The Master's Seminary
Countryside Bible Church hosts the Dallas Distance Location of The Master's Seminary. Courses are taught through face-to-face instruction with professors on the Countryside campus, through live, interactive online communication with the main campus of The Master's Seminary in Los Angeles, and online.
Classes are designed to prepare pastors and church leaders for ministry by equipping them in theology, Greek and Hebrew, expository preaching, and pastoral ministry in a context that emphasizes ongoing ministry in the local church.
Students can remain in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and receive the same excellent education and discipleship that they would at the main campus in Los Angeles.
Why Should I Pursue A TMS Education At Countryside Bible Church?
Countryside Bible Church is a vibrant, growing church in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth. At the center of our philosophy of ministry are two non-negotiables: a high view of God and a high view of Scripture. We emphasize the worship of God, submission to the authority of Scripture, a life of love and holiness, the priority of the local church, and the proclamation of the gospel. Classes meet on our beautiful, 24-acre campus.
Intentional Discipleship from Leadership
The Elders of Countryside Bible Church are wholeheartedly committed to training and equipping the men who attend the TMS Dallas location for their future ministries. For those who attend CBC, that commitment includes providing personal discipleship, ministry opportunities appropriate to a man’s current skills and experience, and regular exposure to the full range of elder discussions and decisions. We are equally committed to providing counsel and support as students near graduation and begin their search for future ministry opportunities.
Consistent Ministry Opportunities
TMS Dallas students have the opportunity to combine quality, TMS classes with regular opportunities to be exposed to and engage in the practical skills of pastoral ministry. In addition to many opportunities in a variety of ministries within the church, there are also significant internship opportunities (paid and volunteer) available both at CBC and at nearby, likeminded churches.
High Quality Educational Space
Although TMS is an integral part of CBC and its ministries, we also understand how the classroom environment can support or detract from learning. A building on our campus has been dedicated during the week for the TMS Dallas location. There are two comfortable classrooms equipped with the latest technology for live, two-way classes, and there is a dedicated TMS library with comfortable study areas.
The TMS distance location at Dallas was ideal for me and my family. We could commend no church family more warmly than Countryside Bible Church. But besides this, the church created an environment of excellence for the disciplined study of God’s Word, and continues to do so now. It was and is seriously invested in the lives of the men God brings to it. It is obvious, the seminary is quite at home there—especially The Master’s Seminary. Nothing less could be expected from a church that holds so high a view of Scripture or is so committed to gospel ministry. In my own experience, the outlets CBC provided me to serve within the body were an invaluable part of my seminary training. As well, the mentorship I enjoyed with pastors and professors at once continues to benefit me. I owe a debt of gratitude to both, and I could not recommend TMS Dallas more highly.
—Joshua Sherrill, MDiv, Class of 2021
Who Are Your Faculty?
Tom Pennington
Pastor-Teacher
Brandon Ragsdale
Associate Pastor
Daniel Schubert
Counseling Pastor
What Programs Do You Offer?
Master of Divinity Degree
We offer the Master of Divinity degree program at the Dallas location. This is a four-year program in graduate theological education for those preparing for church or mission vocations requiring ordination. The program is designed to provide a broad biblical, theological, and practical foundation for those entering pastoral, missionary, or other Christian-education ministries.
The program also provides a foundation for further graduate studies, such as Master of Theology (Th.M.), Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
How Do I Get Enrolled?
Enrollment in the M.Div program is done through the normal application process after meeting standard entrance requirements. Students enroll as cohorts to complete the four-year schedule to meet degree requirements.