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History
From its founding in 1981 until 1991 the Seminary was known as California Biblical Seminary.

In 1991, the name was changed to Faith theological Seminary, Inc. The Reverend Hae Soung Kim, the founder And the president of the Seminary, was appointed as the vice President of Faith Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and
A request was made that the Seminary be absorbed to the Faith Theological Seminary.

In 1992, the name was amended to Faith Seminary in California as the Seminary became independent from the Faith Seminary in Philadelphia. It was felt that the two institutions could be conducted more economically when separated and that the distinctive character of each Seminary could be better maintained.

In 1995, the name was officially changed to American Theological Seminary.

The Seminary has been approved by the Department of Education, pursuant by the California Education Code 94302 (t) (5), to grant the Bachelor of Theology (Th. B.), Master of Arts in Biblical Literature (M.A.), Master of Religious Education (MRE), Master of Sacred Music (MSM), Master of Divinity (M. Div.), Master of Theology (Th. M.), Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.), Doctor of Religious Education (DRE), Doctor of Sacred Music (DSM), and Doctor of Missiology (D. Miss.) degrees.

In 2004, Seminary applied to be qualified to grant degrees under the California Education Code Section 94310 (a), by the State of California.
The Seminary is approved, being a part of the Associate Reformed resbyterians Church Synod, as an institution to meet the need for pastors in the Church.
The Seminary is incorporated and degrees are granted upon recommendation of the faculty and by the authority of the Board of trustees. All faculty and board members adhere to the historic biblical Christianity in its reformed expression
within the framework of the Westminster standards.

 

LOCATION
The Seminary is located on the campus of Korean Young Saeng Presbyterian Church in the heart of Korea Town, a part of the downtown Los Angeles. The campus is only ten miles from the Los Angeles International Airport, and easily accessible by major freeways like Freeways 10, and 101.

 

MUSICAL ACTIVITIES
LEVI CANTORUM is a 16-voice men¡¯s chorus with student membership by audition. Its repertory offers the ideals of Christian music, performed in the edifying context of worship. It is available for tours and other off-campus
activities. Rehearsal time are determined by the group.

CHAPEL CHOIR is a chorus of mixed voices with student membership, but not by audition. Its repertory is less demanding than the LEVI CANTORUM¡¯s. All students are encouraged to be part of this group for at least a semester,
especially if they have had little or no previous choral experience. Rehearsals are listed on the academic schedule.

Piano and organ practice facilities are available for students and their families. Excellent instruction opportunities are also available. Students who are members of the choral groups may earn a maximum of three semester
hours of credit if they register for the classes through the office of the Registrar and if they participate for three semesters (1 credit/ class).

 

THE AMERICAN SEMINARY JOURNAL
The American Theological Review is a publication of the faculty of the American Theological Seminary. It is published semiannually and contains scholarly articles dealing with the biblical text, theology, and pastoral concerns. A portion of the student activity fee provides each student with a copy of the journal. Interested pastors and church workers are encouraged to subscribe.

 

RELIGIOUS LIFE
The unique relationship between God the Father and His children established through the atoning work of Jesus Christ and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, is stressed with great emphasis in the services of worship. Services are conducted daily in the chapel during the academic week, helping students to advance the devotional life and practical Christian testimony. Since vital spiritual life is considered so important, regular attendance at chapel is required of all
students. Students are urged to encourage one another in the spiritual life. Regular prayer meetings are held and opportunity is given to learn blessing and power of effective intercession.

Each semester students are required to participate in a Day of Prayer. The entire day is given over to seeking the FACE OF THE lord, in small prayer groups as well as in two chapel services in which inspirational messages are given by
an invited speaker.

 

PRACTICAL SERVICE
Students are encouraged to engage in fieldwork during each semester of study. Opportunities are offered through the Director of Christian Service. Summer internships in pastoral work and missions are also made available to interested
student as opportunities arise.

 

EXTENSION SCHOOL
The Seminary conducts extension school, a special two-weeks, course to train church leaders, in New York, NY and Seoul, Korea. The Seminary is happy to cooperate with any church or organization that is in agreement with its doctrinal standards. On-line courses are offered in Biblical exegesis, leadership seminar, basic doctrine and pastoral concerns. This program is excellent for all Sunday School Teachers, Bible Study Teachers, Church Staff & Leaders, Seminary students and pastors.

 

SEASONAL STUDY
A nine-day study for ministers, students and concerned lay workers is onducted early in May. The classes meet full day for nine days, to make it easy for busy pastors to attend with minimal dislocation to their tasks.

 
STUDENT CONDUCT
Students at American Seminary are presumed to be training for service in the Christian church. The Seminary does not attempt to formulate an extended list of rules specifying what constitutes proper behavior, but encourages its students in the direction of exemplary personal and moral standards as required by the Scripture (1Timothy 3, Titus 1).
Chapel attendance is required of all students as an integral part of the total educational program at American.
 
SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOL
¡°God¡¯s work done in God¡¯s way will never lack God¡¯s supply.¡± That is what the founders of this school believed as they entered upon the project. Those wishing to have a part in this work are invited to contribute prayerfully as the Lord leads. Contributions made to Americans are tax deductible.
Checks should be made out to American Theological Seminary.