WELCOME TO CHAFER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY God’s design for His church is that it is to reach maturity only through perpetual exposure to His Word. First Peter 2:2 says, “like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.” However, note the Ethiopian Eunuch’s response to Philip, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:31) Thus, this goal of spiritual maturity remains unattainable as long as there exists a shortage of qualified men in the pulpits of the churches possessing the exegetical skills necessary to properly feed God’s flock. The purpose of Chafer Theological Seminary is to teach the teachers. Our goal is to equip those, who have both the calling and giftedness necessary to edify God’s people in the context of the local church, through proper linguistic, exegetical, historical, and theological training. If you sense that this is your calling, then we invite you to investigate the tremendous educational opportunities and resources that Chafer Theological Seminary has to offer. We are here to help you complete your ministry of both equipping and feeding God’s flock. In the riches of His grace, Dr. Andrew M. Woods President We chose to name our seminary after Lewis Sperry Chafer because we admire the godly example he set, particularly his clarity in defense of God’s grace and his consistent reliance upon Scripture in a time when many had forsaken the gospel. Dr. Chafer championed the grace of God in salvation and in the Christian’s post conversion life. While many theologians take a more philosophical approach to their subject, Dr. Chafer took great pains to adhere to the text of Scripture as his guiding light. We thank God that Chafer set such a lofty goal, and we aspire to follow in his footsteps seeking to follow the same Scripture upon which he built his systematic theology. Chafer was born in Ohio, the second of three children. His father, a pastor, died when he was 11 years old, leaving his mother to support the family by teaching school and keeping boarders in the family home. Ordained in 1900, he began his ministry in 1903 as an evangelist in Massachusetts where he became associated with Cyrus Scofield, who became his mentor. He aided Scofield in establishing the Philadelphia School of the Bible in 1913 (now Philadelphia Biblical University). From 1923 to 1925, he served as general secretary of the Central American Mission. When Scofield died in 1921, Chafer moved to Dallas, Texas to pastor the First Congregational Church of Dallas where Scofield had ministered. Then, in 1924, Chafer and his friend Dr. Griffith Thomas realized their vision of a theological seminary that would remain biblically rooted and founded Dallas Theological Seminary (originally Evangelical Theological College). Chafer served as its president and professor of Systematic Theology from 1924 until his death in August 1952. In 1947, Chafer completed his Systematic Theology in eight volumes, which has since been published unabridged in four volumes. This was the first premillennial, dispensational framework of Christian theology to be systematized into a single format. Because of his unwavering commitment to grace and biblical theology, Chafer Theological Seminary chose to name itself after this outstanding Christian leader. EFFECTIVE DATES FOR THIS CATALOG The effective dates of this CTS catalog are June 1, 2020 through May 31, 2022 and supersedes all previous versions. Provisions in this catalog will be applied as stated. Amendments to this publication are normally made on a biennial basis; however, CTS reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice. INTRODUCTION TO CHAFER SEMINARY CTS DISTINCTIVES • Literal Hermeneutics. We apply a consistently literal (historical and grammatical) hermeneutic in every section of Scripture. • Emphasis on Greek and Hebrew Exegesis. We believe that teaching the Word of God from the original languages best builds believers in the faith for fruitful service. Therefore, Greek and Hebrew exegesis is foundational to our school’s educational program. • The Sufficiency of Scriptures. We believe in the complete adequacy of Scripture, for in it God has “given us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” We hold, therefore, that the Word of God by itself is sufficient to prepare a person for a lifetime of effective ministry. • Distinct Theology. As a result of our literal hermeneutic, we believe that Israel and the Church are distinct entities forever and that God’s purpose in history is to bring glory to Himself. • The Freeness of God’s Grace. We hold fast to “true grace”—that God saves mankind by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. No works before, during, or after the moment of initial faith in Christ contribute anything to the free gift of forgiveness and eternal life that one receives through faith in Jesus Christ. The absence of good works during or after the moment of faith subtracts nothing from one’s eternal position in Christ. However, good works determine whether a believer will receive eternal rewards. HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY Brief History The idea of Chafer Theological Seminary took shape in the minds of several seminary students between 1965 and 1968. They noticed that at many schools only the most gifted mastered the biblical languages to the extent that they were able to use them as effective tools for a teaching ministry. Yet they believed it was important for graduates to have these tools at their disposal. While finishing their academic requirements and preparing for ordination, these students discussed the possibility of forming a seminary that would put a focused emphasis on the original languages and exegesis. In October 1992, several meetings took place during the National Teaching Pastors’ Conference in Huntington Beach, California. These former students and other like-minded pastors, after considerable discussion and prayer, determined that the time was ripe to start such a seminary. The Lord’s blessing was evident in that gifted teachers, administrative support, access to superb libraries, and an excellent location were immediately available. Our Philosophy We hold that a believer with the appropriate spiritual gifts at the time of new birth needs preparation for ministry. Scripture reveals a pattern of God using prepared men and women. We see this pattern in the examples of Moses, who did not begin his ministry until he was 80 years old, and Paul, who did not start his first missionary journey until more than 10 years after his conversion. Those believers who receive pastoral/teaching gifts or who find themselves in leadership roles in the body of Christ will especially benefit from additional training in the proper handling of God’s Word. We believe that exegesis is an art, as well as a science. One acquires the basic tools during academic training, but proficiency is a lifelong process. It is our objective to provide students with thorough understanding of the foundational tools, as well as initial guidance in their application. Graduates will then have a lifetime to develop their skill, mastering the art of exegesis. In addition, we believe that preparation for ministry involves more than academic work. All CTS instructors not only have academic credentials in their areas of expertise but are also involved in on-going local church ministries as pastors, teachers, elders, deacons, evangelists, or administrators. They serve as role models to our students, who are also expected to maintain active ties with local churches. We believe that geographical, racial, and linguistic differences are incidental to the creative order. Accordingly, we do not discriminate for or against people groups but evaluate individuals according to their personal merits and achievements. CTS encourages all qualified men and women to take classes and to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and then to serve God in keeping with the biblical roles, gifts, callings, and training He has granted them. 2020 – 2022 A C A D E M I C CALENDAR Fall Semester 2020 August 1 – 23 Registration for fall term August 24 Classes begin Sept. 7 Labor Day Holiday Nov. 25 – 27 Thanksgiving Break Dec. 7 – 11 Finals week Spring Semester 2021 Jan. 1 – 24 Registration for spring term Jan. 25 Classes begin March 8 – 10 CTS Annual Bible Conference (tentative dates) May 10 – 14 Finals week Fall Semester 2021 August 1 – 22 Registration for fall term August 23 Classes begin Sept. 6 Labor Day Holiday Nov. 24 – 26 Thanksgiving Break Dec. 13 – 17 Finals week Spring Semester 2022 Jan. 1 – 23 Registration for spring term Jan. 24 Classes begin Mar. 7 – 9 CTS Annual Bible Conference (tentative dates) May 16 – 20 Finals week ACADEMICS NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY C H A F E R T HEOLOGICAL S EMINARY DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS O F RACE, GENDER , AGE , NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN , OR DISABILITY . AREAS OF ACADEMIC STUDY The seminary offers courses in the following seven areas that are designed to equip students for the work of the ministry: Apologetics Bible Exposition Contemporary Issues Historical Theology Jewish Studies Old/New Testament Study Skills Systematic Theology ACCREDITATION AND TRANSFER OF CREDITS CTS is not accredited nor do we intend to pursue accreditation at this time. Dallas Theological Seminary (Texas), Western Seminary (Oregon), Talbot School of Theology (California), and Grace School of Theology (Texas) will consider accepting CTS students' credits (on a case-by-case basis), as long as the student maintains a 3.00 GPA. This applies to commensurate course work. PROGRAMS AND CURRICULUM DEGREE PROGRAMS Master of Biblical Studies (M.B.S.) Master of Theology (Th.M.) CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS Certificate in Bible Exposition Certificate in Biblical Languages Certificate in General Ministry Teaching Preparation Certificate in Systematic Theology Our full curriculum, individual degree programs, and course descriptions can be found at www.chafer.edu.