Trinity School for Ministry (TSM) is a seminary in Pennsylvania, which trains Christian leaders in the Anglican tradition. TSM has a rich history of equipping people for ministry throughout the United States and the world.
A Seminary in Pennsylvania
Trinity School for Ministry’s campus is located in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, PA. Officially in Ambridge, PA, TSM has a beautiful campus that is easily accessible. Major cities including New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and Cincinnati are within driving distance, and Pittsburgh’s airport is only a few miles away.
(Find more seminaries near Pittsburgh, PA).
A Seminary Online
Through the distance learning branch of TSM, students can enroll in accredited online seminary courses. Two diplomas, one in Christian Ministry and another in Anglican Studies, can be earned entirely through the seminary online. However, a theology degree, such as a master’s of arts (M.A.), has a residency requirement. By requiring students to take some courses at its campus in Pennsylvania, Trinity School for Ministry is able to maintain its high academic standards, which mark it as one of the top seminaries online and with a physical campus.
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Trinity School for Ministry’s History
Trinity School for Ministry’s first classes were held in 1976 at a local college’s campus. After two years of renting classrooms, TSM had an opportunity to purchase buildings in Ambridge, PA, where the school is now located. Since the 17-member class of 1976, Trinity has grown to include more than 250 students (including online enrolment),
TSM’s Mission
Trinity desires, “to be a global center for Christian formation, producing outstanding leaders who can plant, renew and grow churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ” (TSM’s Vision Statement). Trinity seeks to be a seminary that maintains academic excellence, incorporates community and is grounded in discipleship.
Trinity School for Ministry is an Anglican Seminary
TSM is firmly grounded in the Anglican tradition. In light of the Anglican Church’s recent strife in the U.S., Trinity continues to be a place where all Anglicans can come together. The school specifically seeks to be welcoming to evangelical, charismatic and catholic students. Located near the headquarters of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), Trinity is an ideal school for ACNA members to attend. It also has many alumni in the Episcopal Church (USA).
(Find more ACNA and Episcopal Church (USA) seminaries).
Trinity School for Ministry’s Degree Programs
As a seminary, Trinity offers master’s- and doctoral-level theology degrees. In keeping with the commitment to community and discipleship at TSM, most of the degrees are professional, for people who want to “plant, renew and grow churches.”
TSM’s D.Min.
The Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) at Trinity School for Ministry is designed for people who are already in Christian leadership positions. Applicants must have an accredited degree in theology and at least three years of ministry experience. The curriculum consists of week-long intensive courses, with pre- and post-work, so clergy can pursue a D.Min. while also shepherding their flocks.
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TSM’s S.T.M.
The Master’s of Sacred Theology (S.T.M.) is Trinity’s most research-oriented degree. It gives people who already have an M.Div. an opportunity to concentrate on a specific area of theology. The degree can include a thesis, but the thesis is not required. This degree can be used to increase one’s understanding of Christianity, or as preparation for Ph.D. studies. The possible areas of concentration are:
- Church History
- Theology
- New Testament
- Old Testament
- Cross-Discipline Studies on a Specific Topic (ie. the Trinity or sacraments)
(Find more seminaries with S.T.M. or Th.M. degrees)
TSM’s M.Div.
The core degree program at Trinity is the Master’s of Divinity (M.Div.). This track prepares students for ordained ministry. There are several concentrations that students can pursue:
- Church Planting
- Global Missions
- General (for parish leaders)
In addition to these, Trinity offers an M.Div. specifically tailored to future Lutheran pastors.
(Find more seminaries with M.Div. degrees)
TSM’S M.A.R.
Trinity School for Ministry offers a Master’s of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.), which provides students with a foundation in the Christian faith. This degree is shorter than the M.Div., and part of it can be earned through the seminary’s online courses. An M.A.R. can prepare people for lay leadership in the Church, or for further academic study. M.A.R. students at Trinity can choose from one of three tracks, and there is a thesis option. The three concentrations are:
- Christian History and Theology
- Biblical Studies
- Christian Ministry and Missiology
(Find more seminaries with M.A.R. degrees)
TSM’s Diplomas
Trinity offers two diplomas, which can both be earned entirely online. The Diploma in Anglican Studies can prepare people for leadership in the Anglican Church. Candidates for ordination should already possess an M.Div. from an accredited institution, whether it was earned at one of the online seminaries or campus-based schools of another denomination. The Diploma in Christian Ministry trains people for leadership in and out of the church. These are not full theology degrees, but they can supplement another degree or provide basic training for lay leaders.
(Find more seminaries with diplomas)
An Accredited Seminary
Trinity School for Ministry is accredited by the ATS (Association of Theological Schools). The ATS accredits seminaries in both Canada and the U.S.
TSM is also accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which overseas Bible colleges, theology schools, seminaries and secular educational institutions in Pennsylvania.
Trinity also is a member of the following professional associations:
- Seminaries of the Episcopal Church
- Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion (CUAC)
- The International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)
- The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (A Charter Member)
- The Association of Doctor of Ministry Educators
- The American Theological Library Association
More Information About Trinity School for Ministry
Trinity’s website has more information about the school, its programs and admissions.
Find Other Schools
If you are interested in Trinity School for Ministry, you might also want to check out other:
- Seminaries in Pennsylvania or the Mid-Atlantic States
- Episcopal and Anglican seminaries
- Seminaries offering D.Min., Th.M., M.Div., or M.A. Degrees
- Campus-based or online seminaries