MEGST offers a Master of Divinity program composed of a minimum of 90 units. However students may elect to do further study up to a maximum of 96 units. As this program is designed to prepare students for a variety of ministries, it includes four majors: Biblical Studies, Theology, Pastoral Studies, and Missions. Each major contains core courses (69 units), major courses (21-24 units) and electives (3-6 units) for a total of 90-96 units. Biblical languages are required in every major. The medium of instruction is English.
MDiv Courses
A summary of all courses for each major can be downloaded here as a PDF file. [MDiv form ]
Course Codes:
XYabc XY – Major; a – year of study (5=first year, 6=second year and 7=third year); bc – subject and course identifier.
BI633 BI – Biblical major; 6 – second year of study, 33 – 3 – New Testament, 3 – third paper.
Majors and Courses
Biblical Studies
This major is designed to provide the biblical, theological, and ministerial foundation needs for ministry in the church as well as for training pastors and ministers in Bible colleges and schools. Biblical languages are required.
BI511 Old Testament 1
Pentateuch – A survey of Genesis to Joshua which includes introduction, historical background, literary structure, theological theme of the books and exegesis of selected passages.
BI512 Old Testament 2
Judges to Ezra-Nehemiah – A survey study of Judges to Ezra-Nehemiah which includes introduction, literary structure, historical background and theological theme of the books and exegesis of selected passages.
BI517 Hebrew 1
This course covers the first half of a standard introductory Biblical Hebrew textbook starting from the Hebrew alphabet.
BI518 Hebrew 2
This course continues to work through the textbook from the previous semester covering important basic aspects of Biblical Hebrew language.
Prerequisite: Completion of Hebrew 1 with a grade of 2.7 or higher.
BI613 Old Testament 3 (English)
Isaiah to Malachi. The first half of this course surveys the OT prophets in their historical contexts. The second half of the course involves exegesis of one selected prophetic book.
BI614 Old Testament 3 (Hebrew)
This course involves the same classes as BI613 as well as a weekly reading tutorial in which the selected prophetic book for exegesis will be read in the Hebrew Bible. The students in this course will be expected to base their exegetical coursework on the Hebrew text and for their final exam they will be given a Hebrew Bible instead of an English Bible.
Prerequisite: Completion of Hebrew Reading with a grade of 2.7 or higher.
BI619 Hebrew Reading (1.5 units)
Hebrew Reading is half of a full course designed to help the student make the transition from the Hebrew textbook to reading the Hebrew Bible. The course completes any chapters left from the textbook and then reads through selected OT texts in Hebrew from Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. In addition to developing their skills in reading Hebrew the students will also learn to use the critical apparatus for textual criticism and increase their understanding of the Masorah.
Prerequisite: Completion of Hebrew 2 with a grade of 2.7 or higher.
BI714 Old Testament 4 (Hebrew)
This course comprises in the first part lectures dealing with the translation of the selected chapters of Deuteronomy from the Hebrew text. Then the second half of the course covers exegesis of those chapters and teaching about the theological issues of the book. The aims of this course are:
– to further develop student skills of understanding Biblical Hebrew
– to further develop student skills of biblical exegesis
– for students to learn about the scholarly issues and theological emphases of the Book of Deuteronomy
– for students to gain skills in interpreting Old Testament laws
– for students to be better equipped to teach and preach from Deuteronomy and the Old Testament in general.
Prerequisite: Completion of BI614.
BI715 Old Testament 5
This course deals with a brief introduction to the wisdom literature in the Old Testament and exegesis on the book of Ecclesiastes. Emphasis will be placed on the Hebrew exegesis on the book of Ecclesiastes.
BI531 New Testament 1
Gospels to Acts- A study of introductory issues, background analysis, survey of the content and exegesis of selected passages of the four gospels and the book of Acts.
BI532 New Testament 2
Pauline Epistles- A study of Romans to Philemon, which covers introductory issues, background analysis, survey of the content, and exegesis of selected passages from Pauline Epistles.
BI536 Greek 1
This course covers the first half of a standard introductory Biblical Greek textbook starting from the Greek alphabet.
BI633 New Testament 3
General Epistles and Revelation- This study covers introductory issues, background analysis, survey of the content, and exegesis of selected passages from General Epistles to Revelation.
BI637 Greek 2
This course continues to work through the textbook from the previous semester covering important basic aspects of Biblical Greek language.
Prerequisite: Completion of Greek 1 with a grade of 2.7 or higher.
BI638 Greek Reading (1.5 units)
Greek Reading is half of a full course designed to help the student make the transition from the Greek textbook to reading the Greek New Testament. The course completes any chapters left from the Greek textbook and then reads through selected NT texts in Greek from the UBS4 Greek NT. In addition to developing their skills in reading Greek the students will also learn to use the critical apparatus for textual criticism of the NT.
Prerequisite: Completion of Greek 2 (BI638) with a grade of 2.7 or higher
BI734 New Testament 4 (Greek)
This is a Greek exegesis course studying of a selected NT book or one or two epistles emphasizing exegetical methods for interpreting the Greek NT and its different genres. Consideration will be given to factors such as situational context, historical and cultural background, words, grammar and syntax, flow of argument, epistolary structure, and rhetorical features.
Prerequisite: Completion of BI638.
BI735 New Testament 5
This is a Greek exegesis course studying of a selected NT book or one or two epistles emphasizing exegetical methods for interpreting the Greek NT and its different genres. Consideration will be given to factors such as situational context, historical and cultural background, words, grammar and syntax, flow of argument, epistolary structure, and rhetorical features.
Prerequisite: Completion of BI734 with a grade of 2.7 or higher.
BI651 Hermeneutics
An introductory study of the basic principles of biblical interpretation aimed at providing students with tools for understanding and developing a working knowledge of the Bible.
Prerequisite: Completion of BI511, BI512, BI531, BI532, BI517, BI536
BI761 Biblical Theology
The course takes a canonical approach to Biblical Theology, dealing with the final text of scripture. The course will cover four broad areas:
– The methodology and approach of Biblical Theology
– The Bible’s Big Narrative
– Tracing some biblical themes in Scripture using a biblical theological approach
– Dealing with some texts to show a biblical theological approach
Theology
This major is designed in order to develop Asian theologians who will address the Word to the world from an Asian perspective, since Myanmar Evangelical Christians value theology that is both biblical and contextual. Though its primary goal is to equip students for pastoral ministry the program also prepares those who intend to pursue higher theological education or teach in theological institutions.
TH511 Christian Theology 1
This course aims to deal with some important features on Christian Theology and try to cover particularly on the areas of the doctrines of God, the Bible and Humanity. This course does not intend to deal with the whole aspects of these three great doctrines but will deal with some important areas which will help the students gain new insights for their lives and practical ministry.
TH612 Christian Theology 2
This course is designed to cover the doctrines of Sin, Salvation, Christ and Angels. This course is not intended to cover the whole aspects of these four great doctrines but aimed to cover important areas which will strengthen the lives of the students and help them gain lessons for their future ministry.
TH613 Christian Theology 3
This course will cover the doctrines of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology), The Church (Ecclesiology), and the Last Things (Eschatology). This is a continuation of Christian Theology 1 and 2. It will focus on general teachings of the subjects and, particularly, critical issues related to the subjects. The implications of the subjects will be strongly emphasized in relation to the student’s life and in his/her local Church or denomination and in society.
TH621 Asian Theology
The focus of this course is to study about some theological issues that relate to Asian countries and the perspectives and contributions of some Asian theologians based on their respective situations to remind us of the need to have concern for our own contexts and inspire us to do theology which will meet the felt need of Myanmar churches. This course is not intended to cover the whole aspects of Asian theologies but aimed to cover important areas which will enable students to articulate based on their own contexts and formulate theology which will speak to the people in their own contexts.
TH631 Theological Trends
This course will examine major Christian trends which are seen in the Church of Christ that reflect the thought of many great scholars/thinkers in the Christendom in the modern/contemporary period. Some are very biblical whereas some others cause great confusion to ordinary believers. The course will enable students to analyze these trends in depth and reflect upon them to adopt some good teachings and strongly reject some un-biblical teachings. Students may also be encouraged and develop their critical thinking to come out with their own theological contribution to Myanmar churches.
TH722 Contextual Theology
This course is designed to deal with theological issues related to Myanmar context. The course will carefully examine the contextual theological issues that are facing Christians in Myanmar today. It will also consider some possible pitfalls to be aware of in the contextual quest. Then, based on a number of discussed issues, the course will attempt to formulate appropriately discerning and contemporary means of doing a relevant and contextual theology in Myanmar contexts.
TH732 Historical Theology
This course is designed for masters level of study to give an overall view of the history of the development of Christian theology. It will examine the development of major Christian theologies throughout the history of the church: Patristic, Medieval, Reformed and Post-Reformed, and Contemporary periods. Students will encounter outstanding theologians who made a great contribution to the church of Christ together with their theological or philosophical ideas to preserve/protect/defend the teaching of the Bible. At the same time, students will discover the so-called heresies during these periods and their challenges to the orthodox teaching of the church.
Pastoral Studies
This major is designed to meet the needs of those whose ministries require advanced training in pastoral theology and counselling.
PS510 Discipleship and Spiritual Formation
This course develops a biblical and practical understanding of discipleship and demonstrates that discipleship is for all Christians; to be discipled and to disciple others. Additionally, and related, we will explore the practice and experience of spiritual formation, particularly as it intersects with discipleship.
PS756 Theology and Care for Children
This course will cover “the child in theology” method of theological reflection. The course will emphasize the biblical perspective and theological foundation basis of the value and significance of children; and approaching with the Holistic Child Development (HCD) which is an urgent ministry need in Myanmar today.
PS615 Homiletics
This course is an introduction to the biblical view of preaching; preparation & delivery, and the importance of the life of the preacher.
PS621 Pastoral Theology
This course is designed to provide ministers/pastors with an overall integrated view of pastoral ministry. Special attention is given to the minister’s/pastor’s role as a leader and equipper of God’s people.
PS726 Christian Leadership
Students who graduate in Theology are likely to be involved in the management and leadership of non-profit and/or Christian organizations. From a Christian perspective, people and relationships matter to God. Managing, leading and, of course, serving people is integral to Christian ministry which must be done well to the glory of God. This course endeavours to theoretically and practically equip students to this end by drawing on biblical and secular sources.
PS731 Christian Education
This course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of Christian education. It summarizes the historic foundation of Christian education and presents contemporary innovations and applications to the educational ministry of the church.
PS736 Christian Ethics
This course is an introduction to the Biblical foundation of Christian ethics. It addresses ethical issues that the church is facing today in the Myanmar context. It also seeks to encourage future leaders in using the authority of Scripture in their decision making.
PS741 Pastoral Care and Counseling
This course is designed to equip ministers and church workers with skills in helping people address and resolve the many challenges of life. It is an introduction to the biblical foundations, theories and basic techniques of pastoral care and counseling. Some ethical issues in the context of Asia and Myanmar are also addressed.
PS746 Christian Worship
This course develops a basic understanding of the biblical, historical and theological foundations of Christian worship, with application to the conduct and experience of worship in the church. It also deals with issues relating to the changing face of contemporary Christian worship and to appreciating a range of styles of worship.
PS751 Peace Making
This course is designed to aid students to understand a biblical perspective and theological foundation of peace and conflict resolution in a church setting. The purpose of this course is to develop a leader’s ability to prevent and resolve conflicts in a church or Christian organisation in a biblically faithful and legally prudent manner. A biblical response to conflict resolution is developed through study and discussion of God’s word.
Missions
This major is designed to meet the needs of those called to ministries in evangelism, church planting, cross-cultural mission, and missionary training.
MS511 Biblical Foundations of Missions
This course focuses on study for the biblical basis and grounding the mission of God in the world and the role of the church and individual Christians in that mission.
MS512 Major World Religions
This basic course introduces the beliefs and practices of the major world religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Chinese religions and Judaism.
MS611 Evangelism
This course covers a study of biblical foundations and approaches to doing evangelism patterned after Jesus and the apostles, and seeks to find out suitable strategies for the student’s own ministry.
MS621 Church History
This course deals on the birth and growth of the church from the apostolic age to the reformation period, and the growth and expansion of the church from the time of the reformation to the present.
MS641 Buddhism
This course focuses on Theravada Buddhism in Myanmar, its relation to life, worldview, socio-economic and the culture of the Burmese people. It emphasizes the role of theology, sociology, and culture in developing a relevant strategy for the evangelization of Myanmar.
MS702 Church Planting & Church Growth
This course is to study the importance of church planting and church growth from a biblical and theological perspective in order to develop practical methods and strategies for mission fields in Myanmar.
MS711 Cultural Anthropology
This course focuses on an introduction to the methods used for culture learning and understanding, and the anthropological and linguistic tools for new language acquisition as an adult learner. The course deals with the challenges and skills of cross-cultural communication and investigates the processes of encounter, adaptation, identification and communication.
MS761 Urban Missions
An anthropological, theological, and practical reflection on the development of urbanization and its accompanying challenges for Christian ministry. It includes studying the biblical foundations and theories of ministry in urban areas.
MS762 Mission Strategies
This course focuses on the biblical, historical, and strategic dimensions of world missions. It also examines the concern and plan of God for all the people of the world.
MS771 Cross Cultural Communication
This course focuses is designed to examine the principles and processes of communicating from one culture to another. It will study the relationship between the culture, behavior and communication of individuals and groups, both internationally and nationally. Furthermore, students will have opportunity to discuss missionary strategies for practical application in various cultural contexts.
MS773 Christianity in Asia
This course includes the beginning of Asian churches, waves of Christian missions, trials and triumphs of the church, and its development in history. Myanmar Church history is included in this particular course.