Christian Education: Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

History and Vision

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary's (GCTS) heritage spans across American history, finding its roots in two separate institutes of theological training. In 1884 in Philadelphia, the Rev. Russell Conwell founded the Conwell School of Theology, which was later transformed into Temple University in Philadelphia. In 1889, it was the desire of the Rev. A.J. Gordon to equip "men and women in practical religious work...and to furnish them with a thoroughly biblical training," thus beginning the Boston Missionary Training School. In 1969, under the leadership of philanthropist J. Howard Pew, Dr. Harold J. Ockenga, and Dr. Billy Graham, the Conwell School of Theology and Gordon Divinity School merged to become a singular institute for theological education, thus beginning Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. These men had a desire to see an institution "established within a strong evangelical framework, an independent, interdenominational seminary whose constituents are united in the belief that the Bible is the infallible, authoritative Word of God...consecrated to educating men and women in all facets of gospel outreach."

GCTS has undergone several transformations since 1969, yet their vision remains clear: "to advance Christ’s kingdom in all of life and culture - politics and media, education and the arts – by equipping the heart, mind, soul and strength of leaders." The school continues to be interdenominational, united under the infallibility of scripture, the deity of Christ, and the shared idea that theological depth and understanding is necessary and important for the Church. GCTS is currently the 5th largest seminary in America.

Campuses

GCTS's main campus is in South Hamilton, MA, but several other locations exist to serve the GCTS community. The Boston, MA campus is the Center for Urban Ministerial Education, and extension campusus are located in Charolette, NC and Jacksonville, FL.

Semlink

Semlink is a unique program that offers students the opportunity to obtain accredited, graduate-level seminary training from a distance via recorded audio lectures,printed study guides, lecture outlines, study questions, and bibliographies for further reading. This is all delievered to the Semlink student via CD-ROM and is used in conjunction with a companion website that encourages interaction with other Semlink students and the instructor.

Degree Programs

GCTS offers a wide variety of degree programs depending on which campus is attended:

Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Master of Arts Professional

Master of Arts in Counseling/Master of Arts in Christian Counseling (MACO)

Master of Arts in Missions and Evangelism Goals (MAME)

Master of Arts in Urban Ministry Goals (MAUM)

Master of Arts in Youth Ministry Goals (MAYM)

Master of Arts in Educational Ministries (MAEM)

Master of Arts Academic

Master of Arts in Religion (MAR)

Master of Arts in Theological Studies (Christian Leadership) (MATS)

Master of Arts in Theology (MATH)

Master of Arts in Church History (MACH)

Master of Arts in Biblical Languages (MABL)

Master of Arts in New Testament (MANT)

Master of Arts in Old Testament (MAOT)

Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.)

Master of Theology (Th.M.)

GCTS also offers several unique study opportunities that include exchanges, missions, internships, and many other options.

Tuition

GCTS tuition rates are reasonable, and are comprable to other institutes of theological training at the masters and doctorate degree levels:

Per Credit Hour $416

Per Course (3 Credit Course) $1,248

Books $125

These costs are, of course, approximations and are dependent on specific classes and campus locations.

Faculty

Dr. James Emery White is the current president of GCTS, and serves as a professor of theology and culture. Dr. White is a noted writer and scholar and is the founder of Serious Times, an organization designed to help Christians understand how the church is to function within the culture.

Dr. Walter Kaiser is the immediate past president of GCTS, an internationally known Old Testament scholar and writer. Dr. Kaiser retired in 2006 and still frequently conducts seminars and classes for GCTS.

Dr. David Wells is the 1979 Andew Mutch Distinguished Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology and is well known in the evangelical community for the books he has written to include God in the Wastelands and Above All Earthly Pow'er: Christ in a Postmodern World.

GCTS has a full faculty of distinguished professors committed to providing quality theological training and encouraging critical thought and biblical analysis.

Additional GCTS Resources

Listen to GCTS chapel services free online.

Attend a seminar provided by the Ockenga Institute.

Visit the GCTS Bookcentre to view publications by GCTS professors.

Read GCTS News and stay up-to-date on the current events associated with the seminary.