Ninety-seven percent of this Filipino school’s graduates serve in full-time ministry

Officially opened for classes in 1981, the International Graduate School of Leadership (IGSL) in metropolitan Manila, Philippines, seeks to develop servant leaders with biblical knowledge, Christ-like character and practical skills. Three out of every ten IGSL graduates hold leadership positions in biblical training institutions, and 97 percent of their 600 graduates serve in full-time ministry, including urban church planting, tribal outreach, groundbreaking Gospel teaching among unreached people and rural pastor training.

In addition to students representing 20 countries, half of IGSL’s degree students come from outside the Philippines, many from countries most in need of hearing the Gospel. Extension programs reach almost 2,000 people each year through short-term training programs for rural pastors, seminars for Christian leaders in various Asian countries and evening classes. IGSL is now working on opening extension centers in other Asian countries. IGSL also offers a “Partners in Ministry” certificate for wives of Christian leaders.

Through their recent curriculum revision, IGSL has become more acutely aware of the need for field-based training for existing pastors and Christian leaders. Among IGSL’s many Master and Doctoral programs is the new Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Peacemaking degree. IGSL has also been working very closely with OC partner Asia Graduate School of Theology (AGST), Philippines, to equip leaders for the Church in Asia and the Pacific at the post-MDiv degree level. To combat social issues like poverty, IGSL seeks to equip students with a holistic ministry outlook through programs emphasizing community transformation.

Graduate Tandin Wangyal says his years of study at the school challenged him and showed God’s sovereignty. Through IGSL’s training, he says, “I pursued my vision to open a Bible school and help pastors and leaders in Bhutan. The preaching classes I took have greatly assisted me in helping pastors who are lacking in these areas.”