The Graduate School of Theology has a long history of educating students while they serve in local congregations. \u00a0Whether it\u2019s a youth minister across town, a preacher in the Metroplex, or an intern working part-time for a rural congregation, we\u2019ve always tried to provide flexible class options. \u00a0We have one-week intensive courses in August, January, and May. \u00a0We offer two-weekend short courses in the fall and spring semesters. \u00a0We even schedule our full-semester classes as three-hour blocks once a week so students who commute to campus can take classes on their day off.<\/p>\n
This year, class options for our non-residential students got a lot more flexible. \u00a0Our accrediting agency – the Association of Theological Schools – approved our petition to offer up to 75% of the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) in an online format. \u00a0For this 48-hour degree, that means only 12 credits – the remaining 25% – must be taken in a face-to-face setting. \u00a0That\u2019s just four classes. \u00a0Students can take residential intensive classes when it best fits in their schedule while the majority of their coursework is completed online. \u00a0They don\u2019t have to wait for required courses to be offered on the right day or in an intensive format. \u00a0They don\u2019t have to spend so much time away from their families – or their ministries – taking classes on campus. \u00a0Students can serve congregations at a greater distance from Abilene, whether that\u2019s across the country or around the world. \u00a0And all the while they\u2019re still getting a world-class theological education from full-time GST faculty. \u00a0How\u2019s that for the best of both worlds? \u00a0Serving students, serving the church – that\u2019s what we\u2019ve always done.<\/p>\n