A Program of Theology Matters
The Institute for Theological Education
Equipping the next generation of ministers for Presbyterian and other Christian congregations through biblical, confessionally Reformed instruction.
Fourteen faculty and fellowsa 36-hour accredited M.A. with the University of Dubuque Theological Seminaryin person and online
Three pathways into Reformed theology
The Institute carries the mission of Theology Matters into the classroom and the parish. It educates candidates for ministry through classes on the Bible, historic Reformed theology, and church history, and mentors them in a congregational setting in the practice of preaching, leading worship, pastoral care, and polity.
If you are called to ministry
M.A. in Reformed Theology
A 36-hour Master of Arts in Reformed Theology in partnership with the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.
Read about the M.A.If you are already serving a congregation
Continuing Education
Educational seminars and retreats for pastors, elders, teachers, and other congregational leaders who want to keep growing in theological depth.
Inquire about a seminarIf you teach or lead in your church
Adult Education
Courses, lectures, and seminars open to anyone interested, whether for academic credit, a certificate in theological studies, or as auditors.
Inquire about courses
A degree built by pastor-scholars
Theology Matters and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary have established a new Master of Arts program in Reformed Theology committed to the teaching of the Old and New Testaments, the classic texts valued by the Reformed tradition, and congregational ministry.
Teachers in this program are pastor-scholars whose knowledge has been tested in both academic and congregational settings.
The M.A. in Reformed Theology is a fully accredited, 36-hour degree offered in a hybrid format that includes both in-person and online instruction. The degree offers a pathway for those preparing for ordained or non-ordained leadership positions in the church, for those already serving in leadership positions (including pastors and commissioned lay pastors transferring into a Presbyterian denomination), and for advanced lay teachers.
The M.A. also provides a basic education for those pursuing graduate study in theology, philosophy, church history, and biblical studies. A central goal is to help raise up a new generation of ministers, especially for congregations in the Reformed-Presbyterian tradition.
Learning outcomes
The curriculum will enable students to:
- Identify and articulate the core commitments of the Christian tradition with a focus on the Reformed tradition.
- Analyze how key theological terms and concepts emerged and function within the Christian tradition and, more specifically, the Reformed tradition.
- Describe and evaluate the core commitments of the catholic and Reformed tradition in conversation with historical and contemporary critics.
- Explain how key theological terms and concepts have been understood and applied in Christian congregations of various times and places, and, more specifically, congregations of the Reformed tradition.
- Analyze and apply the principles of excellent moral character and professional ethics in the context of the Reformed tradition to current practices within it.
I believe that faithful Christian leaders today must be formed within an alternative educational culture that is seldom available through most mainline theological seminaries today but is possible with innovative strategic partnerships that authentically recognize that the way to human flourishing remains an ever-present need and our calling as participants in a Great Commissioning.
Available courses
The M.A. curriculum balances foundations in Scripture and Reformed theology with elective study in church history, preaching, worship, and the major theologians of the tradition.
36 credits: 18 required and 18 elective, 3 credits a course; other elective offerings will be considered. Course codes are the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary’s. Course descriptions in the UDTS catalogue
Required courses
- IN 510 Introduction to the Reformed Tradition 3 credits
- BI 620 Interpretation of the Old Testament in the Reformed Tradition 3 credits
- BI 630 Interpretation of the New Testament in the Reformed Tradition 3 credits
- HT 520 Reformed Theology I 3 credits
- HT 530 Reformed Theology II 3 credits
- TSR 795 Capstone Project in Reformed Theology 3 credits
Electives in church history
- HT 500 Early and Medieval Church History 3 credits
- HT 502 Reformation and Modern Church History 3 credits
- HT 615 Presbyterian History and Confessions 3 credits
- HT 667 American Puritanism through Edwards 3 credits
Electives on the theologians
- HT 749 The Theology of Augustine 3 credits
- HT 775 The Theology of John Calvin 3 credits
- HT 773 The Theology of Karl Barth 3 credits
- HT 769 The Theology of T.F. Torrance 3 credits
Electives in worship and preaching
- MN 501 Leading Christian Worship 3 credits
- MN 616 The Psalms in Christian Worship 3 credits
- MN 632 Preaching from the Old Testament 3 credits
- MN 633 Preaching from the New Testament 3 credits
- MN 640 Proclaiming the Word 3 credits
- MN 642 Expository Preaching 3 credits
- MN 709 Worship in the Reformed Tradition 3 credits
The faculty and fellows you’ve been reading
A roster of working pastors, seminary professors, and church leaders, each formed in academic study and tested in the practice of ministry. Thirteen of the fourteen write for Theology Matters: 67 essays between them, 1995 to 2026.
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Jerry Andrews, Ph.D.
The University of Chicago. Patristics.
Senior Pastor Emeritus, First Presbyterian Church, San Diego, California. Board Member, Theology Matters.
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Stephanie L. Black, Ph.D.
University of Surrey Roehampton. New Testament.
Missionary and Education Specialist, Nairobi, Kenya and Richmond, Virginia.
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Richard E. Burnett, Ph.D.
Princeton Theological Seminary. Theology.
Managing Editor, Theology Matters. E.J. Rice Professor of Reformed Theology and Director of the Institute for Theological Education. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
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Bryan Burton, Ph.D.
Queen's University Belfast. Theology.
Pastor of Hope Community Church, Lakeland, Florida.
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Stephen D. Crocco, Ph.D.
Princeton University. Christian Ethics.
Retired Director of Yale University Divinity School Library. Associate Pastor, Oakmont Presbyterian Church, Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
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J. Andrew Dearman, Ph.D.
Emory University. Old Testament.
Senior Professor of Old Testament and Dean Emeritus, Fuller Theological Seminary. Houston, Texas.
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James R. Edwards, Ph.D.
Fuller Theological Seminary. New Testament.
Professor Emeritus of Theology, Whitworth University. Spokane, Washington.
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James C. Goodloe IV, Ph.D.
The University of Chicago. Theology and Historical Theology.
Retired Executive Director, Foundation for Reformed Theology. Vice President, Theology Matters. Richmond, Virginia.
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James Hering, Ph.D.
University of Aberdeen. New Testament.
Pastor of Warrenton Presbyterian Church, Abbeville, South Carolina.
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Bradley J. Longfield, Ph.D.
Duke University. Church History.
Professor Emeritus of Church History, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Dubuque, Iowa.
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Timothy McConnell, Ph.D.
University of Virginia. Patristics.
Lead Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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Suzanne McDonald, Ph.D.
University of St. Andrews. Systematic and Historical Theology.
Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Western Theological Seminary. Holland, Michigan.
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James D. Miller, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor Emeritus, First Presbyterian Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Affiliate faculty, M.A. in Reformed Theology.
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Randal C. Working, Ph.D.
Fuller Theological Seminary. Theology and Culture.
Pastor of Acton Community Presbyterian Church. President, Theology Matters. Acton, California.
Six commitments at the heart of the work
The Institute identifies, recruits, and educates pastors for Presbyterian and other Christian congregations who are formed for:
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Preaching
Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news that in Christ crucified and risen, God has reconciled the world to himself.
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.”
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Worship
Leading faithful worship of God, in spirit and in truth, ordered around the reading and proclamation of Word and the right administration of Sacrament.
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
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Teaching
Teaching the historic faith of the church, grounded in Scripture and confessed across the centuries in the catholic creeds and the Reformed confessions.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching.”
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Caring
Caring for the men, women, and children entrusted to their pastoral care, in seasons of joy, sorrow, and the ordinary days between.
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you.”
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Building
Building up congregations in faith, hope, and love, that the body of Christ may grow into maturity in every part.
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
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Leading
Leading in missions, both local and global, that the gospel of Jesus Christ may be heard, believed, and lived among all peoples.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible.
Hosted at Providence Presbyterian Church
Courses are delivered through a combination of in-person and online class instruction. In-person instruction is hosted at Providence Presbyterian Church, where students gather alongside the working ministry of a Reformed congregation.
Support for those called to study
We seek to provide scholarship assistance to the best qualified students we can find: students who have faith in Jesus Christ, desire to be his disciples, and seek to understand God’s Word; who exhibit intellectual and moral courage; who are spiritually curious and eager to learn; who hold a solid bachelor’s degree and a strong academic record, a serious work ethic, a recommendation from a teacher and a pastor or church leader, and a growing sense of call.
If that describes you, or someone you know, we would like to hear from you.
Applying for the degree
Admission to the M.A. is through the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; the recommended dates are June 15 to begin with the August residency or the fall term, and November 15 for a spring or summer start.
- Meet with UDTS Admission to ask about the program, courses and the application.
- Apply online through GradCAS, the seminary’s application system.
- Submit a background check with your application.
You will need
- Official transcripts from any prior higher education
- Application essays (topics are given in the application)
- Three letters of recommendation: a pastor, a professor, and a colleague or friend
- Documentation of your work experience
- A background check
- A TOEFL score, if English is not your first language
Students are strongly encouraged to begin with the brief August residency introductory course.
Start your UDTS applicationCost and financial aid
Questions about admission: udtsadmission@dbq.edu 800.369.8387
How to apply for a scholarship
- Download the scholarship form (Word)
- Complete the form and email it to institute@theologymatters.com for consideration.
- We will follow up by email.
Thank you for your interest in the Institute.
The Scholarship Fund
Give to raise up the next generation of pastors
Help fund scholarships and instruction for the next generation of pastors.
Give onlineSecure giving through PayPal. Tax-deductible.
To give by check, make it out to Theology Matters, write “Scholarship Fund” on the memo line, and mail it to Theology Matters, P.O. Box 50026, Greenwood, SC 29649.