Blog Interview: Dr Jun Kim – Asia Pacific Theological Seminary

Asia Pacific Theological Seminary: High-Quality, Affordable Theological Education for the Global Church

Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (APTS) is a leading Pentecostal theological institution serving the Asia-Pacific region and the global church. Founded in 1964—originally as the Far East Advanced School of Theology—APTS was established by the Assemblies of God to equip Christian leaders for effective ministry in rapidly growing and diverse contexts. For more than six decades, the seminary has remained faithful to this mission by integrating academic rigor, spiritual formation, and missional engagement.

Leadership and Institutional Direction

APTS is guided by a leadership team committed to theological integrity, academic excellence, and long-term institutional sustainability. Jun Kim, serving as Academic Dean and Vice President, provides academic oversight, leads faculty development, safeguards educational standards, and contributes to strategic planning at the institutional level. Under this leadership, APTS continues to strengthen its identity as a globally engaged seminary that holds together scholarship, spirituality, and service.

Academic Programs and an International Learning Community

Asia Pacific Theological Seminary offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to prepare students for diverse callings in church and society. Academic offerings include undergraduate degrees such as the Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, graduate programs including the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts (with concentrations in Ministry, Theology, Intercultural Studies, and related fields), and advanced degrees such as the Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Ph.D. Certificate and specialized programs further support focused ministerial and leadership training.

APTS is distinguished by its international student body, with students representing dozens of countries across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. This multicultural environment enriches theological education by exposing students to diverse perspectives and preparing them for ministry in global and intercultural contexts.

Recognizing the varied realities of ministry and vocation, APTS offers a mixture of full-time and part-time study options. While many students pursue full-time residential study on campus, others benefit from modular, block, hybrid, or distance learning formats. These flexible options allow students to pursue theological education while remaining actively engaged in ministry, leadership, and family life.

One of the most distinctive strengths of APTS is its commitment to high-quality theological education at an affordable cost. Average tuition is approximately USD 1,500 per year, making APTS one of the most accessible graduate theological institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. This affordability reflects a clear missional commitment to serve students from developing and emerging contexts.

Importantly, affordability does not compromise academic quality. APTS maintains rigorous educational standards and is accredited by respected regional and international bodies, including the Asia Theological Association (ATA), the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA), the Asia Pacific Theological Association (APTA), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines. These accreditations ensure that APTS degrees are widely recognized and respected globally.

Funding and Financial Support

Students at APTS fund their studies through a combination of institutional scholarships, financial aid, support from sending churches and denominations, mission organizations, external sponsors, and personal or family resources. By actively reducing financial barriers, APTS affirms that access to theological education should be shaped by calling and gifting rather than economic background.

A Global Seminary with a Pentecostal Identity

From its inception, APTS has been intentionally international in scope. The seminary welcomes students from overseas and provides structures to support international students academically, culturally, and spiritually. This global environment fosters intercultural understanding and prepares students to minister in diverse social, cultural, and ecclesial settings.

At the same time, APTS is firmly rooted in a Pentecostal-Charismatic theological identity. This identity shapes worship life, classroom engagement, and theological reflection, while remaining open to dialogue with the broader Christian tradition.

APTS and the Development of Pentecostal Scholarship

In addition to preparing practitioners for ministry, APTS has played a significant role in the development of Pentecostal scholarship, particularly within Asian and Majority-World contexts. The seminary has produced distinguished Pentecostal scholars who are actively involved in advancing Pentecostal studies through teaching, research, writing, and academic leadership.

APTS graduates and faculty contribute to international theological conversations, publish in respected academic journals, participate in global scholarly societies, and serve in leadership roles within theological associations. Through its advanced degree programs—especially the Th.M., D.Min., and Ph.D.—APTS intentionally nurtures scholar-practitioners who engage critically with Scripture, theology, and context, while remaining deeply rooted in the life of the church and the work of the Spirit.

This commitment positions APTS not only as a training center for ministers, but also as a key contributor to the ongoing academic development of Pentecostal theology worldwide.

Ministry Preparation and Graduate Outcomes

Asia Pacific Theological Seminary prepares students for a wide range of ministries. Graduates serve as pastors, church planters, missionaries, intercultural workers, denominational leaders, theological educators, researchers, and leaders in Christian NGOs and institutions. APTS also equips lay leaders, affirming the value of theological education for service in education, business, social services, and community development.

Alumni of APTS are recognized for their theological depth, spiritual maturity, and missional commitment, serving faithfully in churches and institutions across the globe.

Library and Research Resources

The APTS library is a central resource for academic life, housing an extensive collection of theological books, journals, and reference materials. Students and faculty also have access to major online academic databases and digital journals that support graduate and doctoral-level research. Study spaces, research support services, and computing facilities contribute to a strong scholarly environment.

Distance and Online Learning

APTS offers distance and online learning options for students unable to relocate to campus. These include online courses, hybrid formats, modular intensives, and extension programs offered in partnership with churches and institutions in various countries. These models ensure that theological education remains closely connected to ongoing ministry practice.

A Beautiful, Safe, and Spiritually Formative Campus

APTS is widely known for its beautiful botanical campus, often regarded as one of the finest seminary campuses in the Philippines. Located in the cool mountain climate of Baguio City, the campus provides an environment conducive to study, reflection, and prayer. The campus is safe, well-maintained, and international-student friendly, offering peace of mind to students and families from around the world.

Conclusion

Asia Pacific Theological Seminary stands at the intersection of academic excellence, spiritual formation, and global mission. Through affordable and accredited education, a strong Pentecostal identity, contributions to global Pentecostal scholarship, and a prayerful learning environment, APTS continues to form leaders who are theologically thoughtful, spiritually grounded, and missionally engaged—serving the church and the world for generations to come.