PREAMBLE
McGilvary College of Divinity at Payap University is an institution and community of believers that aims to equip God’s servants for the Church, particularly in Thailand and Southeast Asia, that will bring a transformation to life and ministry of the Church, which will lead to a transformation of society on the basis of the Gospel.
BRIEF HISTORY
McGilvary College of Divinity was established in 1889 as a training school for Christian workers. In 1912, the seminary became firmly established. To honor Rev. Dr. Daniel McGilvary, the first Presbyterian missionary in Northern Thailand, the school was named McGilvary Theological Seminary. It was later renamed Thailand Theological Seminary.
In 1974, the seminary and McCormick School of Nursing Midwifery and Public Health were brought together to establish Payap College. (In 1984, Payap College was granted the university status. It is the first private university in Thailand). In 1979, the seminary was fully integrated with Payap College, and became McGilvary Faculty of Theology.
In 2006, McGilvary Faculty of Theology was approved by Payap University’s Board of Trustees to raise its status to McGilvary College of Divinity. With this new status, the College will have greater freedom in devising programs at large to serve the Kingdom of God even more in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
VISION
“Equip God’s servants to transform society on the basis of the Gospel”
OBJECTIVES
1. To equip God’s servants so that they may have a sound Christian theological understanding, emotional and spiritual maturity, and competence in ministries. Moreover, they will follow Christ’s example in serving the Lord in the church and society, particularly in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
2. To equip God’s servants so that they may be able to transform the church and society on the basis of the Gospel.
3. To be a center for learning, researching, and providing theological resources that promote an ongoing development of the church and society.
CORE VALUES
- Believe in Jesus Christ
- Abide in the Father
- Rely on the Holy Spirit
We, MCD faculty members, staff, and students, believe in the Triune God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—as indicated in the Scripture, Apostles’ Creed, and Nicene Creed. We believe that Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world as Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn. 14:6). We accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
We develop an intimate relationship with the Father everyday through several activities, for example personal devotion, prayer, reading the Bible and worshiping with others.
We rely on the Holy Spirit in our life so that we can bear fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23) - Never stop studying God’s Word
We believe that the Bible is God’s Word which is important to human life because “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2Ti. 3:16-17). Therefore, we commit to a life-long study of the Scripture so that we may truly understand God’s truth and let it guide our life, theology, and ministry. - Commit to serve all peoples
We commit to serve all peoples—people of all races, statuses, religions, and classes—with love and compassion. We work with other groups and organizations in responding to problems in the present day society by giving help in concrete manners and without partiality to the poor, afflicted, and oppressed so that they may experience God’s deliverance, love, and mercy through our lives, and that society will be transformed on the basis of the Gospel. - Work with others to develop the Church toward maturity
We work with leaders of churches, Christian institutions, and organizations in developing lives of Christians and ministries of churches, institutions, and organizations in accordance to the Lord’s purposes so that believers may grow up toward maturity (Eph. 4:13) and have an abundant life that the Lord has given (Jn. 10:10). - Proclaim holistic Gospel to all nations
We proclaim the Gospel of Christ to all nations by upholding a holistic Gospel that affirms God’s liberation for humans from all kinds of suffering in this world and God’s salvation for humans from sin so that we may receive an eternal life through Jesus Christ.
FACULTY AND STAFF
MCD faculty members and staff are committed to equipping our students for ministries. Besides the Thais, full-time faculty includes missionaries from Germany, South Korea, and the United States. As a team, we use our various cultural, theological, denominational, and ministerial backgrounds to strengthen our learning community.
STUDENTS
In the 2020 academic year, MCD has 101 students (59 BA students, 25 MA students and 17 M.Div. students). They represent various nations (e.g., Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, and South Korea), ethnicities (e.g., Chin, Hmong, Karen, Kachin, Lisu, Lahu, and Northern, Northeastern, Southern, and Central Thai), and denominations (e.g., Presbyterian, Baptist, and Independent Churches). This great diversity
broadens the students’ experiences, and provides an environment of mutual learning and growth.
PROGRAMS
1. Bachelor of Arts in Christian Theology (B.A. in Christian Theology) A 4-year Thai program which is accredited by the Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education of Thailand.
2. Master of Divinity (M.Div.) A 3-year Thai program. The degree is granted by the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia—ATESEA.
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
1. Daily morning devotion groups, morning worship services, and evening worship services
2. Community worship service every Thursday at 11.00 a.m.
3. Daily self-study in Dewald Memorial Library at 7.00 – 9.00 p.m.
4. Field education: during weekends and summer holiday
5. Activities organized by Payap University and by MCD student body—McGilvary Theological Society
FINANCIAL AID
All students can apply for financial aid from the college. The sources of financial aid are MCD general fund, the Church of Christ in Thailand, other Christian organizations, and individual donors. After a thorough review of the students’ financial profile, a scholarship committee shall determine the granting of financial aid for each student.
DORMITORY
MCD dormitory, Bethshalom (House of Peace), is provided for all students. At a very minimal cost and prepared by an excellent kitchen staff, meals are also served three times a day, except on the weekends and holidays. All bachelor students are required to live in Bethshalom, and master students are encouraged to do so. The student residents are supervised by faculty members who live in apartments in the dormitory.
NEEDS
1. Prayer Support
It is impossible to reach our goal by relying on human endeavors. We would be grateful if you could pray for our ministries on a regular basis.
2. Financial Support
Most of our students have very limited financial resources. Your financial support will make possible an opportunity for them to be equipped for ministries in Southeast Asia.
3. Partnership
There are several ways that you can strengthen our ministries. For example, sending mission teams or short-term volunteers and developing exchange programs. We also hope to contribute to you in some manner, and we will always be glad to receive your prayer requests.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact Person:
Rev. Dr. Duangsuda Sribuaai, Dean
Email: duangsuda_s@payap.ac.th
Address:
McGilvary College of Divinity, Payap University
131 Kaewnawarat Road
Muang District,
Chiang Mai 50000,
THAILAND
Tel: +66-53-851-478 ext. 6226
Email: mcd@payap.ac.th
Website: https://mcd.payap.ac.th