why CHOOSE carey?
CAREY believes that our educational mission is to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to live more intentionally, thoughtfully and faithfully in the church and the world. Our goal is to help our students engage their culture and circles as thoughtful Christians, to be lifelong learners and to be effective workers in their local churches and communities.
WHY STUDY AT CAREY?
CAREY’S VISION IS TO EMPOWER FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN LEADERS FOR
EVERY GENERATION, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY.
Going to seminary is a big decision – it costs time, money, effort, and energy. Besides getting “certified” for ministry and an academic degree, is it worth it after all? As you contemplate studying at Carey Theological College, here are a few things that we would like to tell you about what you can expect from your theological studies journey at Carey.
1
You will anchor your theological studies around the Great Commandment and the Great Commission
It is important to build a good foundation to theological studies. We believe that “Loving God, Loving your neighbour, and Engaging in God's Mission in the World” is the ultimate goal of theological education regardless of the specific context of ministry which our students serve. These values shape the foundation of the first year in our masters’ curriculum.
2
You will learn to reframe your story within God's story
All students at Carey are invited to consider 3 fundamental questions of faith and life during their first year of study: Who is the God whom Christians trust, love, and serve? What is God doing in the world? How does God work in and through us? Students will be invited to find their place in the drama of God's salvation story through the tools of biblical and theological reflection and discern their vocational call in the work of God’s kingdom.
3
You will engage in "Situated in Life Learning"
Carey's curriculum engages students in rigorous theological reflection and meaningful dialogue. Both the curriculum and dialogue are grounded in solid biblical foundation embedded in real life issues, questions and problems that affect the students' ministry context as well as the global church. In addition, every student who graduates from Carey will create an action-based research project that calls for biblical and theological reflection upon key ministry issues.
4
You will experience "life on life discipleship"
Some people might wonder how community and friendships are built in a primarily online learning environment. Through regular online gatherings students share life stories and reflect on their spiritual growth with peers and mentors. As a result, Carey students form a strong bond with each other that last beyond their studies.
You will build a global network with ministry colleagues who share your passion for Jesus. Carey’s online learning model is the perfect venue for students to meet friends from all over the world who want to equip themselves for the cause of the Kingdom. The online classroom experience at Carey will broaden your horizon on God’s work in the world, allowing you to interact in real time with brothers and sisters from the global Church.
HOW DO WE TEACH AT CAREY?
CAREy's online learning model is designed to keep you fully engaged in learning while living in your community
Theological education can often feel disconnected from real-life ministry. Rather than a traditional seminary that teaches only abstract theories and ideas, Carey provides students with practical ministry skills. Carey embodies active learning for real-life ministry through three aspects.
1
Situated in Life (sitz im leben) Learning
Carey makes use of online teaching to ensure that its students are embedded in their ministerial context. At Carey, the student’s context and ministry become another classroom in itself, helping to shape the curriculum with its own questions and problems. Our students will feel prepared for ministry long before graduating because they will have the experience of learning in the midst of ministry. They will also be prepared for any issues that may arise after they have left Carey, having learned from their fellow students’ ministerial issues. Learning from their fellow classmates’ experiences in tackling these issues will give them real contemporary answers.
2
Robust Theological Dialogue
Carey makes use of case studies in its courses as a way to make abstract theological concepts come to life in the realities of student ministry contexts. Students can contribute case studies from their own ministerial situation, helping to expand both their own and other students’ learning. These case studies also help to prepare students for the complexities of working in ministry, rather than providing simple and neat answers in a sterile classroom.
3
Community
Carey understands the importance of community and mentorship alongside theological studies. It is in community that each of us becomes more Christ-like. Within your first year studying in one of our Masters programs you will join a community of fellow students and professors that will meet throughout the entirety of your program (and often beyond). We understand that the pace and strain of theological studies can often leave students feeling isolated and disconcerted. These communities provide a place for reflection, discipleship, and further integrating learning.
CLASS ZOOM SESSION - EXAMPLE
student stories
"When I received the presidential scholarship from Carey, I braced myself for the long essays and assignments often associated with foreign seminaries. To my surprise, Carey had a unique way of teaching. Studying and learning was not only involved but also interesting. Important theological questions are asked in the simplest form. Inquiring questions allowed students to seek answers that help them to discover biblical truths personally. The teachers also give students the tools to use research in the questions post.
Another unique way of learning at Carey is through student interactions with one another. Views and ideas expressed by students are challenged by other students. This helps to bring out the positives and negatives in each student’s submission. So, even though students do not meet face to face in a classroom they get to be very interactive in their studies. Video conferences are also held intermittently so teachers can share with students. Carey’s classes provides a new way to learn unlike the usual sit down lecture based learning."
"Carey’s President’s Scholarship has allowed me to study the Bible in new ways. The courses are biblically sound and theologically relevant. They foster spiritual and academic growth in crucial areas of ministry while building and preparing for a complete ministry in the future."
"As a pastor and parent of young children, Carey has helped tremendously with my goals of learning about Jesus as well as growing in Christ. I would recommend Carey to anyone with a goal of pursuing high quality Christian education in a flexible manner."
