Winebrenner Theological Seminary is committed to a vision serving God’s mission of reconciliation in changing the world by preparing servants of the Lord Jesus Christ to lead the Church. In seeking to evaluate the effectiveness of the institution’s mission Curriculum -Wide Student Learning Outcomes were developed.
The Curriculum-Wide Student Learning Outcomes (C-WSLOs) are intended to foster vital qualities of knowing, being, and doing in all participants in WTS graduate degree programs. Specific program-level outcomes and course-level goals stem from and correspond to the following three C-WSLOs that serve as assessment markers for the seminary.
As followers of Jesus Christ and servant leaders of the church, we are called to:
Knowing—Practice GENEROSITY: We express an evangelical theology that is gracious in spirit, respectful in dialogue, far-reaching in scope, and centered in the cross. By growing in the knowledge of the Lord in both breadth and depth–through a faith-seeking-understanding approach–we serve God’s plan for theological veracity and generosity: confessing evangelical orthodoxy and catholicity, trusting in the triune God’s self-revelation and atoning sacrifice in Jesus Christ; recognizing human knowledge limitations; exuding a gracious heart and attitude regarding peripheral doctrines and interpretations; and dialoguing in humble, respectful, and non-coercive ways with all people.
Being—Seek WHOLENESS: We embrace holistic formation by integrating a biblical worldview into all areas of life. By aspiring to be whole in all dimensions of reality – in accordance with the scriptural metanarrative – we serve God’s plan for personal and communal fullness: fusing faith, learning, calling, and praxis; developing self-awareness, maturity, spirituality, and wisdom; and embodying a Christian view of and for life.
Doing—Live MISSIONALLY: We engage in God’s mission of reconciliation and redemption as people of the kingdom, empowered by the Holy Spirit. By participating in the grand narrative of God’s reign – living in service to the church and for the sake of the world – we serve God’s plan for reconciling all things to himself through Jesus Christ our Lord: contextualizing and incarnating the good news in particular historical and cultural settings; exegeting shifting culture in light of the unchanging Word; guiding and discipling others through Christ-centered witness and leadership; and engaging in lifelong learning as co-laborers in God’s kingdom and mission.
A survey of the 2011-2012 Graduating Class data gives indication that our students achieve a high level of competence in the assessed student learning outcomes of knowing, being, and doing.
Master of Arts (Theological Studies)
In 2011-MA(TS) Graduates scored an average of 94 percent mastery of the skills measured in assessing student achievement of the program outcomes. This exceeded the institutional target of 85 percent proficiency for the MA(TS) program. Rates of graduation for this degree reflect a small enrollment and a part-time student population with the single 2011-2012 AY graduate completing the 2-year course in 5 years.
Master of Divinity
In 2011-12, M.Div. Graduates scored an average of 91percent on the assessment tools designed to measure achievement of the program outcomes. This exceeded the institutional target of 85 percent proficiency for the M.Div. program. Rates of graduation for this degree reflect a part-time student population with the average 2011-2012 AY graduate completing the 3-year course in 4.5 years.
Master of Arts in Church Development
In 2011-12, MACD Graduates scored an average of 92 percent on the assessment tools designed to measure achievement of the program outcomes. This exceeded the institutional target of 85 percent proficiency for the MACD program. This program is designed to be a part-time program with students remaining embedded in their current ministry setting. Graduation rates reflect this model with the average 2011-2012 AY graduate completing the course in 4 years as designed.
Master of Arts in Family Ministry
In 2011-12, MAFM Graduates scored an average of 96 percent on the assessment tools designed to measure achievement of the program outcomes. This exceeded the institutional target of 85 percent proficiency for the MAFM program. Rates of graduation for this degree reflect a part-time student population with the single 2011-2012 AY graduate completing the 2-year course in 3 years.
Doctor of Ministry
In 2011-12, D.Min Graduates scored an average of 97 percent on the assessment tools designed to measure achievement of the program outcomes. This exceeded the institutional target of 95 percent proficiency for the D.Min. program. Rates of graduation for this degree reflect the rigors of a program in which the majority of students continue to work full time in ministry settings while completing course work. The single 2011-2012 AY graduate completing the 4-year course in 9 years.