The APTS Campus - 1980s

The APTS Campus Main Block - Today

Asia Pacific Theological Seminary is a cooperative ministry of the Assemblies of God national churches of Asia, Pacific Oceania, and the Assemblies of God World Missions-USA. A multi-national Board of Directors representing these various entities governs the school. The faculty and administration of APTS are also multi-national.

In 1960, at the Far East Conference of the Assemblies of God in Hong Kong , the concept for an advanced school of theology was conceived. Under the direction of Maynard Ketcham, field secretary for the U.S. Assemblies of God, the Far East Advanced School of Theology (FEAST) was established in 1964 with Harold Kohl as the founding president.

The first school was located on the Bethel Bible Institute campus in Manila, Philippines. The seminary was then relocated to Baguio City in 1986. In the years that followed, the campus facilities have expanded to accommodate the growing student body and academic programs.

The original curriculum consisted of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Religious Education (four-year degrees), and a five-year Bachelor of Theology to accommodate Assemblies of God ministers and Christian workers who had a three-year Bible institute degree. In 1978 the academic degree programs were expanded to include a Masters degree in Biblical Studies and Religious Education, and in 1982 a Master of Divinity degree was added.

In 1989 the name was changed from Far East Advanced School of Theology to Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (APTS) to better reflect the nature of the school in offering graduate degrees in theology. In the same year, the Master of Divinity degree was accredited by the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia (ATESEA) and was renewed in 1999. Asia Pacific Theological Association (APTA) granted accreditation in 1999 and in early 2000 accreditation was received from the Asia Theological Association (ATA).

Between the years of 2000 and 2002, several post graduate programs were added to include the Th.M. in Pentecostal/Charismatic Studies and Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Pentecostal/Charismatic Ministries.

In addition to the classes offered on the campus of APTS, courses are taught in extension centers in several Asia Pacific countries. More than 3,000 students have studied in APTS extension classes.

The goal of APTS is to provide advanced leadership training and equip Pentecostal and Charismatic ministers for the Asia Pacific region. APTS offers academically sound educational programs that are sensitive to the cultural issues and needs of the Asia Pacific region while providing opportunities for students to learn through hands-on ministry experiences.