Anglican Seminary of Virginia (ASV) esse quam videri -To be truth, rather than to seem The Seminarian’s Pledge I shall, as His servant, +Bear the Cross in service to Him on earth +Spread the saving grace of the Gospel unto the nations +Strive to follow the teaching of Christ in each moment of my life +Work to realize the potential which lies within me by study and prayer +Bring healing to the souls whom God places in my pastoral care +Live the motto of the Seminary, and +Pray incessantly for the Presence of the Holy Ghost, knowing that I am powerless with Him. Amen General Information The goal of the Anglican Seminary of Virginia (ASV) is to prepare men for ministry in the Anglican Church. Seminary education focuses on Anglican faith and orthodoxy of the primitive and traditional church as defined in the American 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Studies for religious workers and laymen(male and female) are also offered. ASV utilizes three educational modes for delivery of education and training. The first is traditional instruction, second cooperative education and third the “reading for orders,” (1) or as called today “apprenticeship.” ASV offers studies on campus, off campus and distance learning studies. Accreditation ASV is a magisterium seminary (2) established and administered by the authority of the Bishop of the Anglican Church of Virginia. It is certified and accredited by the Diocesan Bishop and the Provincial Commission on Accreditation. Studies for the following Diplomas are offered: Licentiate in theology Bachelor of Arts Master of Arts in Religious Studies Master of Arts in Ministry Master of Divinity Doctorate of Ministry Doctorate of Divinity The requirements for the diplomas are given in the Seminary catalogue. A student must have completed at least two years of college before beginning the BA studies. The Learning System Process and Ordination Quality control of the learning process was built into the program by the Rt. Rev. Larry W. Johnson. Having completed a 30-year career in pubic and higher education, the Bishop understands what is important to the processes and knows what the quality and delivery of an educational program depend upon. This insures that the ASV program is solid and has the highest standards. Each student is accountable to the Seminary and to a tutor/mentor. The most important and final test is the acceptance for ordination of the Candidate. Ordination may be provided for in the program at the Anglican Seminary of Virginia, for the deaconate and the priesthood. Before postulants begin their studies they must meet the requirements of postulancy and then must meet the standards as a candidate for Holy Orders. Once those two requirements have been accomplished, the candidate can begin the process of becoming a shepherd. At the end of the program at the Anglican Seminary of Virginia, there will be documented records of the student’s progress as well as reports from the bishop regarding his qualifications. This is important for bishops who send their men to study at ASV. The Educational Process This is an apprenticeship and cooperative education approach. Once the student’s bishop approves the ASV diploma program that the student has chosen and agrees to serve, or appoints the student’s tutor/mentor, the student can begin studying. The academic curriculum is shaped to the objectives of the student. The core of the program begins with the Licentiate in Theology. Additionally, the student must be engaged in ministry throughout the seminary process. Students can be gainfully employed, probably in a secular job, meaning that throughout his ministry, he will be as the Apostle Paul – a “tentmaker.” The pastoral care and counseling program at ASV receives a strong emphasis. Students are provided credit for their counseling offered as a student and will receive clinical credit hours for approved experience. Following the completion of seminary studies the student becomes a candidate for Holy Orders. There are two sets of examinations as a candidate for Holy Orders prior to ordination. First, there are the oral and written canonical examinations which must be taken before ordination to the deaconate. Tradition requires that a man be a deacon for at least one year before ordination to the priesthood. If his bishop requires it additional academic work must be completed. Second, oral and written canonicals are taken by the student prior to being ordained to the priesthood. Successful completion of these canonicals this finishes the formal educational process and a date is set for ordination to the priesthood. Assuring Quality and Standards Studies and progress are always monitored. The potential ordaining bishop should supervise each step in the study process. The bishop may recommend specific courses he wants his candidate to take. For men in the United States who do not have a bishop at the time they begin their studies, the Anglican Bishop of Virginia will provide supervision and oversight of the learning process. Potential candidates can review the “Steps for Ordination in the Anglican Church of Virginia” on the Website at www.theanglicanchurch.net The catalog, which must be ordered, spells out the need for and role of the tutor/mentor. Students meet with tutors/mentors periodically for classes. This may be weekly, monthly or bi- monthly, depending upon class load and student’s schedule. A Proven System of Learning The system of learning adopted by the Anglican Seminary of Virginia has been proven to be one that succeeds, providing superior and knowledgeable graduates. It combines the ancient system of reading for orders and apprenticeship with the contemporary methods of cooperative and on-the-job education. The ASV program is rigorous and not for the faint of heart or those who are wondering about their place in life. It is for men who have been called by God and want to give their all to God’s service. The ASV study program requires a motivated learner. As Anglicans, we believe in the proper preparation of the clergy. Only a educated priest can withstand the challenges that the church is experiencing today. See the catalog for detailed information if you are seriously considering preparing to serve Jesus Christ. On-campus Each semester is divided into three eight-week periods. Depending upon differing circumstances, the student travels to Front Royal, Virginia for weekly supervision of a three-hour class. Three or four course may be covered in these sessions. There must be as least eight contact hours with a tutor for each course. A person whose schedule calls for a once monthly meeting would require one twelve hour day of classes. The Licentiate in Theology (L.Th.) entails six eight week periods to meet 144 contact hour requirement for completion. The L. Th. is the core course of studies each seminarian must complete. Off-campus Taking courses off-campus is an option. This may be accomplished by assigning a tutor/mentor who supervises the studies. A second option is taking the courses by correspondence, or distance learning, and submitting homework using the internet or postal service. Tutorial and hour requirements are the same as for the on- campus student. Those not seeking ordination do not have the tutorial contact requirement. To facilitate students traveling a distance to the Seminary for tutoring and supervision, there is a retreat house that can be used for overnight stays. While on site, students will gain valuable experience by assisting the bishop in one or more parishes. Distance Learning Distance learning is available when students must use the inter-net to communicate: to receive assignments, submit homework and take tests. If the student is seeking ordination he should have the approval of a bishop. The student may also take courses on his own as an independent studies student. Distance learning is possible for those who are willing to work and can work without supervision. They must be “self-starters,” who can work independently, and who will focus on reading the material, note-taking and reporting process. They must find persons to counsel, or locate an institution or church whose administration will cooperate in fulfilling the clinical experience requirement. Clinical Hours Clinical hours may be accomplished by serving as a volunteer or assistant chaplain in a hospital, prison, long- term care facility or other such site in the student’s home community, city, town or village. Students will be assigned readings relative to their clinical experience. Volunteer hours will be attested to by signature of an “official or supervisor” who coordinates the students work. Tuition The student may take a single course or register for a full semester. Semester tuition is $5,000 which pays for up to eighteen credit hours and tutorial contact supervision. Tuition for a three hour semester credit course , without tutorial supervision, is $375.00. Tuition does not include books, materials, travel expenses or telecommunications. The student purchases these items . How to get started? For students pursuing ordination they should call the Seminary and speak to Bishop Larry W. Johnson. For students seeking to take courses and not planning to be ordained they may seek admission as a regular student. For others who wish to take a course as an independent student they request the ASV Course Registration Form, complete it and return it to the seminary. The students will receive a list of course text books, assignments, and homework reporting instructions. They will also receive a helpful publication “A Cooperative Guide for Students.” To order a Catalog: You should call telephone number: 1.540.635.5521 and request the catalog. VISA, Master Card and Discover credit cards orders may be taken on the phone. All other write: ASV, 582 Simons Way, Front Royal, VA 2263O and send a certified check or money order in the amount of $25.00 plus $7.00 for shipping. Total: $32.00 (US dollars) 1. “Reading of Holy Orders”- The ancient term for a way of preparing for ordination. Before there were seminaries, this was the way it was accomplished. The seminarians found a “wise old priest” whom the bishop designated his “tutor” and they went to work. It is hard work, but with God’s calling and His blessed assistance, it can be accomplished. 2. Magisterium Seminary- This is a seminary which is established by the bishop of a diocese, province or jurisdiction and under his authority. The magisterium seminary has a curriculum and studies program which uniquely meets the requirements to train clergy or religious workers for the denomination and church. Dear potential seminarian, I have prepared this description to assist you in finding your way as you seek to answer God’s Call. I will be very pleased to speak with you at any time. Tel. 1.540.635.5521. May you have His Guidance and Blessings. In Christ’s service, +Larry W. Johnson, Bishop |
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