The Seminary now provides a degree program in the Philippines to train men for the ministry.

A specific program has been established there, geared to the needs of the Philippine students. They will use a curriculum quite similar to an American M.Div. degree, but instead will receive a Masters of Theological Studies.

Two new courses began on February 10, 2018. Classes have begun at the center in Bulacan, and are expected to start soon after at Pangasinan. Currently there are about a dozen students at each center. There is the possibility in future of a third site opening further to the south.

The new classes are Ancient Church History and Doctrine of God. Students gather once a week to watch videos of the courses, which have been taught at HTS. To complete the coursework, the students will have to write research papers and take graded exams, proctored by Pastor Nap Narag and Pastor Vic Bernalis. When they have satisfied these requirements, they will move on to two more courses.

In addition to the video lectures, the program will have a professor travel to the Philippines each summer to teach two courses in an intensive format. If possible, depending on the strength of the broadband signal, courses may be taught live directly from the seminary.

Dr. Koerner has already taught two courses in person in July 2017. The classes, Prolegomena and Reformed Worship, are both introductory courses in the HTS curriculum. The students also received flash drives with additional lectures and basic textbooks for the courses.

Most of the men were members of the Pearl of the Orient Reformed Church. Several others are involved in a Presbyterian Church. 20 of the men indicated that they want to receive full training for the ministry.

Through these means, both recorded and in person, Heidelberg Seminary seeks to provide complete training for these men in cooperation with indigenous pastors so they will be able to serve the Pearl of the Orient Reformed Church or in some other capacity.  This will greatly advance the cause of Christ and bring growth to the Pearl of the Orient Reformed Church.

Dr. Koerner writes: “I have found these young men to be sincere students, excited about the reformed faith and anxious to learn.”

Make a Donation

The Seminary has established a fund to cover the costs for this program. You can contribute to this fund by using the form below.

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