History   |   Mission   |   Philosophy   |   Accreditation

MISSION

The ASOT provides theological education to prepare clergy and laity for service in churches, Christian ministries and the community. The institution’s educational programs are intended to increase the student’s level of knowledge, as well as remain committed to maintaining its diverse student body, faculty and staff. The institution’s history is grounded in the African-American religious experience.

The institution expresses its commitment to the student’s overall development by promoting life-long learning, scholarly inquiry, and a commitment of service to others. Programs and services are geared towards promoting and nurturing student’s growth and development as persons who appreciate cultural diversity, and embody a sense of civic, social and religious responsibility. ASOT follows an open door admission policy based on the necessity of responding to each person at the appropriate individual level of ability and development. ASOT is an interdenominational, interracial, and gender inclusive community modeled on diversity, which constitutes the Body of Christ.

The educational and service programs provide theological education and training to a constituency of mature, bi-vocational, and commuting students. These services are intended to enhance the student’s skills, and expand the student’s awareness, as well as broaden the student’s perspective quality of life. The curriculum is designed and implemented to prepare the clergy and laity for various ministries in theology and general education. ASOT provides programs of biblical and theological studies, general education, continuing education, and studies in Christian Education, Pastoral ministry, world mission, church vocation, a Bachelor’s Program, a Master of Divinity Program, Master of Christian Education, Master Christian Counseling and a Doctorate of Ministry Degree.

Additionally, ASOT stresses character development, which includes religious, cultural, social and ethical values. We collectively endeavor to create a schedule offering non-traditional hours; building in the flexibility necessary to accommodate all that may enroll. ASOT purposes to prepare students for the mature performance of their vocation. Worship is central to campus and personal life. It hopes to develop in each graduate a disciplined intelligence, life-long prayer life, informed by sound learning and equipped for worthy Christian Ministries. Its resources are offered to students with a diversity of ministerial aims, through recruitment and trained support to prepare persons for pastoral and lay leadership in their church community. Ultimately, ASOT’s mission is to serve Jesus Christ through graduating students who have demonstrated competency in their chosen fields of study.