A NNUA L REP ORT 2020
A LETTER FROM OUR CHANCELLOR Dear Friends of TMS, In the world of graduate education, The Master’s Seminary is truly unique. Our mission is singular: to train pastors to preach and teach the Word of God. Our curriculum is narrow, with an emphasis on the translation, interpretation, and proclamation of Scripture. Our mandate is divine, entrusting the truth to the next generation of faithful men. And our impact is eternal, as graduates go out to herald the gospel in pulpits around the world. As I write this, our nation is grappling with a global pandemic. Fear and anxiety have gripped the hearts of many. But against the backdrop of dark days, the light of the gospel shines brightly. As a seminary, our response is not to shrink back, but to stand firm, lean in, and advance the cause of our heavenly Master. The urgency of our mission has never been more clear; the gravity of our mandate, never more sobering. In times of crisis, people need substance, not superficiality. They need shepherding, not entertainment. That is why I’m so grateful for the nearly 2,000 graduates of The Master’s Seminary who are ministering faithfully in more than 40 nations across the globe. Another 600 men are currently being equipped for a lifetime of front-line ministry. By God’s grace, TMS remains stable, secure, and strong. Our resolve has not wavered. Our convictions are unchanged. Yet, the opportunity for gospel influence continues to increase. The fields are white unto harvest. Thank you for partnering with us, through your prayers and generosity, as we train laborers for the vital work of gospel ministry. Yours for the Master
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM An earnest desire to train men for gospel ministry has always been at the heart of The Master’s Seminary. What began in the 1980’s as a shuttle-service of men to a nearby seminary soon became an extension program on the campus of Grace Community Church. Then, in the fall of 1986, The Master’s Seminary first opened its doors. From its very beginning, the seminary has been unified in sound doctrine and its commitment to excellence in educational standards, all in an effort to produce preachers. The Master’s Seminary has flourished under the leadership of Dr. John MacArthur. Under his guidance, TMS has grown from ninety-five students and four full-time faculty members into an institution bustling with twenty full-time faculty and over six hundred men. Nearly 2,000 TMS alumni are currently serving the church around the world. Under the careful direction of Dr. MacArthur and the faculty and staff, TMS has trained men for gospel ministry for over thirty years now.
The 2020-2021 school year introduces a new chapter at The Master’s Seminary. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Sam Horn was unanimously elected in February as the next president of The Master’s Seminary. Dr. Horn will assume this position in June, in which he will serve alongside Dr. MacArthur, the current Chancellor Emeritus. In addition, Dr. Horn will work closely with a team of TMS executives as his consultants: Drs. Nathan Busenitz, Austin Duncan, and Mark Zhakevich. Together, these men will serve alongside the board of directors. This new format is intended to make The Master’s Seminary as successful as possible in training men for gospel ministry. The leadership, faculty, and staff of TMS are united in their original mission: to faithfully and rigorously train men for gospel ministry.
DR. JOHN MACARTHUR Dr. John MacArthur serves as Chancellor Emeritus of The Master’s University and Seminary. As Chancellor Emeritus, Dr. MacArthur will continue providing spiritual guidance for the institution. In addition, he will remain a vital part of the heartbeat of training here with TMS students in the classroom, chapel, and at other events.
DR. SAM HORN Dr. Sam Horn is the President of The Master’s University and Seminary. Dr. Horn earned a B.A. in Bible, an M.A. in Bible, and a Ph.D. in New Testament interpretation from Bob Jones University. In 2007, Dr. Horn completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at The Master’s Seminary. Previously, Dr. Horn has served as Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Ministerial Advancement at Bob Jones University, President of Central Baptist Theological Seminary, and in several roles at Northland International University.
DR. NATHAN BUSENITZ Dr. Nathan Busenitz serves as the Dean of Faculty and Academic Provost at The Master’s Seminary. Dr. Busenitz holds a B.A. from The Master’s University and three advanced degrees from The Master’s Seminary: an M.Div., a Th.M., and a Ph.D. Dr. Busenitz also teaches historical theology at TMS and serves as a pastor and elder at Grace Community Church.
DR. AUSTIN DUNCAN Dr. Austin Duncan serves as Professor of Pastoral Ministries, Director of D.Min. studies, and Director of MacArthur Center for Expository Preaching at The Master’s Seminary. Dr. Duncan earned a B.A. from the University of New Mexico as well as an M.Div. and D.Min. from The Master’s Seminary. He teaches courses in pastoral ministry, preaching, and exposition at TMS. In addition, he serves as College Pastor and elder at Grace Community Church.
DR. MARK ZHAKEVICH Dr. Mark Zhakevich serves as Associate Professor of New Testament and Executive Director of Finance at The Master’s Seminary. Dr. Zhakevich earned a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, an M.Div. and Th.M. from The Master’s Seminary, and a Ph.D. from The University of Edinburgh. He teaches courses in New Testament and exegesis. Dr. Zhakevich is also a pastor and elder at Grace Community Church.
TMS FINANCIALS THE WORK AT THE MASTER’S SEMINARY COULD NOT BE ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF OUR MINISTRY PARTNERS. WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR YOUR GENEROSIT Y TO THIS MINISTRY. YOUR INVESTMENT PREPARES MEN FOR A LIFETIME OF GOSPEL MINISTRY.
2.5M 2.4M Total Donations to TMS Annual Fund:
2019 FISCAL YEAR
1.35M 1.39M
2020 FISCAL YEAR
2019 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED 2020 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED
2,902 2,088*
TOTAL GIFTS FOR 2019 FISCAL YEAR TOTAL GIFTS FOR 2020 FISCAL YEAR *A S O F M A RCH 2020
Specific Scholarships Awarded:
BECAUSE OF THE GENEROSITY OF OUR DONORS: Tuition for the M.Div. has been reduced by an average of 37% Tuition for Spanish programs has been reduced by an average of 84% Tuition for the Th.M. has been reduced by an average of 28% Tuition for the Ph.D. has been reduced by an average of 99% Tuition for the D.Min. has been reduced by an average of 12%
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED
2019 FISCAL YEAR TOTALS
# OF STUDENTS IMPACTED
Project Timothy
$367,808
126
Spanish Scholarships
$182,155
123
Dr. Richard Mayhue Honors Scholarship
$165,677
(FULLY FUNDED)
Dr. Irv Busenitz Scholarship
$84,420
(FULLY FUNDED)
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED
2020 FISCAL YEAR TOTALS
# OF STUDENTS IMPACTED
Project Timothy
$342,939
137
Spanish Scholarships
$213,430
141
Dr. Richard Mayhue Honors Scholarship
$114,316
(FULLY FUNDED)
Dr. Irv Busenitz Scholarship
$114,375
(FULLY FUNDED)
12 8
14
12
“Thank you, financial supporters of TMS, for investing in me and other men for the sake of the gospel!” DAN CRABTREE, M.DIV. 2019
“Our ministry training can only be possible because of your generous contributions. They make a huge difference in our lives by reducing the financial burden of seminary training. It not only helps us students stay more focused on our studies, but it also ensures the seminary’s ability to provide outstanding educational opportunities for us. Ultimately, your inexpressible gifts not only produce thanksgiving, but also make us glorify God because of His grace (2 Cor. 9:11-13). Thank you for all your support and generosity.” JOSE KI WON KIM, CURRENT M.DIV. STUDENT
“Though thank you seems hardly enough to convey my gratitude, I want to say thank you. Your generosity has enabled me to do ministry unencumbered by financial concerns and has removed a huge pressure off of me and my family. It is hard to convey what a blessing this is. Though you may not get to directly see the impact of your giving, I can tell you firsthand that there are 50 junior high and high school students in Fair Oaks, CA, who are being impacted by it. I trust there are countless more people across the globe who will be equally affected by your generosity, and only in eternity will we be able to see the full impact of your ministry to men like me. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.” GEORGE LIEPART, M.DIV. 2019
CURRENT STUDENTS BY DEGREE MASTER OF DIVINITY (M.DIV.) ∙ 375 MASTER OF THEOLOGY (TH.M.) ∙ 22 MASTER OF BIBLICAL MINISTRY (M.M.B.) ∙ 134 DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (D.MIN.) ∙ 90 DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.D.) ∙ 6
MASTER OF DIVINITY STUDENTS
238 LOS ANGELES LOCATIONS 70 DISTANCE 67 ONLINE
STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED ∙ 627 NUMBER OF 2020 GRADUATES ∙ 123
DISTANCE LOCATION STUDENTS ANCHORAGE, AK ∙ 6 CENTRAL VALLEY, CA ∙ 4 WASHINGTON D.C. ∙ 14 BOZEMAN, MT ∙ 11 SPOKANE, WA ∙ 13 DALLAS, TX ∙ 10 WALNUT CREEK, CA ∙ 10
OVER 69K VISITS TO TMS BLOG EVERY MONTH
OVER 1,300 FREE RESOURCES DOWNLOADED FROM TMS WEBSITE SINCE FALL 2019
48.5K SUBSCRIBERS TO TMS’ YOUTUBE CHANNEL
MEET OUR FACULTY TODAY, TMS HAS 20 FULL-TIME FACULT Y MEMBERS AS WELL AS SEVERAL ADJUNCT PROFESSORS. AT TMS, NOT ONLY DO YOU STUDY ON THE CAMPUS OF THE LOCAL CHURCH, YOU STUDY UNDER THE MEN WHO LEAD IT.
LUCAS ALEMĂ N
BRIAN BIEDEBACH Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministries
Dean of Faculty and Associate Professor of Theology
Professor of Pastoral Ministries and Director of D.Min. Studies
Berea Bible Church Pastor-Teacher
Grace Community Church Elder
Grace Community Church Elder
Grace Community Church Elder
Director of Spanish Education and Instructor of Old Testament
F. DAVID FARNELL Professor of New Testament
Grace Bible Church Pastor
JOSIAH GRAUMAN
Dean of Spanish Education and Associate Professor of Bible Exposition Grace Community Church Elder
NATHAN BUSENITZ
MICHAEL GRISANTI
Professor of Old Testament and Director of TMS Israel Studies Grace Baptist Church
AUSTIN T. DUNCAN
CARL HARGROVE
Dean of Students, Director of Placement, and Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministries Grace Community Church Elder
BRAD KLASSEN
STEVEN J. LAWSON
JOHN MACARTHUR
JAMES MOOK
Associate Professor of Bible Exposition
Dean of D.Min. Studies and Professor of Preaching
Chancellor Emeritus and Professor of Pastoral Ministry
Professor of Theology and Director of Ph.D. Studies
Grace Community Church Elder
OnePassion Ministries President and Founder
Grace Community Church Pastor-Teacher
Grace Community Church
ROBERTO SĂ NCHEZ
PAUL TWISS
BRYAN MURPHY
AARON SHRYOCK
Associate Professor of Old Testament
Director of the Tyndale Center for Bible Translation
Roosevelt Community Church Pastor-Teacher
Grace Community Church
MICHAEL J. VLACH
IOSIF J. ZHAKEVICH
MARK ZHAKEVICH
KEVIN ZUBER
Faith Community Church
Grace Community Church Elder
Grace Community Church Elder
Grace Community Church
Professor of Theology
Associate Professor of Old Testament
Dean of Students, Spanish Education and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministries Berea Bible Church Pastor
Associate Professor of New Testament
Instructor of Bible Exposition Grace Community Church Elder
Professor of Theology
TMS FACULTY WRITE FOR THE CHURCH
NEW LIFE IN CHRIST: What Really Happens When You’re Born Again and Why It Matters Steve Lawson
Steve Lawson’s latest release, New Life in Christ, considers the meaning and signifigance of the new birth for the Christian life by examining Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus in John 3. (Baker)
THE FACE AND THE GLORY: Lessons on the Invisible and Visible God and His Glory Greg Harris
In his recent book The Face and the Glory, Greg Harris seeks to answer the question, “Can God be seen?” By examining the Old and New Testaments, we find God has left answers to this question which ultimately point to the person and work of Jesus Christ. (Kress)
its readers beyond the the focus on the Lord worship He deserves.”
ur
Faith has grounded thousands trines of the Christian faith. ourse from Grace Community y that will deepen your God has moved sovereignly
um traces the trials and rovides insights into how God Word and witness to the world.
h history and how faithful em to be today:
ms, Scholars, and Soldiers unners to the Reformation Darkness, Light Reformation to Revival Gospel Goes Forth Battle for the Bible
offers spiritual encouragement eople. Bolster and enrich your n whose shoulders we stand.
ourney awaits low.”
CHURCH & MINISTRY / CHURCH LIFE / CHURCH HISTORY
FORERUNNERS OF THE FAITH: 13 Lessons to Understand and Appreciate the Basics of Church History Nathan Busenitz
As a sequel to Fundamentals of the Faith, Forerunners of the Faith helps believers grow by studying timeless truths from church history that they can apply to their lives today. (Moody Publishers)
SANCTIFICATION: God’s Passion for His People John MacArthur
Sanctification is written to remind pastors to place the sanctification of God’s people at the center of their ministry. Amidst all the responsibilities a pastor has, he must never forget the ultimate goal: the sanctification of God’s people. (Crossway)
ONLY JESUS: What It Really Means to Be Saved John MacArthur
Based on John MacArthur’s bestseller The Gospel According to Jesus, this book helps believers develop a thorough and biblical understanding of the true nature of salvation. (Thomas Nelson)
STAND FIRM: Living in a Post-Christian Culture John MacArthur
In Stand Firm, John MacArthur provides a battle plan for remaining faithful in the Christian life. Through the work of the Word and the Spirit, God has given the believer everything necessary for a life of holiness, humility, and love. (Reformation Trust Publishing)
RECENT BOOKS FROM OUR CHANCELLOR
EQUIPPING THE N E X T G E N E R AT I O N of
PREACHERS Launching Fall 2020 MACARTHURCENTER.ORG
THE MACARTHUR CENTER FOR EXPOSITORY PREACHING To equip a generation of preachers, through education, modeling, and mentorship, in the art of expository preaching.
THE MACARTHUR CENTER IS:
WHAT WILL THE CENTER DO?
A RESOURCE CENTER
FEATURE RESOURCES:
It provides pastors with a wide range of tools to
elevate their preaching for the honor of Christ and the good of His people.
• A regular podcast on the topic of preaching. • Interviews with Dr. John MacArthur. • Model sermons from TMS professors & alumni. • Articles and books on the topic of preaching.
FURNISH TRAINING: A TRAINING CENTER It offers formal and informal instruction in the science of biblical study, the skill of sermon
development, and the art of powerful delivery.
• Preaching mentorship and sermon evaluation services. • Creation of a preaching track for the Master of Divinity program. • Continued development of Pastoral Theology curriculum in the M.Div. • A finishing school for preachers through the Doctor of Ministry program. • Commitment to the lifelong learning of TMS alumni.
THE EPICENTER OF A MOVEMENT It energizes a network of like-minded preachers who will serve the global church through sound exposition.
FOSTER FELLOWSHIP: • Regional workshops and seminars. • Shepherds’ Conference symposium on preaching. • National fellowship of expository preachers. • Interaction with internationally-distinguished preachers.
THE CENTERPIECE OF WHAT WE DO It reflects the heart of The Master’s Seminary and the legacy of Dr. John MacArthur’s pulpit ministry.
FACILITATE ADVANCEMENT: • Preaching scholarships for students at TMS. • Scholarships for international students. • Expansion of the Spanish-language preaching program. • Annual MacArthur Preaching Award for M.Div. students.
SPANISH ENROLLMENT CONTINUES GROWING
SPANISH EDUCATION IS RAPIDLY GROWING AROUND THE WORLD.
Today, Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world. In Los Angeles County alone, where The Master’s Seminary is located, more than 3 million people speak Spanish in their homes. Globally, there are over 480 million native Spanish speakers. Spanish is the official language in 21 countries. Given the global need, The Master’s Seminary has worked hard to equip the church in the Spanish-speaking world. Currently, our Spanish programs serve 957 students across three different programs: The Master of Divinity, the Master of Biblical Ministry, and The Expositor’s Institute. The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a hybrid degree with classes taught in Spanish and English. In this program, students are able to take all of their language and preaching classes in Spanish. The curriculum for this degree is identical to the English M.Div. The Master of Biblical Ministry (M.M.B.) is a three-year program designed to provide students an in-depth survey of biblical content and Christian theology. This coursework equips students to faithfully serve as lay ministers and elders in the local church. The Expositor’s Institute (IDEX) is a non-degree program which prepares men for expository preaching. Courses are taught in a variety of subjects, including Bible survey, theology, Hebrew, Greek, and exegesis. TOTAL STUDENTS IN SPANISH PROGRAM M.DIV.
M.M.B.
IDEX
900 802
800 700 600
561
500 400 298
300
333
200 100 0
14
14
15
16
FA15
SP16
FA16
SP17
39 20 FA17
94
68
21
M.M.B.
134
135
134
21
15
19
19
21
SP18
FA18
SP19
FA19
SP20
TOTAL STUDENTS: 957 M.DIV.
121
IDEX
802
RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS IN ALL PROGRAMS
AVERAGE OF 19 NEW M.M.B. STUDENTS EVERY SEMESTER OF GRADUATE STUDENTS AT TMS ARE TRAINED IN SPANISH
19 GRADUATE CLASSES OFFERED THIS SEMESTER BETWEEN THE M.DIV. & M.M.B.
IDEX CLASSES ALWAYS AVAILABLE ONLINE
17 HISPANIC COUNTRIES REPRESENTED BY M.M.B. STUDENTS
90 SECONDS OF THEOLOGY TMS Spanish faculty began a series of weekly videos answering theological questions in 90 seconds. The purpose of these videos is to cover topics in systematic theology in order to further spread sound doctrine in a concise way through social media. The impact of these videos has been far-reaching. On average, 22,000 people watch these videos weekly. One viewer wrote: The #90secondoftheology videos encourage me to prepare further to preach God’s Word faithfully and clearly.
SOCIEDAD TEOLÓGICA CRISTIANA (CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL SOCIETY) The Sociedad Teológica Cristiana (STC) is an initiative to interact academically and share theological resources through conferences, journals, and books in Spanish. Last September, faculty members from TMS hosted the first STC symposium. 204 attendees came to this event, which was focused on implementing a proper hermeneutic for biblical interpretation.
GRADUATION OF FIRST M.M.B. COHORT In May 2020, the first cohort of M.M.B. students will graduate. In total, 26 students will receive their diploma. Many of these students plan to further their studies at TMS upon graduation.
FACULTY INVOLVEMENT ACROSS THE GLOBE Professors are participating in at least one conference every month both nationally and internationally. Our faculty members are not only scholars, but pastors training other pastors.
CORE VALUES ACADEMICALLY FOUNDED
D.MIN. PREACHING REFINED The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program is a focused opportunity for preachers to improve their study of Scripture, methods of preparation, and delivery of expository sermons. This is accomplished through students being mentored by our faculty, who provide ongoing feedback on how men can be more effective in their exposition of God’s Word. This is also a modular program, allowing students to train without leaving their current ministries. Since 2015, the program has grown from 21 to 90 students.
The D.Min. seeks to sharpen a pastor’s skills as an expositor through utilizing the highest level of scholarship and academic training possible.
BIBLE CENTERED An unwavering commitment to the inerrancy and infallibility of the Word of God is the bedrock of this program.
PULPIT FOCUSED The faculty and lecturers of this program are composed of men whose lives have been dedicated to pulpit ministry.
RELATIONALLY DRIVEN For students in the D.Min., friendships are formed with other men from around the world who have experienced both the joys and trials of ministry.
THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF ANY CONGREGATION AND ITS GROWTH IN GRACE WILL NEVER EXCEED THE HIGHWATER MARK SET BY ITS PULPIT.” DR. STEVE LAWSON
FERNANDO JAIMES Current D.Min. Student
I grew up in Colombia in a Catholic home. Even though I was taught morality, humility, and the consequences of sin, I remained prideful. I thought I had it all, but God had a different plan for me and my family. A Canadian company in Montreal offered me a sales position, so my wife and I sold everything we had and moved to Canada with our two young boys. The day after we arrived, I went to work only to find I had no place in the new company. Eventually, a factory hired me, and a co-worker shared the gospel with me. While I worked at the factory, God worked in my heart, and my wife and I began serving in a church. I listened to John MacArthur sermons on the radio for several years until I felt that I could not continue serving the flock without preparing myself. God in His sovereignty provided a scholarship and employment so I could attend The Master’s Seminary. My education at TMS prepared me academically to be a faithful preacher by giving me a strong foundation. Although I was a part of a church, I did not know much about Scripture before coming to TMS. Now, our church is growing, and I am also a part of The Expositor’s Institute (IDEX).
ANDREW CURRY D.Min. 2017
By God’s grace I was brought up in the church and heard the gospel through my parents, responding in faith while still a child. I had many opportunities to serve in the church as I got older and began to show fruit. I preached for the first time at 15, and then more frequently as I got older. I decided to first train as an elementary teacher before entering ministry to gain experience. Eventually I couldn’t be both a schoolteacher and pastor. My church elders, who affirmed my gift and calling, encouraged me to pursue theological education. I had been so helped and developed by the local church that I wanted to be able to maintain the same accountability and benefit during my seminary training. This emphasis on the local church brought me to The Master’s Seminary and Grace Community Church. During my time at TMS, I met my wife Sarah. We now have three children. I am currently serving as a senior pastor in a church in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. We have been here three and a half years. When we first came, the church had been without a pastor for eight years, had no elders, and had about one hundred people attending on a Sunday morning. God has been gracious to us. We now have three elders appointed and our attendance has doubled. We have seen local people converted, baptized, and join the church.
STEVE SWARTZ D.Min. 2018
Through the help of a sending church, we were involved in a church plant in Early, Texas, which we devoted ourselves to for eleven years. I worked a full-time job while ministering in the church, but eventually it became very clear that I needed more training in ministry. So, by God’s leading, and with the support of an amazing wife and family, we took everything we could fit into a truck to California so I could attend The Master’s Seminary. During my final year in seminary, I went through the Grace Advance Academy: Dr. MacArthur’s intensive training ministry for church-planting and church-revitalizing. After completion, I had the opportunity to pastor a small church in Bakersfield, California. By God’s grace, just over six years later, the church has grown to four times the number of original members. We have seen dozens of people come to faith in Christ. The Master’s Seminary was absolutely vital to my understanding of the Bible and in teaching me how to do local church ministry. Having been a pastor both before and after seminary, I can see an astounding difference in my ministry now.
TMS ALUMNI SERVE IN
46 COUNTRIES TMS ALUMNI SERVE IN
48 STATES
ALUMNI BY U.S. REGIONS NORTHEAST ∙ 53 SOUTH ∙ 255 MIDWEST ∙ 181 WEST ∙ 784
OUR ALUMNI BY MINISTRY POSITIONS 79% PASTORS 12% MISSIONARIES 6% TEACHERS/ PROFESSORS 3% CHAPLAINS
This past February, TMS alumnus and faculty associate Chris Burnett traveled to Myanmar to teach indigenous pastors from the Naga Hills of Northern Myanmar. Chris was invited by TMAI partners Jeremy Bustle and Silas Hmung, who are current students in the Th.M. program, along with TMS alumnus Dr. Jim Harmeling. This new initiative brings pastoral and theological training to over 150 churches in bamboo hut villages, who only seventy years ago were headhunters. Due to government restrictions, the Naga people have never had access to formal theological training until now. Chris taught on the biblical worldview, the attributes of God, and the Trinity. He was particularly concerned with communicating the intricate doctrines of the Trinity simply yet accurately. Incredibly, the pastors already believed the teaching, and by the end of the training were able to incorporate new learning into a tribal doctrinal statement using their own words. Chris was invited to return in order to provide ongoing training. His wife has also been invited to accompany him to teach the pastors’ wives. Lord willing, over the next few years, these pastors will be equipped to preserve sound doctrine and practice as they shepherd those in their villages.
123 66 M.DIV. 25 M.M.B. 19 D.MIN. 6 B.TH.
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
TOTAL GRADUATES 5 TH.M. 1 DIP.TH. 1 PH.D.
STATES REPRESENTED
HOURS STUDIED COLLECTIVELY
JASON KRUIS M.Div. | Dallas
Jason Kruis will graduate with his M.Div. Jason has served as church administrator at Calvary Bible Church in Fort Worth, Texas, since 2012, and as an elder since 2019. His ministry includes teaching, preaching, biblical counseling, and discipleship. He looks forward to implementing a new program for the biblical and theological training of laymen in the church following his graduation.
JONATHAN KLIMEK M.Div. | South Africa
Jonathan Klimek is from South Africa where he grew up, came to faith, met his wife, and started his family. Jonathan and Clare were married in December of 2010 and have three young sons: Noah (’14), Daniel (’16), and Boaz (’18). Jonathan will graduate with his M.Div. from TMS. Jonathan serves on staff at Grace Community Church as Memorial’s Ministry Coordinator and Pastoral Care Intern. After graduation, Jonathan will return to South Africa where he will plant and pastor a Church in Fourways, Johannesburg.
ALEXEY PROKOPENKO Ph.D. | Russia
Alexey Prokopenko will graduate with his Ph.D. in Old Testament. Alexey serves as a professor at the Samara Center for Biblical Training, a position he began in 2007. In addition to training Russian pastors, Alexey has served as the pastor of Transfiguration Baptist Church in Samara, Russia, since 2012. He is the author of several books in the Russian language, including a commentary on Genesis.
CHERIF ARIF Th.M. | Egypt
Cherif Arif serves as a professor at the National Theological College and Graduate School in Egypt. He regularly travels throughout Egypt and the Middle East in order to equip pastors, church leaders, and laymen. In the coming years, he hopes to write theological content in Arabic for the church in the Middle East. Cherif will graduate with his Th.M. and plans to pursue a Th.D. at TMS upon graduation.
IOSIF ZHAKEVICH M.Div. 2008; Th. M. 2009
Three words that describe the preparation I received at TMS are–– precision, authority, and preaching. With the rigorous emphasis on languages and theology, the professors at TMS trained me to be a precise student of the Scriptures. Every word matters!
PAUL TWISS M.Div. 2016; Th. M. 2017 TMS gave me a solid theological foundation for ministry. It equipped me to handle and communicate God’s Word with accuracy. Furthermore, it prepared me for local church ministry by giving me a biblical philosophy of ministry.
PHIL MOSER M.Div. 1991
My TMS education gave me an unshakeable confidence in the Scriptures as the first resource we turn to for life and ministry. Whether I’m teaching, counseling, writing, or leading, my first thought is always: what does the Bible say about this?
STORIES OF MASTER’S MEN
IOSIF ZHAKEVICH M.Div. 2008; Th. M. 2009 I grew up in a Christian family that loved the church and emphasized the Scriptures. In fact, the very first book I remember reading as a kid was a children’s Bible. But this was a privilege that I took for granted. Our family lived in the former USSR, where Bibles were illegal, and I didn’t realize the honor it was to have a Bible in a home in Russia. Because of the oppression against Christians under the Communist regime, our family fled the former USSR in September of 1989 and six months later—after months in Austria and Italy—we arrived in New York in 1990, ultimately to settle down in Los Angeles. In God’s providence, shortly after arriving in L.A., we were directed to Grace Community Church, and we have been here ever since. However, despite the fact that I heard the gospel from my childhood and even saw persecution first-hand, I did not repent of my sins and confess my loyalty to Christ until I was 17 years old. In a visit back to Russia in 1997, I heard various testimonies of believers in Russia who gave up everything for their commitment to Christ, and I realized that I was not a disciple of Christ; I was merely
a nominal Christian. I was distraught that all these years as a “Christian,” I had not actually been serving Christ; and I repented and committed myself to the Lord Jesus Christ.
of every human being. And with a focus on preaching at TMS, the professors taught me not only to study the Word of God, but also to deliver it in a way that is powerful and effective.
As I was completing my B.A. at UCLA, I was deliberating between pursuing a Ph.D. in English literature or a Bible education.. As I considered these options, I went to Israel for a summer mission’s trip right after graduation, and my desire to spend my time in God’s Word was affirmed. I wanted to be able to read the Bible in its original languages, to explain it in detail, and to present it with authority. I was familiar with The Master’s Seminary because of our membership at Grace Community Church, and I knew that at TMS I would receive an education with a high view of Scripture. I wanted to know the Bible, so I went to TMS.
My time at TMS reinforced my love for languages, particularly for Hebrew and Aramaic, and it kindled my desire to pursue further studies to become a professor of the Old Testament. After completing my M.Div., I pursued further education to help make this happen—a Th.M. in Old Testament at TMS; an M.A. in Bible and the Ancient Near East at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem; and a Ph.D. at Harvard University. In 2016, I completed the Ph.D. and was given the opportunity to come to TMS as an Associate Professor of Old Testament.
In order to pay for my TMS education, I worked two jobs, one as an elementary school teacher and the other as an intern at Friends of Israel. But in addition to the blessing of these jobs, there were numerous times when God used donors to bless me with funds to help cover costs that would enhance my TMS studies. At one of the chapels, I remember Dr. Busenitz announcing that an anonymous donor gave a gift of $1,000 dollars to each TMS student; this gift helped pay for a number of scholarly resources I needed to purchase to deepen my study of the Bible. I also received a full scholarship to complete the Th.M. program at TMS; and this was an answer to prayer. I knew that if I could not find funds to cover the program, I would not be able to enroll in the Th.M. program; and God provided this need through the generosity of a donor. Three words that describe the preparation I received at TMS are—precision, authority, and preaching. With the rigorous emphasis on languages and theology, the professors at TMS trained me to be a precise student of the Scriptures. Every word matters! Grammar matters! Sentence structure matters! With the high view of Scripture at TMS, the Bible was taught with authority, and I was trained to teach it as the revealed Word of God that had a claim on the life
The key reason I wanted to work at TMS was that I wanted to teach the Bible to men who want to study it and who have a desire to go to other parts of the world to teach it—as pastors, as missionaries, or as lay leaders. Working with such men is exhilarating because they are enthusiastic when they discern the depths of the Word of God in the original languages. It was absolutely rewarding to show the men the plurality of God in the Old Testament—from Genesis 1:26 where God says in the plural: “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness…” To Genesis 19:24 where the text refers to two persons of the Godhead: “Then Yahweh rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of heaven.” Going into the details of the text in Hebrew and Aramaic with men who believe in the power of the Word of God is amazing. The statement is true that TMS is dedicated to teaching men the Word of God because lives depend on it. A key distinctive of TMS is to make sure that The Master’s Men handle the Word of God accurately. Therefore, whether it be the language courses, theology courses, exposition courses, or preaching courses, TMS is devoted to equipping men to be ministers who are faithful to the charge in 2 Tim 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
WE TRAIN MEN BECAUSE LIVES DEPEND ON IT.
PAUL TWISS M.Div. 2016; Th. M. 2017 I grew up in rural England in a non-believing home. The Lord graciously saved me through the influence of two Christians during my university studies. Their lives were distinctly different to mine, which prompted me to ask the question, “Why?” After a year of reading the Bible with them, I submitted my life to Christ. After graduation, I joined the Royal Navy. I served my first year on an aircraft carrier, and then the next six in the submarine service. During this time, I married Laura. The Lord blessed us with six children and eventually moved us to California for me to study at The Master’s Seminary. We arrived as a family with one year’s worth of finances in the bank. There was a real possibility that after a year we would be back on a plane flying home. The Lord provided for us in ways we could not have imagined. We were able to complete five years of study, without ever being in want. Oftentimes, that support came through donors. I presently serve at Grace Community Church as an elder. I regularly have the opportunity to preach and teach God’s Word. I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Old Testament while also serving on faculty at the seminary as part of the Bible Exposition department. One of my first classes at TMS was Old Testament survey with Dr. Essex. It was a very formative class for me—for the first time, I was able to see how the books of the Old Testament fit together to tell the story of redemptive history, as well as understand how they are applicable for the church today. TMS gave me a solid theological foundation for ministry. It equipped me to handle and communicate God’s Word with accuracy. Furthermore, it prepared me for local church ministry by giving me a biblical philosophy of ministry. I am grateful for those who gave so generously to support my studies at TMS. It is a picture of the Lord’s kindness, and an enduring encouragement in my life.
and spiritual growth. Two new titles will be added to the series in 2020. My TMS education gave me an unshakeable confidence in the Scriptures as the first resource we turn to for life and ministry. Whether I’m teaching, counseling, writing, or leading, my first thought is always: what does the Bible say about this? Without question, that reach-for-your-Bible-first focus is a result of my training at TMS.
PHIL MOSER M.Div. 1991 When I was five years old, the Lord used an old hymn to pull my attention to the gospel. We were singing: “Alas and did my Savior bleed and did my Sovereign die. Would he devote that sacred head, for such a worm as I?” I had many questions, so I asked my father later that evening, “Who was the sacred head? Why did he have to die? Why was I a worm, when I thought I was a little boy?” In response, my father explained the gospel in language that I, as a child, could understand. I committed my life to Christ because of this. I just completed my 25th year of ministry as the teaching pastor at Fellowship Bible Church in Sewell, New Jersey. Prior to that, I served as the campus pastor at Word of Life Bible Institute in upstate New York. I continue to serve as an adjunct professor at Bible institutes both in the states and abroad. A few years ago, I began writing the Biblical Strategies series. These short books unpack and apply key Scriptures in the areas with which we all struggle—anger, anxiety, procrastination, self-pity, sexual temptation,
In its opening year, TMS was smaller than the other seminaries I was considering, and that was attractive to me. I hoped it would allow me greater interaction with my professors. Those hopes were realized, and I was able to develop lifelong relationships with several of them. As testimony to TMS professors’ commitment to the students, one of my profs even met with me at 4:00 AM to work on a special project! While I entered seminary thinking I would become a Bible professor, I graduated desiring to be a pastor. Undoubtedly, this was a result of the seminary’s commitment to students being involved in the ministry at Grace Community Church. Kym and I had been married two weeks prior to beginning my training at TMS. We prayed the entire summer for housing, and then we received a call from a Grace Community Church member who had an apartment available in his complex that had just become available. While the rent was reasonable, he and his wife committed to never raising it during our four years in seminary. This is just one example of our financial needs being met. Through their help, and others, we were able to graduate without any debt. To the ministry partners, I wish to say thank you! Your help is invaluable for younger men preparing for ministry. The challenges of a long-term ministry will require what TMS can provide for these students: an unshakeable confidence in the Scriptures as the first resource to turn to for life and ministry. In 1987, I enrolled in the first class of TMS students. By God’s gracious hand, nearly 35 years later I’m still doing ministry. This would not be possible without the support of ministry partners three-and-a-half decades ago. To the next generation of these ministry partners, I would say, “Your investment in young men today could still be making a difference 35 years from now in the year 2055.”