Cedarville Magazine, Fall 2016

Master of Divinity and Master of Ministry M.Div., M.Min. Theology, Professors, Affordability Draw Alumnus to New M.Div. by Clem Boyd It is an affirmation of the quality of their undergraduate experience when alumni choose Cedarville for graduate education. Joel Wasserstein ’15, M.Div. ’19, Cedarville’s first full-time Master of Divinity (M.Div.) student, gave that vote of confidence when he returned to campus to begin work on his M.Div. this fall. He continued a long legacy — and began a new chapter — in Cedarville’s 130-year history of equipping students for vocational ministry. What drew Wasserstein back to his alma mater for the new M.Div. program? The professors, the doctrinal integrity, and the program’s affordability. “From my experience as an undergrad, I knew Cedarville professors would challenge me academically and care for me as a person and believer in Christ,” said Wasserstein, who earned his bachelor’s in intercultural studies and missiology. “I knew I would experience more personal investment from the faculty.” Add to that Cedarville’s solid stance on the authority and inerrancy of Scripture, and Wasserstein knew he would receive trustworthy instruction that would equip him for God-honoring service. It was the affordability of Cedarville’s three-year M.Div. that finalized the decision. Wasserstein actually began his M.Div. at another well-known Midwestern seminary. The quality was right, but the price tag was prohibitive. At Cedarville he is able to pursue his goal of training pastors overseas and avoid incurring significant debt in the process. “I wanted a school that was cost-effective, but also one that I agreed with doctrinally,” he said. “The Cedarville M.Div. is very, very affordable compared to a lot of programs. I had respect for the professors, and I knew the quality of education I would receive.” He added, “I will be equipped not only through the content and class discussions, but also through practical experience in a local church. To train pastors overseas, I need the academic side, but just having knowledge is not enough; I need experience, too.” Wasserstein is excited about the balance of academics and practical ministry opportunities all informed by an inerrant view of Scripture. For the institution’s part, Cedarville is privileged to invest a second time in this alumnus, equipping him for ministry through the new M.Div. program. Clem Boyd is Managing Editor of Cedarville Magazine . off regular college tuition rates! SAVE 80% cedarville.edu/collegenow OnlineCourses for HighSchool Students (Ohio students, your courses may be FREE!)