring, Summer | 6 | Introduction to Biblical Cultures |
| 7 | Academic Skills Lab | |
| 8 | Intro to Systematic Theology | |
| 9 | Intro to the Torah & the History of Israel | |
| 10 | Intro to Old Testament Theology | |
| 11 | Intro to the Kings & Prophets of Israel | |
| 12 | Intro to Hermeneutics | |
| 13 | Intro to the Gospels | |
| 14 | The Story of the Church | |
| 15 | Introductory Homiletics |
| Class # | Course Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | 16 | Intro to New Testament Theology |
| 17 | Conflict Resolution Skills for Ministry Leaders | |
| 18 | The Life, Ministry, & Theology of Christ | |
| 19 | Intro to the New Testament Epistles | |
| 20 | Application of Social Media in the Church Environment | |
| Winter-Spring | 21 | Church Organizational Administration |
| 22 | Intro to Missional Theology | |
| 23 | Transforming the Church from Attractional to Missional | |
| 24 | Evangelism in a Post-Christian Culture | |
| 25 | Developing a Multi-Racial/Multi-Ethnic Ministry |
How long will it take?
The Diploma in Biblical and Missional Theology program can be completed in two years. However students may pursue the program on a part-time basis for all or part of their course of study. Classes are scheduled for Thursday nights and some Saturdays.
What are the entrance requirements?
Missio welcomes men and women who have a high school degree or GED to apply for the diploma program. We also require a recommendation from your pastor and a PA Child Abuse History Clearance. Prior study in Bible or theology is not required. This program is for students who are U.S. citizens. If you are an international student looking for a similar program please see our Advanced Cultural Studies program.
What is the cost?
You can find the cost for tuition for the Diploma program on our Tuition and Fees page.
Ready to start your journey?
Whether you are looking for more information regarding a program, scheduling a visit, starting the application process, or just wanting to talk to someone about your dreams, our admissions department is always available to assist you and answer any question that you might have.
What are professors saying?
Statement from President James
It is with profound regret that MISSIO must again denounce racial injustice in our nation.
0 Comments1 Minutes
Dr. Lamb on Hezekiah
A couple of years ago I was invited by the two editors to participate in this two-part series of character studies in Samuel and Kings.
0 Comments4 Minutes
Self-Care Amid Scary, Uncertain Days
Missio graduates will be facilitating free online groups, “Seeking Hope During Covid-19” through Cornerstone Counseling Ministries.
0 Comments4 Minutes
Friday Mornings: Come Pray With Us
Knowing that prayer is the primary work of the people of God, we will be hosting a prayer call via Zoom each Friday morning at 9 AM.
0 Comments4 Minutes
Letter from a Birmingham Jail
On April 3, 1968, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his final and what proved to be a hauntingly prophetic speech.
0 Comments59 Minutes
Journal of Urban Mission 5:1
Welcome to volume 5, issue 1 of the Journal of Urban Mission, which finds a new institutional home here at Missio Seminary.
0 Comments7 Minutes
In Defense of Missional Theology: A Response to Mark Galli
Mark Galli, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, has devoted a four-part series in Christianity Today to critiquing missional theology and evangelicalism’s embrace of the missional purpose of the church: see 1) https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/june-web-only/unfortunate-pedigree-of-missional-church.html; 2) https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/june-web-only/church-does-not-exist-for-sake-of-world.html; 3) https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/june-web-only/purpose-of-world-to-become-church.html; 4) https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/june-web-only/churchs-sickness-unto-death.html. Christianity Today has a well-earned reputation as being the publication of centrist evangelicalism (founded, as it is, by evangelical pillars Billy Graham and Carl F. H. Henry); and Mark Galli, its current editor-in-chief, has a well-earned reputation for level-headed, irenic analysis.
6 Comments17 Minutes
New Perspective(s) On Paul
Hot off the press and well worth the read is this book that does a masterful job of laying out the topography of “perspectives” on Paul and illustrating (with sample sermonettes) the difference the various perspectives make in preaching (and applying) “the real point(s)” of Romans.
0 Comments8 Minutes
The Living Gospel
It is a powerful testimony to the watching world when Christians live out the Gospel amid tragedies such as in hurricane Katrina, the tsunami disaster, the Haitian earthquake or 9/11.
0 Comments10 Minutes