Filipino school offers over 30 programs to large student body

Founded in 1977, Alliance Graduate School (AGS) in the Philippines now offers 35 programs, including Youth Ministry, Theological Studies, Missions and Community Development. The school of over 540 graduates also has a student body representing more than 40 denominations. An increasing number of international students are coming to AGS, particularly from the US, to enroll in the Community Development program. These future missionaries find training in the English-speaking Philippines much more relevant for ministry in Asia, North Africa and the Middle East.

Despite political instability, natural disasters and divisions, the Filipino Church has grown tremendously in the past 30 years. Today, there are an estimated 30,000 evangelical congregations in the country, creating a growing need for trained pastors. The seminary not only provides quality training to church leaders “at their doorsteps,” but also serves the Church through various creative outreach programs that focus on specific needs. For example, the AGS Speak Team reaches out to key area churches through seminars on family ministry, community development and preaching.

Master of Divinity student Tomas Zatel says, “Throughout my two years of studies here at AGS, I have personally come to realize that God has a special purpose and reason for my life and my studies. I have felt that God is teaching me to reflect any issue of life theologically…I want to be an influence on the political, cultural, socio-economic, educational and even religious issues that divide us in Myanmar.” Currently, Tomas is a pastor of Philippine Chin Christian Fellowship in Manila with plans to return to Myanmar one day to serve the Lord.