FPU Biblical Seminary

Dean: Valerie Rempel Ph.D.

Overview

Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary is a learning community that develops kingdom-minded leaders who equip the church and engage the world with the transformative love of Jesus.

We give witness to a biblical theology that is both Anabaptist and evangelical, teaching that the church is called by Jesus Christ to represent God's reign in the world by the power of the Holy Spirit as its community (being), servant (doing) and messenger (telling).

The seminary practices the following intentional learning practices:

Clear and effective oral and written communication
Close reading of texts
Social analysis
Theological reflection
Collaboration
Integrity and originality
Practical application
Information research literacy

Accreditation

Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and the following degree programs are approved:

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
Master of Arts in Christian Ministries (M.A.C.M.).
Master of Arts in Community Leadership & Transformation (M.A.C.L.T.)
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (M.F.T.).
Master of Arts in Urban Mission (M.A.U.M.)
Master of Arts (M.A. in Old Testament, New Testament, Theology)

The commission contact information is:

The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275 USA
Telephone: 412-788-6505
Fax: 412-788-6510
Website: www.ats.edu

Admissions Requirements

Strong commitment to and desire for Christian ministry and service
Application form and fee
Personal profile statement
Three references from a pastor or other ministry leader, a current or former employer and a friend or family member using the Seminary Reference Form (please do not use a family member as the pastoral or employer reference)
Writing sample from undergraduate education (for ministry/missions/theology/biblical studies applicants only; can be any paper submitted for a letter grade regardless of subject)
Personal interview

Additional requirements for the MFT program

GRE test results
Answers to short-answer questions
Additional course prerequisites (viewable on the MFT program page)
Writing sample as part of interview process

International students, please check International Applicants page for additional requirements and documents.

*A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or an institution accredited by one of the following agencies is acceptable:

Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
Association for Theological Schools (ATS)
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS)

Students will be considered for admission to the seminary into the M.Div., M.A.-CM, M.A.-UM, M.A.-C.L.T. or M.A.-MFT degrees or one of the diploma/certificate programs without the equivalent of a bachelor's degree if they have:

A minimum of two years of post-secondary education (i.e. 60 semester units)
Some years of work experience, preferably in a leadership role
Evidence of life experience which has prepared them for graduate theological education

In compliance with the Association of Theological Schools, up to 15 percent of the annual enrollment in any of the above programs may be comprised of individuals who do not have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Such students may only pursue the degree or program to which they have applied.

** Under special circumstances, may be waived

Advanced Standing

FPU undergraduate students may gain credit for up to 25% of specific seminary M.A. programs (15 units) or the M.Div. degree (22.5 units) if they have completed certain courses and received a final grade of B or higher. For the classes where undergraduate and graduate students are in the same classroom, undergraduates must declare the course to be used for advanced standing prior to the end of the course and must have used the graduate level syllabus. Contact the admissions advisor for additional information.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate commitment to live as a disciple of Jesus in Christian community

1.1. Practice spiritual disciplines that promote maturing authentic discipleship.
1.2. Demonstrate self-awareness that promotes maturing, authentic humanity.
1.3. Accept coaching through mentoring relationships under the auspices of FPU Biblical Seminary.
1.4. Develop relationship with a cohort of fellow learners under the auspices of FPU Biblical Seminary.
1.5. Witness persuasively to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a postmodern secular context.
1.6. Lead individuals and a Christian community in spiritual growth.
Articulate commitment to a biblical theological Christian perspective

2.1. Exegete biblical texts within a design that includes the descriptive, synthetic, hermeneutical and pragmatic analytical tasks.
2.2. Describe personal and denominational theological position in dialogue with values of Anabaptism and the rest of Christian tradition.
2.3. Articulate and defend a biblical view of leadership and Christian ministry in the world.
2.4. Analyze, synthesize and engage contemporary church and world issues from a biblical theological perspective.
Interpret diverse cultural contexts of ministry using theological perspectives integrated with social scientific approaches

3.1. Describe the Missio Dei view of church as a people called and sent to represent God's reign as community, servant and messenger in dialogue with personal and denominational theology/ sociology of church.
3.2. Use theological and social scientific tools and practices to understand and interpret the culture of a ministry and the cultural context of the ministry.
3.3. Assess the significance of cultural context for interpreting Scripture within and across cultures.
3.4. Apply biblical theological perspectives in serving and leading in one's own and other ministry contexts.
3.5. Dialogue respectfully, witness effectively and serve and lead faithfully among diverse cultural and religious communities.
Practice leadership skills in pastoral ministry: (M.Div. and MACM)

4.1. Proclaim the Gospel message through words and deeds with the purpose of leading all people to faith in Jesus Christ and into a relationship with the church.
4.2. Summarize, interpret and integrate biblical, historical and theological perspectives and theories related to faithful pastoral leadership in the 21st century.
4.3. Describe how to minister among God's people to evoke the trust, credibility and confidence that a congregational leader requires during times of change.
4.4. Explain how to nurture the imagination and growth of God's people through the conviction that God's reign is among them.
4.5. Prepare and proclaim sermons that are faithful to the biblical text and relevant to God's people in their cultural contexts.
4.6. Plan and lead services of Christian worship that are biblical as well as appropriate to one's congregational tradition.
4.7. Provide congregational leadership with the recognition that leadership in the local church is team leadership shared by men and women whom the congregation calls to prepare, equip and empower it for participation in God's mission in the world.
4.8. Attend to the pastoral care needs of the congregation.
Practice leadership skills in marriage, family and child therapy: (M.A.-MFT)

5.1. Articulate integrative views of humanity, theology and counseling.
5.2. Demonstrate understanding of individual and family life cycle development and intervention across the life span
5.3. Demonstrate appropriate use of one's personal self in response to human need.
5.4. Demonstrate practice consistent with the laws and ethics that apply to marriage, family and child therapy.
5.5. Demonstrate understanding of a wide variety of counseling theories and techniques.
5.6. Demonstrate knowledge of mental disorders, within the scope of practice for marriage, family and child therapists.
5.7. Demonstrate proactive understanding, awareness and relational skills across cultures, religions and special populations.
5.8. Demonstrate proactive commitment to a community of witness, justice and peace.
5.9. Develop ability to understand, use and evaluate research and assessment tools.
Practice leadership skills in intercultural mission: (M.A.-UM)

6.1. Demonstrate a commitment to intercultural ministry by developing a biblical, theological and historical foundation for mission.
6.2. Demonstrate passion for cross-cultural and urban ministry by developing biblical contextualization skills.
6.3. Demonstrate the ability to serve and lead in cultural and religious diversity by applying biblical/theological perspectives.
6.4. Demonstrate skills for intercultural ministry by using contextualization tools such as anthropology, sociology and missiology principles.
6.5. Demonstrate preparedness for intercultural ministry by developing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships and communication links with diverse cultural groups.
Practice leadership skills in educational leadership. (M.A.-NT, OT, theology)

7.1. Summarize, interpret and apply the assumptions, historical perspectives, theories and relevant literature of the academic disciplines vital to educational leadership.
7.2. Demonstrate strong research and writing skills.
7.3. Develop a solid foundation in the chosen field of study (theology, OT or NT).
Practice leadership skills in community leadership and transformation

8.1. Demonstrate a commitment to community leadership and transformation by developing a biblical, theological, anthropological, missiological, sociological and historical foundation for influence.
8.2. Demonstrate passion for community leadership and transformation by developing biblical contextualization skills.
8.3. Accept coaching through mentoring relationships with community leaders in the city.
8.4. Demonstrate the ability to serve and lead in cultural and religious diversity by applying socio/biblical/theological perspectives.
8.5. Demonstrate preparedness for transformational ministry in communities by developing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships and communication links with diverse ethnic, cultural and class groupings.

Bible Knowledge Requirement

Students must meet a Bible knowledge requirement within the first 15 units of their seminary studies. To meet this requirement, students are encouraged to attend a one-day workshop offered in the first month of the term. Alternative means of meeting the requirement are available upon inquiry with the seminary dean.