The Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS), based in Penang, Malaysia, was established in 1954 under the Malaysia Baptist Convention to provide quality theological training to Christian leaders committed to serve God in the church field. It is accredited to the Asia Theological Association and the Malaysian Association of Theological Schools. Since 2001, the seminary has been offering a complete Master of Arts in Holistic Child Development program through modular or part-time studies. It has since become the foremost graduate level training in holistic child development in Asia.
Website: www.mbts.net.my
Vision and Philosophy
The M.A. in Holistic Child Development (HCD) is a unique partnership in Asia between Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary and Compassion International to provide graduate level training for leaders and practitioners in children at risk ministries. The goal is to equip Christians to become competent and passionate leaders and trainers in holistic child development programs in life and ministries of the Church. The qualities sought of an HCD graduate includes leadership, teamwork, motivation, promotion, and acting as catalyst of change.
The training in HCD seeks to be faithful to the Triune God’s view of children and contributes toward the realization of Prophet Isaiah’s vision of children “leading” in God’s plan to renew His world. Therefore, students enrolled in the program need to see themselves committed to something more than an academic program for knowledge, skills, and a master degree.
An HCD student submits oneself to a process which forms the individual in the “head, heart and hands.” The period of study, therefore, is a time set aside for conscious transformation by the Holy Spirit as the individual encounters fellow students, lecturers, texts, and assignments. The student subjects oneself to the deepening of convictions to God’s perspective of children, the building of character, and cultivation of a spirituality that makes the person “fit” to be a faithful advocate of children in the church and world.
Objectives & Competencies
On completion of the HCD program, the student will be able to:
- Reflect on childhoods and families and the potential, nurture and needs of children in light of Scripture, culture, and theology (Theology / Anthropology).
- Analyze ideologies, systems, and structures of globalization with particular reference to poverty and marginalization in families, communities, and nations, and the ways by which these elements affect children (Sociology).
- Examine relevant theoretical approaches to childhood, the impact of negative factors on child development, and formulate appropriate intervention strategies (Child Development / Psychology).
- Explore the role of the Church in holistic child development and formulate strategies in light of God’s mission (Missions).
- Integrate the knowledge and skills of holistic child development necessary to be competent practitioners and compassionate advocates in their area of responsibility (Personal Growth / Leadership).
Program Structure
The program curriculum comprises of 40 master-level credits in three (3) Modules offered through a combination of on and off-campus approaches. Eight (8) core courses in Modules 1 and 2 are offered at the Penang campus each June.
Modules 1 and 2 courses are offered simultaneously with one course per week (5 days). Part of Modules 1 and 2 assignments, the practicum, and spiritual formation are completed “on site” (where the student is located). It takes two (2) years to complete the two Modules.
Module 3 in part may be completed on campus or “on site.” There are some distance learning materials related to child development which can be credited as electives. Highlight of Module 3 is the “major project.” Assuming that students work diligently throughout the learning process, the whole program can be completed in a minimum of 3 years. Since the bulk of the program is completed off-campus, students must have self-initiative and dedication. Students are given a maximum of 6 years to complete the program.
Core Courses
- HCD501 Child, Church, and Mission
- HCD502 Childhoods in Cultural Contexts
- HCD503 Poverty and Marginalization of Children
- HCD504 Child Development and Functioning in Families and Communities (download the Introductory Series here)
- HCD505 Theological Foundations of Holistic Child Development (download the Introductory Series here)
- HCD506 Intervention Strategies for Children at Risk
- HCD507 Self Care of the Caregivers
- HCD508 Children's Agency: Participation and Protection
HCD Institute
Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary
40 A-D, Mk. 17, Batu Ferringi, Penang 11100, Malaysia
Tel/Fax: +6 04 881 2462
Email: hcd.institute at gmail dot com
Website: www.mbts.net.my
