Grace Theological Seminary News

DEPARTMENT CHAIR NAMED

noreply@blogger.com (Grace Theological Seminary Admissions) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:28:00 +0000

The Grace College administration has announced the
appointment of Tiberius Rata, Ph.D., as chair of the
Department of Biblical Studies. Dr. Rata, Professor
of Old Testament Studies, joined the Grace faculty in
2005. He is a graduate of California State Polytechnic
University (B.S.), Golden Gate Baptist Theological
Seminary (M.Div.), and Trinity Evangelical Divinity
School (Ph.D.).

The Department of Biblical Studies is part of Grace’s
School of Ministry Studies, consisting of the undergraduate
Department of Biblical Studies and Grace
Theological Seminary. Dr. Rata is leading the department
in implementing several curriculum changes and
explained that the department is committed to a
balanced approach to ministry education, stressing
both academics and the practice of ministry. To
accomplish this, he said, majors in the department will
have the experience of ministry internships, as well as
classroom instruction

Grace Seminary Online Course Policy Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Grace Theological Seminary Admissions) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:16:00 +0000

The following announcement is from Dr. Jeff Gill, Dean:

Since we do not have a full complement of courses available and since we are only in the development stage of courses online we will allow students to have access to all the courses currently not delivered online and direct students to fill the online courses if they desire those courses.

Also, please note that students are welcome to enroll in the second online course this fall which begins 8 weeks later than the fall kickoff on 9/1.

Lee Compson
Director of Seminary Admissions
gtsrec@grace.edu

Grace College Named Among Top Midwestern Colleges

noreply@blogger.com (Grace Theological Seminary Admissions) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:26:00 +0000

U.S. News and World Report today named Grace College in Winona Lake to the top tier of its “Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the Midwest” for 2009.

U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings are based on a number of criteria, including academic reputation, retention rates, graduation rates, faculty, selective admissions practices, financial resources, and alumni giving.

Grace College’s top-tier ranking comes at a time when large numbers of prospective students are applying to the college. The campus is preparing to welcome an estimated 350 new full-time freshmen and transfer students at its new student registration on August 30. The new students come from 26 states and nine foreign countries. Fifteen of the new freshmen at Grace this fall graduated high school as valedictorians and five as salutatorians.

The increasing numbers of applicants are attracted to Grace because of several factors, including the college’s commitment to academic achievement and to the Christian faith. In recent years, Grace has continued to build on its strengths with innovative programs such as the Millennial Scholars Academy, Orthopaedic Scholar Institute, and Presidential Scholarship Competition. In addition, Grace provides students with increasing opportunities for community involvement and domestic and foreign ministries.

Grace starts the fall semester this year with a newly implemented academic organization structure designed to further enhance its academic programs. The college consists of four schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Ministry Studies, School of Music, and School of Adult and Community Education. Grace offers more than 50 majors in its undergraduate departments: Art, Behavioral Science, Biblical Studies, Business, Communication, English and Journalism, Foreign Languages and Cultures, History and Social Studies, Nursing, Science and Mathematics, and School of Music. In addition, the college offers six undergraduate pre-professional programs: pre-law, pre-med, pre-veterinary, pre-physical therapy, pre-dentistry, and pre-physician assistant.

The Grace Graduate Department of Counseling and Interpersonal Relations offers two master’s degree programs. Master’s and doctoral-level programs are offered by Grace Theological Seminary.

Among new programs at Grace this year are two master’s degrees in the seminary featuring blended studies, with on-campus and online components. In addition, the college’s School of Adult and Community Education recently announced its new GOAL (Grace Opportunities for Adult Learners) degree completion program. GOAL provides the opportunity for those who have some college credits to complete their studies and earn a Bachelor of Science in Management degree in as little as 16 months on a convenient evening class schedule. GOAL classes begin in January 2009, and other undergraduate and graduate degree programs for adult learners and online blended learning are in development.

GOAL classes are scheduled in state-of-the-art classroom facilities in the newest building on the Grace campus, the Orthopaedic Capital Center, which was completed last year as the result of a partnership with the local orthopaedic businesses and community. In addition to classroom facilities, the Orthopaedic Capital Center houses an events and sports complex that is the largest of its kind in Kosciusko County.

Last month, Grace also was recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the best colleges and universities in the Midwest. The New York City-based education services company selected Grace as one of the institutions it recommends in its "Best in the Midwest" section on its Web site feature, 2009 Best Colleges: Region by Region.

Grace College is an evangelical Christian liberal arts college that applies biblical values in strengthening character, sharpening competence, and preparing for service. Grace enrolls more than 1,200 students from approximately 40 states and 20 countries. The academic, residential, athletic, and social aspects of the college are designed to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth in a supportive campus community. The college’s 165-acre campus is located in Winona Lake, Indiana. For more information about Grace College, visit www.grace.edu.

—end—

Contact: Joel B. Curry, Director of Marketing and Communication
574.372.5100 ext 6403

Affordable, Convenient Online Education

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:09:00 +0000

Did you know that earning a degree from Grace Theological Seminary has never been more affordable and convenient? That’s right! Beginning August 29, students in the Seminary’s online program will begin a meaningful theological education—without leaving your ministry position—at one of the nation’s most respected seminaries.

We realize education takes time and costs money. But we are committed to helping you every step of the way. The online format helps with the time issue, but we’re also willing to help you financially.

Through the Sparks Endowment, all eligible students may receive up to $65 per credit hour in scholarship funds. With tuition set at $300 per credit hour, you will quickly see the value when you enroll in the Master of Arts in Local Church Studies or the Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies programs. These programs will strengthen your current ministry or profession, and with your scholarship, your tuition per credit hour could be as low as $235. That’s a great savings and value!

So, are you ready to pursue a degree—online—from Grace Theological Seminary? By moving forward with your education at Grace, you won’t have to spend money on significant travel expenses, nor will you have to take vacation days to sit in a classroom. The majority of the classes will come directly through your computer—whether you are home, at work, or relaxing on a beach.

I encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity today! Call Jim Hill at 800.544.7223, extension 6435 or complete the online application by visiting http://gts.grace.edu/apply.htm. We promise to approve all qualified candidates within one day of receiving your official transcript and references!

Warmly in Christ,

Jeffrey Gill, D.Min.

Dean

Grace Theological Seminary

p.s.:
With classes beginning on August 29, take the next step in your ministry by completing the online application today. All eligible students will receive up to a $65 per credit hour scholarship. The online course fees will remain at $125 per course.

Reminder of Sparks Endowment (GTS) Scholarship Deadline

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:17:00 +0000

The deadline for the Sparks Endowment (GTS) scholarship for the fall 2008 semester is August 1. This application can be submitted online:

http://www.gts.grace.edu/GTS-scholarship-application.htm

Dr. Rata's Article Published

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:03:00 +0000

Dr. Tiberius Rata wrote an article on David which
was published recently in InterVarsity Press’ Dictionary
of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings.
The bibliographic citation is: Tiberius Rata,
“David,” pages 86-88 in The Dictionary of the Old
Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings, edited by
Tremper Longman III and Peter Enns (Downers
Grove: Illinois, 2008).

This third Old Testament volume in InterVarsity
Press’ celebrated “Black Dictionary” series offers 148
articles covering all the important aspects of Job,
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, Song of Songs,
Lamentations, Ruth, and Esther. More than 90
contributers have provided information for this
book. To read more, visit www.ivpress.com/cgiivpress/
book.pl/code=1783

Curriculum Published for the Online MA Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:36:00 +0000

The curriculum for the new online programs has been published on the Grace Theological Seminary web site. This includes the MA Local Church Ministry program and the MA Intercultural Studies degree. The course offering schedules have also been posted for these programs. The revised curriculum added a three-phase ministry preparation course spread over the three final semesters of the last year. There are still a total of three face to face class sessions, with one in the fall of the first year for a colloquial gathering, one the following spring, and the third and final visit in the spring of the second year. All of this information is available on the distance education page and also in downloadable PDF format:

http://gts.grace.edu/distance-education.htm

Grace Theological Seminary began their online MA program in January and is expanding the program in the fall of 2008. For more information contact Jim Hill at hilljm@grace.edu, phone at 1-800-54-GRACE x-6435, or by Skype at jimhill1099.

Final Schedule Released for Fall 2008 Colloquial Gathering Being Held August 29 - 31

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:42:00 +0000

Grace Theological Seminary has released the final schedule for the the fall 2008 colloquial gathering to be held on the campus in Winona Lake, Indiana on August 29-31, 2008. All online and all new residential students will be meeting during this time for orientation, fellowship, and worship during the weekend. In addition, all returning and new students are invited for the banquet beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday evening as well as several sessions on Saturday. This includes the All Student Orientation session from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 and the Doing Good Research presentation from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The first online class, Systematic Theology II, will begin meeting for the residential portion of this online class on Monday, September 1, 2008 to Wednesday, September 3 under the direction of Dr. David Plaster.

The agenda for the colloquial gathering is available on the GTS web site:

Fall 2008 Colloquial Gathering Agenda

Grace Theological Seminary began their online seminary program in January, 2008. This provides both MA and certificate level programs for students unable to attend traditional residential seminary. Online students are expected to attend at least one colloquial gathering during their online career. For more information please contact Jim Hill by email at hilljm@grace.edu or phone at 800-54-GRACE x-6435.

Draft Agenda Released for the Fall 2008 Colloquial Gathering

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:12:00 +0000

Grace Theological Seminary has released a draft of the fall 2008 colloquial gathering to be held on the campus in Winona Lake, Indiana on August 29-31, 2008. All online and all new residential students will be meeting during this time for orientation, fellowship, and worship during the weekend. The first online class, Systematic Theology II, will begin meeting for the residential portion of this online class beginning on Monday, September 1, 2008 under the direction of Dr. David Plaster. A draft of the agenda is available on the GTS web site:

2008 Colloquial Gathering Agenda Draft.pdf

Reference Forms Now Available Online

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:25:00 +0000

Grace Theological Seminary has simplified their seminary application process by providing online forms for all of the required references. This includes the pastor's reference, church endorsement, and personal reference forms. Grace began offering an online seminary degree in January of 2008 and is expanding the program in the fall to include the MA Intercultural Studies as well as the current MA Local Church Ministry degree. Students without the prerequisite bachelor's degree will also be able to take classes for certificate programs in biblical studies and intercultural studies.

Links to these forms are available on the seminary application page:

http://gts.grace.edu/seminary-application.htm

Grace Theological Seminary Graduates and Students Honored

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:28:00 +0000

Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, Indiana, announced the recipients of its annual awards at the President’s Luncheon on May 2. Seminary dean Dr. Jeff Gill recognized the following students and 2008 graduates for their outstanding work:

Jeffrey J. Pictor (M.A. 08) - The Alva J. McClain Award in Systematic Theology.

Josh A. Topel (M.Div. 08) - The John J. Davis Award in Old Testament.

J. Michael McKay (M.A. 08) - The Homer A. Kent Award in New Testament.

J. Carlos Tellez (M.A. 08) - The Russell D. Barnard Award in World Missions.

Kevin R. Becker - Award in Expository Preaching.

Andrew A. Koetsier (M.Div. 08) - Faculty Award.

Grace Theological Seminary is a conservative evangelical school which provides residential and online education at the certificate, master's, and doctoral level. For more information please contact Jim Hill at hilljm@grace.edu or call 1-800-54-GRACE x-6435.

New Online Forms Added to GTS Web Page

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:01:00 +0000

The following online forms have been added to the Grace Theological Seminary web page:

Unclassified Student Application Form

Sparks Endowment (GTS Scholarship) Form

The unclassified student application allows someone to take up to four master's level seminary courses or two D.Min level modules before they complete the formal application process. The Sparks Endowment is a renewal scholarship benefit program for Grace Seminary students. Please follow the links above or visit the GTS Forms page.

Dr. Harmon to Lead BibleWorks Training Class May 16, 2008 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Mounds View, Minnesota

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:36:00 +0000

Dr. Matt Harmon will be leading a BibleWorks version 7 training class at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mounds View, Minnesota on Friday, May 16, 2008 from 8:30 to 4:00. Two classes will be offered, an Essential Workshop and an Intermediate Workshop. The cost per workshop is $25.

For more information please follow this link:

http://www.bibleworks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3060

Dr. Christy Morr Publishes Book Review in "Christian Reflection"

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:29:00 +0000

Dr. Christy Morr of Grace Theological Seminary has published a book review in the Center for Christian Ethics Christian Reflection. Dr. Morr reviewed three different books dealing with spiritual community. Dr. Morr said in the headline to the article, "By showing how close friendships within congregations are important not just for personal fulfillment but also for spiritual transformation, these three books points us away from 'Jesus and me' individualism and toward 'Jesus and we' spiritual community."

The full review is available on the Baylor University Center for Christian Ethics web site:

Latest Issue

Dr. Morr's Article in PDF

Grace Theological Seminary Announces Distance Ed / Online Tuition Rate for 2008 / 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:39:00 +0000

Grace Theological Seminary recently announced a tuition rate increase for distance education (DE) students beginning the 2008/2009 school year. This increase will significantly impact our students since over the course of a five year plan the seminary has decided to bring the DE tuition in line with that of the residential seminary program. The new DE tuition will be $386 per credit hour and online students will be charged an additional technology fee of $125 per course. The seminary will continue to offer courses in both the distance ed (CD, DVD, and ITS) format during a transition period during which courses will be converted to online format.

Last week the seminary announced that two scholarship programs currently available for residential students have been extended to distance ed and online students. The Sparks Endowment, also known as the GTS Scholarship, will provide up to $65 per credit hour for Grace Brethren Church members or $50 for members of non-Grace churches. This is a recurring benefit which requires students to submit an online scholarship application each year as well as write a thank you note to one of the donors. More information is available at:

http://www.gts.grace.edu/GTS-scholarship-application.htm

In addition, Grace announced that the Partners in Education program has been extended to distance ed and online students. This is a matching grant program in which Grace Seminary matches a sponsoring churches gift of up to $500 per year. This creates a total benefit of $1,000 per year and is distributed in the amount of 50% in the fall semester and the balance in the spring. Churches are encouraged to sponsor their seminary students with any amount but the maximum that Grace will match is $500 per year. No application is necessary for this benefit. The church should send the donation payable to Grace Schools attention the name of the seminary student that they are sponsoring.

For more information please contact Jim Hill in Grace Seminary Admissions. The full version of the announcement from Dr. Mark Soto is posted here:

2008-2009 Seminary Tuition Announcement.pdf

Monthly Creation Luncheon Meeting to Be Held of Wednesday, April 23, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:49:00 +0000

The regular monthly creation luncheon discussion meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 23 at 11:30 am to 1:00 pm in the alumni room of the Alpha Dining Commons. This month's discussions will be on reactions to the new movie Expelled by Ben Stein as well as other current creation related events. The meeting will be chaired by Dr. DeYoung. Everyone is welcome.

The creation luncheon meeting is a group that meets every month on the campus of Grace College and Seminary to discuss biblical creation from a young earth perspective. If you have any questions please call me or send an email: Jim Hill, Grace Seminary Admissions, 1-800-544-7223 x-6435 or hilljm@grace.edu.

Sparks Endowment (GTS Scholarship) Application is Now Available Online

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:49:00 +0000

Since the Sparks Endowment (GTS Scholarship) was extended to distance education and online students enrolled in master's level programs of 48 credit hours or more Grace Theological Seminary has made the application form for this generous scholarship benefit available online. This improvement was made in order to better support our growing online student base. Additionally, the seminary application process was recently streamlined to include online forms for submission of student's personal testimony as well as improvements to how the electronic application process is handled once students submit their online application.

If you are a new or current student and need to submit your annual application for the Sparks Endowment program please visit the following link at the Grace Theological Seminary web page:

http://www.gts.grace.edu/GTS-scholarship-application.htm

___________________________

Grace Theological Seminary launched the online seminary program in pilot form in January, 2008. The program will be expanded to a larger enrollment in the fall under the direction of Dr. Mark Soto. Dr. Soto is a graduate of Appalachian Bible College (B.A.), Liberty University (M.A.R.), Grace Theological Seminary (M.Div, Th.M, D.Min) and is finishing his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Instructional Design for Online Learning at Capella University. Students interested in Grace's online seminary programs may visit http://gts.grace.edu/distance-education.htm.

Grace Seminary to Expand the Partners in Education Scholarship Program

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:57:00 +0000

Dr. Jeff Gill, Dean of the School of Ministry Studies, is pleased to announce that beginning this fall Grace Theological Seminary will expand the Partners in Education scholarship program to include both online and distance ed students pursuing either the MA Local Church Ministry or MA Intercultural Studies programs. This program provides a matching grant of up to $500 per school year against a donation from the student's church. A student must be at least a half-time student enrolled in a two or three year seminary program.

In order to receive the benefit, students must instruct their church to submit their donation payable to Grace Schools, attention the name of the student, Business Office, 200 Seminary Drive, Winona Lake, IN 46590. If you have questions, please contact Deea Breeden at 1-800-544-7223 x-6437 or drop her an email at breededn@grace.edu.

Grace Seminary to Expand Sparks Endowment Scholarship Fund Program

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:46:00 +0000

Dr. Jeff Gill, Dean of the School of Ministry Studies, is pleased to announce that beginning this fall Grace Theological Seminary will expand the Sparks Endowment Fund scholarship program to both online and distance education students enrolled in either the MA Local Church Ministry or MA Intercultural Studies programs. This program, also known as the GTS Scholarship, presently provides a generous benefit of $65 per hour for Grace Brethren Church members, or $50 for non-Grace Brethren students.

To inquire about the criteria for this scholarship program or to apply for it by submitting an online form please visit the following web page at the Grace Theological Seminary:

http://www.gts.grace.edu/GTS-scholarship-application.htm

The program applies to both current students as well as new students, but students have to reapply each year to received the benefit as well as meeting other criteria. If you have questions, please contact Jim Hill at 1-800-544-7223 x-6435 or drop him an email at hilljm@grace.edu.

Dr. Roger Peugh's Chapel Message "God Takes Pleasure in a Humble Heart"

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:21:00 +0000

Dr. Roger Peugh presented a message in chapel on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 entitled, God Takes Pleasure in a Humble Heart" from the text of Leviticus 26. Please follow the link below to listen to the message.

Download the message here in MP3 format

Grace Seminary Hosting Two Week Long Courses this Month

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:33:00 +0000

Grace Theological Seminary will be hosting the following week long courses in April:

The D.Min course, Cultural Anthropology for Ministry will be held April 7-11, 2008 on campus at Grace Seminary and led by Dr. Tom Stallter. Approximately 11 students will participate.
The Master's level course, Counseling in the Local Church, will be held in a module format April 14-18 on campus and led by Dr. Ken Bickel. Five residential students and nine distance education students will be participating.

Housing Forum Added to Grace Theological Seminary Home Page

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:46:00 +0000

Grace Theological Seminary has added a forum to its Internet home page for discussion and information concerning student housing in the Winona Lake, Indiana region. This new web page will provide current students and student candidates that have submitted an application to be authors on this web page. One advantage of this format is that it will allow posting for those seminary students looking for a roommate. Also, students may post information about upcoming housing vacancies that they become aware of. Anyone with a Google account may comment on the posts. Additionally, the current version of the rent guide is posted there in a password protected format. Current students and student candidates may request the password by contacting Grace Theological Seminary admissions at Seminary Admissions. The April 2008 rent guide has already been posted on the new site.

The new ministry page contains a news feed service and is located at:

http://gts.grace.edu/housing

Seminary Wives Forum Announced for Grace Theological Seminary Home Page

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:39:00 +0000

Grace Theological Seminary has added a seminary wives forum on their Internet home page. This is a resource for the GTS Wives organization to network with their members by maintaining a central location for meeting notices and correspondence. This ministry was launched in February of 2008 and is headed by Kristin Humiston whose husband came to seminary in the fall of 2008. The new ministry page contains a news feed service and is located at:

http://gts.grace.edu/wives

Grace College and Seminary Continues Online Education Development

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:53:00 +0000

PR Web March 28, 2008 Grace College and Theological Seminary, a Christian liberal arts college and theological seminary in the Winona Lake, Indiana, for years has had a vision for developing a state-of-the-art online campus. Now, only months from its launch, Grace is finalizing the last details of its online education initiative with The Learning House, Inc., a total online education solutions provider located in Louisville, KY.

[For the full press release, click here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/03/prweb809344.htm]

Reminder of the Glimpse of Grace Event this Friday, 3/28/2008

noreply@blogger.com (Jim Hill) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:09:00 +0000

This is a reminder that the Glimpse of Grace event will be held this Friday, March 28 on the campus of Grace Theological Seminary. This consists of two events, a scholarship competition beginning at 3:00 in the afternoon and a banquet at Westminster Hall at 6:00 p.m. Scholarship awards will be announced approximately one week after the program in the following one-time amounts:

Three trustee scholarships of $2,000 each
Three faculty scholarships of $1,000 each
Five achievement scholarships of $500 each

All fall 2008 and spring 2009 seminary candidates are welcome to attend the banquet but in order to compete for the scholarship they must have completed a seminary application and bring along a 500 word essay on why they are called to seminary.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Jim Hill.