Individualized Programs – MBTS

CUGN has entered into an agreement with Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary (Penang, MY). By utilizing various resources and by engaging in strategic partnerships, Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) equips men and women to fulfill the task commanded in Ephesians 4:11-13,”Preparing God’s people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up and become mature,” and in Matthew 28:18-20, “to make disciples of all nations.”

Their goal is to provide quality theological training to church leaders who have a strong sense of calling and a commitment to serving God in the church field. MBTS was established in 1954 in Penang, Malaysia and, in 1989, was fully accredited by the Asia Theological Association. Since then MBTS has developed numerous programs and degree tracks and became a founding member of the Malaysian Association of Theological Schools.

Their holistic approach to education includes academic excellence, with an emphasis on mentoring, community worship, and hands-on mission field experiences.

Downloadable Program Brochure (PDF Format): Individualized Programs

Core 2: Semester-Based

Course Description

Church history is the heart of His story, God’s kingdom work on earth. This course explores the development of the Christian church from Pentecost to the present day. It covers key people and events that God used throughout history to bolster His Church and also those negative influences that infected her.

Credits

3 Credits

Course Duration

8 Weeks

Professor

Garth M. Rosell, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

In this course, students complete a chronological and synthetic study of the Gospels’ accounts of Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The course focuses on the time, place, circumstances, and people involved in the events of our Lord’s ministry. From the incarnation to the ascension, students will grasp a fuller understanding of Christ’s words and works in light of Old Testament prophecy and cultural context.

Credits

3 Credits

Course Duration

8 Weeks

Professor

Terry C. Hulbert, Th.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Correct theology is inseparable from correct living. The New Testament epistles reinforce this concept as they demonstrate both the why and how of kingdom living. This course surveys the New Testament epistles and the book of Revelation, examining both the introductory issues and the basic content of each book. Students will wrestle with significant and challenging passages by exploring the major issues and then interacting with specific passages through inductive Bible study. The goal of the course is to gain an increased commitment to and capacity for applying these portions of God’s Word to the world and Christian living today.

Credits

3 Credits

Course Duration

8 Weeks

Professor

Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

In order to understand and apply any passage of Scripture faithfully, one must begin with the foundational concepts and theology that precede and inform it. Averbeck introduces the content and theology of the books of Genesis through Kings, identifying the foundational themes that emerge and tracing them through the rest of the Bible. In this way, he shows how the theology of the Old Testament is basic and essential for understanding Jesus Christ, the church, and the Christian life.

Credits

3 Credits

Course Duration

8 Weeks

Professor

Richard E. Averbeck, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

In order to understand and apply any passage of Scripture faithfully, one must begin with the foundational concepts and theology that precede and inform it. In biblical theology, the foundation is developed in the Latter Prophets and Writings (Job–Malachi). The history, poetry, wisdom, and prophecy of these books are essential for fully grasping the meaning and message of Jesus’ teaching and the mission of the church today. Averbeck introduces the content and theology of the Writings and Latter Prophets, working through the books section-by-section, focusing on major passages and their theological connections throughout all of Scripture.

Credits

3 Credits

Course Duration

8 Weeks

Professor

Richard E. Averbeck, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

This course will help to teach you the basic research and writing skills that are necessary for clear and accurate written communication.  The goal is to prepare you for research project requirements for courses at CUGN, but also in any academic endeavor you might pursue.  The course includes five lectures on topics including selecting a topic, conducting research, citing sources, ethics and legalities, and, finally, proofreading and publishing.  These topics, which are succinctly presented, will serve as an online resource for you to return to often in your academic pursuits.  The ultimate goal of this course is to equip you to deliver clear written communication, not just in your studies but throughout your life.

Credits

0 Credits

Course Duration

90 Days

Professor

Linda Triemstra-Cook

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Spiritual formation is a topic of discussion in many circles. We all long for intimacy with God, but how is spiritual growth and maturity developed? What are the dynamics in which God most often works in the heart of believers to make them like His Son, Jesus Christ? In this seminar, Dr. Richard Averbeck addresses these and other questions in order to lay a biblical foundation for proper Christian thought and behavior. In this course, he identifies and describes specific practices that can be applied immediately to your walk of faith.

This course is designed to help students grow in intimacy with God and to mature in spiritual life and relationships. Averbeck traces the work of the Holy Spirit through the Old and New Testaments and identifies specific spiritual practices that encourage growth in the spiritual life. The course utilizes lectures from SF403 as a basis for the practice of contemplative exercises and online discussion of issues related to the spiritual life.

Credits

1 Credit

Course Duration

8 Weeks

Professor

Richard E. Averbeck, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

How is spirituality formed both in private and in community? This course explores the meaning of biblical Christianity and its relation to faith and practice, giving special attention to spiritual formation through prayer, meditation, and personal disciplines. The lectures form a paradigm of spiritual growth and maturity that will affect both the individual and the church.

Credits

1 Credit

Course Duration

8 Weeks

Professor

Gordon T. Smith, Ph.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Course Description

Theology can be intimidating for beginners. Many students have been overwhelmed by the diversity of opinions and sheer volume of information to comprehend. If they are to succeed in theological studies they must first establish a foundation of concepts and terminology on which to build their theological framework. In this course, Dr. Frame covers the essentials of all major areas of systematic theology with the goal of orienting listeners to the basic material necessary to understand and study God’s Word. Focusing on the overarching theme of God’s Lordship, Dr. Frame uses three “Lordship Attributes” (control, authority and presence) to organize the doctrines and help listeners remember and apply them to life.

Credits

3 Credits

Course Duration

8 Weeks

Professor

John M. Frame, D.D.

Syllabus

View course syllabus

Linda Triemstra Cook

Linda Triemstra Cook is the author and instructor of this course. She edits trade and academic books, with emphasis on reference works and commentaries, and has edited seven Gold Medallion winners. After starting her editing career at Baker Book House, she established her own company and currently owns Gold Leaf Editorial Services. In addition to her editing, Ms. Cook co-teaches the Writer’s Publishing Workshop held twice each year at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

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John M. Frame, DD

Education: Belhaven College, DD Yale University, MPhil Westminster Theological Seminary, BD Princeton University, AB Teaching Career: D. Trimble Chair of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary Founding faculty member (taught apologetics and theology courses), Westminster Theological Seminary, California (1980-2000) Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (1968-1980) Balanced time between teaching and extensive academic research Other Career Highlights: Discerning media critic…

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Richard E. Averbeck, PhD

Education: Annenberg Research Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, PhD Grace Theological Seminary, MDiv and MA Calvary Bible College, BA Teaching Career: Professor of Old Testament and Semitic Languages, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Dallas Theological Seminary (1990-1994) Chairman of the Old Testament Department, Grace Theological Seminary (1980-1990) Visiting lecturer at the Lutheran School of Theology in Copenhagen and Åarhus, Denmark Preached and taught in China, across Germany, and West Africa Expertise in Old Testament Law,…

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Craig L. Blomberg, PhD

Dr. Craig Blomberg is the Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary, in Littleton, CO, where he specializes in New Testament Studies. He received his B.A. from Augustana College, Illinois (with a triple major in mathematics, Spanish, and religion), a M.A. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. At Denver Seminary, Dr. Blomberg is a Distinguished Professor of the New Testament where he has served on the faculty…

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Terry C. Hulbert, ThD

Education: Dallas Theological Seminary, ThM and ThD University of Western Ontario, BA Teaching Career: Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Columbia Biblical Seminary, now Columbia International University Teacher of Bible courses, Columbia Biblical Seminary (1972-2010) Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Columbia Biblical Seminary (1988-1994) President, Columbia Biblical Seminary (1990-1991) Academic Dean, Columbia Biblical Seminary (1972-1988) Faculty, Northwestern College (1951-1957) Helped found and establish the Urban Theological College of Central Africa Other Career Highlights: Missionary to Africa…

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Garth M. Rosell, PhD

Education: Oxford and Cambridge, sabbatical studies Fuller Seminary and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, graduate studies University of Minnesota, PhD Princeton Theological Seminary, MDiv and ThM Wheaton College, BA Teaching Career: Professor of Church History and Director Emeritus, Ockenga Institute at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Academic Dean, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (9 years) – helped secure regional accreditation for the Seminary Three of his courses voted “Course of the Year” Named “Professor Who Has Had the…

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Gordon T. Smith, PhD

Education: Loyola School of Theology, the Ateneo de Manila University, PhD Canadian Theological Seminary, MDiv Teaching Career: Academic Vice President, Regent College Dean, Regent College Associate Professor of Spiritual Theology, Regent College Researched key studies in Christian living, including the Lord’s Supper, Christian Spirituality, and Christian Community Theology instructor, Canadian Theological Seminary Theology instructor, Alliance Biblical Seminary in the Philippines Other Career Highlights: President of reSource Leadership International Pastor in Canada and the Philippines Member,…

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Interested students must enroll into this program directly through CUGN by filling out the general application form. Under the “program” question, select “Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary Track”. Then submit a valid government i.d.. After registration, students receive welcome instructions by email (within two business days) from admissions@cugn.org. There is no fee associated with the application process.


  • Registration as a student at CUGN and MBTS

  • Complete credits at CUGN

  • Remaining credit hours can be taken through Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary


NOTE: MBTS can accept up to 60 percent of the credits earned by fee-paying students of
CUGN. The 60 percent excludes CUGN courses that are proctored by MBTS’s lecturers/
tutors. MBTS has the right to require that certain core courses be repeated and the earned
credits of these courses be transferred to an elective category. We recommend you contact
your advisor at MBTS for more information.

To review other requirements necessary for you to complete your degree through Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary (Penang, Malaysia), go to http://www.mbts.org.my/

In order to successfully complete CUGN courses online, students must have good English language skills and must have dependable internet access.

MBTS has the right to require that certain core courses be repeated and the earned credits of these courses be transferred to elective category. Please contact MBTS for further details.

We are happy to help. Please contact us as follows:

Christian University GlobalNet
Address: 3000 Kraft Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Email: admissions@cugn.org
Phone: (888) 487-5376 ext. 1

Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary
Address: 40A-D, Mukim 17, Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Penang, Malaysia.
Email: info.mbts@gmail.com
Phone: (604) 881-1245