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The Master of Divinity program is a three-year complete degree that leads towards ordination as a minister for the New Church. It adheres to the highest educational standards demanded of an institution with an internationally recognizes degree program.

The program rests upon three supports: doctrinal study, communication skills, and experiential learning. Each of these three support systems plays a vital role in preparing men to "teach the truth and lead by means of it to the good of life."

Doctrinal Study

Doctrinal study forms the primary foundation of the New Church ministry. A New Church minister needs to be conversant with the teachings of the Old and New Testaments, and particularly of the teachings for the New Church, known as the Heavenly Doctrines.

Communication Skills

Communication provides students with the ability to teach and lead in the light of their doctrinal study. Skills developed in this part of the program equip the future pastor to communicate the message of the New Church effectively in a variety of situations.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is the final support of training for the ministry. Since the use of the priesthood is to teach the truth and lead people, it follows that doctrinal knowledge and skill in presenting it needs to be honed and refined. The experiential component of ministerial training is designed to bring students into contact with a range of people of different ages and different settings. The "learning" refers to the on-going discussion and measurement as students integrate their doctrinal knowledge and communication skills with real people.

Application and Admissions

If you feel called to become a minister for the New Church, speak to a pastor (visit www.newchurch.org for a list of congregations worldwide) or contact the Theological School at 267-502-2640.

To ease the financial burden and enable more qualified candidates to consider the ministry, Theological School students are provided with:

• Full tuition covered.
• Housing appropriate to their needs.
• Full medical coverage for the student and their family.
• An agreement with the Bryn Athyn Church School, the Academy of the New Church Secondary Schools and Bryn Athyn College regarding financial aid for the education of the their children.
• A stipend to allow for a modest standard of living (stipends begin on a base scale, but are adjusted for each student's need).
• All assets held prior to entering the Masters of Divinity program are not considered part of the financial calculations for any student.

All discussions during the admissions process will be kept confidential, and applying does not obligate you to enroll in the program.