The University of Divinity and Stirling Theological College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Abilene Christian University (ACU) TX, to enable Australian students access to the ACU Doctor of Ministry program. Stirling is the national college of Churches of Christ in Australia and ACU is a leading university from the same movement of churches in the USA.
Under the agreement, most of the coursework component of the Doctor of Ministry will be completed in Australia through Stirling and taught by both US and Australian faculty. The major project will be administered by ACU’s experienced Doctor of Ministry staff and supervised by both Australian and US faculty, depending on the nature of each specific project.
Students with a University of Divinity Master of Divinity (or an equivalent combination of awards from the University of Divinity) and appropriate experience will qualify for admission to the program. The agreement has been approved and warmly welcomed by the Association of Theological Schools USA.
University of Divinity Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gabrielle McMullan commented:
The University if Divinity, as Australia’s only university of specialisation enjoys excellent international relationships with some of the world’s highest quality universities and this is a welcome addition to that network. We are pleased to enable greater access to a fine Doctor of Ministry for our alumni.
Stirling Theological College Principal, Reverend Dr Andrew Menzies commented:
This project has been a wonderful three-way collaboration of the University of Divinity, Abilene Christian University and Stirling Theological college developed with the emerging needs of experienced ministry practitioners in mind. For the last few decades American theology schools have led the way with Doctor of Ministries as significant capstone awards for professional ministers. This new partnership creates access to University of Divinity students to one of the USA’s top ranked Doctor of Ministries at very reasonable cost and requires only two trips to Texas.
An additional benefit that the agreement opens is for faculty exchanges and cooperation in research. The first faculty exchange occurs in Winter 2019.
Enquiries from suitable qualified and experienced ministers should be directed to Stirling Theological College (03) 9790 1000.
Stirling College is committed to ongoing theological reflection and the formation of each member of our learning community. Stirling is committed to being Christ centred in heart, thought, word and deed. We form people towards Christ centred lives, mission and ministry. Stirling is committed to giving students the best possible skills to read the Bible in its original context and to then reflect on what that means for today and how to apply it in their lives, not just for their own benefit but to benefit the Body of Christ in its diverse and varied expressions.
University of Divinity
Graham Joseph Hill
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