Torch Trinity Graduate University (TTGU) [Korean: 횃불트리니티신학대학원대학교] is an evangelical graduate school and seminary in Yangjae-dong, Seocho District, Seoul, South Korea. It was formerly called Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology (TTGST). The university commits itself to the cause of Christian missions, with an emphasis on training future leaders of the church from all over the world.
History
Torch Trinity Graduate University was established in 1997 through the partnership of the Korean Center for World Missions (Seoul, South Korea) and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School(Deerfield, IL). Torch Trinity first opened its doors in 1998 with the purpose of educating, equipping, and sending Christian leaders and missionaries worldwide.
Originally named Torch Trinity Graduate School of Theology (TTGST), the establishment of the school was pioneered by Hyung Ja Lee. She was installed as the school's chairperson in 1997 and still holds this office today. Since its establishment, Torch Trinity has had five presidents. Yoon Hee Kim (2019–present), Jung-Sook Lee (2015–2019), Sang Bok David Kim (1997-2001, 2011–2015), Kenneth M. Meyer (2001-2005), and Yong Jo Ha (2005-2011).
After the sudden passing of President Ha, the founding president, Sangbok David Kim, was reappointed as the fourth president (2011–2015). Under his leadership, the school changed its English appellation to Torch Trinity Graduate University to reflect a more accurate translation of the school's Korean name and added the Academic Building with new classrooms. Jung Sook Lee, the former vice president of Academic Development, was installed as the fifth president on September 1, 2015.
Torch Trinity is an evangelical, interdenominational institution. The Torch Trinity student body is drawn from the traditions of various Protestant denominations including Reformed/Presbyterian, Baptist, Independent Bible, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Episcopalian. Currently, there are over five hundred students enrolled at Torch Trinity from over thirty countries.[4] [5] The school offers six degree programs instructed by twenty-one full-time professors and thirteen adjuncts each with a doctoral degree from an accredited school. Students can choose to join either the English or Korean language programs.
Aims
Strategic Mission Education and Adaptive Education: The school has adopted the "Strategic Mission and Adaptive Education" plan to meet four areas of the church today: Mission Fields Korean Churches Foreign Residents in Korea Foreign Nationals of Korean Descent
Torch Trinity scholarships are given to students who help fulfill the school's aims. One of the most sought after scholarships includes the Torch Strategic Mission Scholarship (TSMS) which includes full tuition, room and board. Here, recipients are from the Majority World and they are called to serve in their respective countries upon graduation. TSMS is an integral part of Torch Trinity's mission to train and equip Christian leaders for those regions least penetrated by the gospel.
Angel Projects: Between semesters, members of the faculty take groups of students to visit alumni. These trips are called Angel Projects. Professors often give seminars on their specialized topics while students are able to learn first-hand how Christians propagate the gospel in a global context. Torch Trinity endeavors to stay connected to its graduates for mutual edification and to better learn how to meet the needs of Christians abroad.
Academics
Degree programs
Torch Trinity offers six degree programs: M.Div., MEd, MA (in Christian Counseling and in Christian Education), MTS, Th.M., and Ph.D. Both Korean citizens and foreign/international students can apply. Expatriates living in Korea can also apply for a degree program as part-time students (if they apply full-time, they will be categorized as internationals). Torch Trinity holds classes during the day and evening. The following degrees and tracks are taught in English:
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a 3-year program that prepares graduates for pastoral, preaching, and teaching ministries either in the church or in the mission field. It offers a comprehensive study of the Bible, including the biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek), theology, church history, preaching and practical ministry, mission and evangelism, Christian education, and Christian counseling. The M.Div. is the minimum degree for ordination in most denominations and for entry into Ph.D. or Th.D. programs in theological studies.