Theology
T
he School of Theology and Ministry prepares women and men to flourish in their callings and ministries through a relational journey with professors and fellow students.
We focus on the study of Scripture, Christian theology, servant leadership, and spiritual formation. We serve Christians from a variety of denominational backgrounds and perspectives. We do so while being rooted within the Assemblies of God Pentecostal tradition, where we welcome, nurture, and teach the fullness of the Holy Spirit, including attention to both the fruit and gifts the Holy Spirit offers to all believers.
We encourage and teach students to think creatively and deeply, develop their research and writing skills, be secure in their faith and knowledge of Scripture and be dynamic, Spirit-filled, Christian leaders.
We welcome our students into rich, academic classes where the learning not only produces theoretical knowledge, but also emphasizes spiritual growth and thoughtful practical application. This immersive learning community endures long after graduation.
In the School of Theology and Ministry, we value and advocate for every student as uniquely gifted individuals, made in the image of a loving God. We believe that every student who enters our school comes for the God-ordained purpose of preparing them to be faithful ambassadors of the gospel, wherever the professional journeys take them. We therefore embrace this spiritual task with relish and endeavor that, by the end of their program, each student will be transformed more into the likeness of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
If you want to learn faithful and relevant theology and ministry in a deeply spiritual environment from highly gifted academics and ministers with over 500 years of ministry experience combined, Vanguard University’s School of Theology and Ministry is the school for you!
We are ready for you. Are you ready to answer the call?
The Department of Theology and the Graduate Department of Theology are housed within the School of Theology and Ministry, offering graduate and undergraduate degree programs. Students can choose from the following options:
Traditional Degree Programs
- BA in Theology with a concentration in Biblical Studies
- BA in Theology with a concentration in Christian Formation & Discipleship Studies
- BA in Theology with a concentration in General Christian Studies
- BA in Theology with a concentration in Intercultural Studies
- BA in Theology with a concentration in Pastoral Leadership Studies
- BA in Theology with a concentration in Youth Leadership
Online Degree Programs
Graduate Degree Programs
The department also offers a minor in Theology and an interdisciplinary minor in Women & Justice in partnership with the Global Center for Women & Justice.
A Sampling of Theology & Ministry Courses
Program Highlights
Faculty Mentoring
Connect with faculty who care and take time to invest in students.
Ministerial Credentials
Become part of the global Assemblies of God community reaching the world for Christ.
Ministry Internships
Serve, lead and learn by partnering with local Christian ministries.
The Global Center for Women & Justice
The Global Center for Women and Justice equips students to address the global status of women and vulnerable populations through collaborative and restorative justice principles. The center was founded in 2003, and is a Christian-based, non-profit organization housed within the School of Theology & Ministry at Vanguard University.
Find Your Calling
Theology & Ministry graduates work and pursue study within the church and across a variety of related fields.
Recent alumni work for:
- Mariners Church
- Saddleback Community Church
- Potter’s House Ministries
- SoCal Network
- Nike
- Claiborne County Medical Center
- Union Rescue Mission
- Child Hope
- Walt Disney Company
- Vanguard University
Recent alumni work in:
- Pastoral and Youth Ministry
- Missions
- K-12 Teaching
- Higher Education
- Law
- Real Estate
- Military & Hospital Chaplaincy
- Community Development
- Life Coaching
- Non-profit Organizations
Recent alumni study at:
- Fuller Theological Seminary
- Claremont Graduate University
- Duke University
- University of Oxford
- University of Southern California
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Notre Dame
- Brandeis University
- New York University
- University of Aberdeen
Faculty Publications
April Westbrook, PhD
Rodolfo Galvan Estrada III, PhD
Gary Tyra, PhD
Rodolfo Galvin Estrada III, PhD

Frank Macchia, PhD
April Westbrook, PhD

Patti Tyra, Gary Tyra, PhD
Douglas Peterson, PhD
Richard S Park, D Phil
Richard S Park, D Phil
Caregiving leadership: Empowering Others To Care
Roger Heuser, PhD
Gary Tyra, D Min
Richard S Park, DPhil

Gary Tyra, PhD
Sandra Morgan, PhD

Gary Tyra, PhD
Douglas Peterson, PhD
Gary Tyra, D Min
Frank Macchia, PhD

Frank Macchia, PhD