Welcome to Schools of Mission

SEATS Grad 2019

Equipping Functional Churches for Effective Ministry

SEATS provides accredited, accessible theological education to develop leaders for the modern church—wherever they are.

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Who We Are

South East Asian Theological Schools, Inc. (SEATS) is a pastoral training institution established in 1986 with a clear, powerful vision.

  • Our Vision: A global church that is truly functional.
  • Our Mission: To develop that functionality through practical, relevant theological education.

We were founded to serve churches affiliated with the Baptist Conference of the Philippines and have grown into a global network, welcoming all churches in need of rigorous, missional training. SEATS is a proud member of the International Council for Higher Education.


How We Equip Churches: Schools of Mission (SOM)

The primary vehicle for our mission is our Schools of Mission (SOM). We partner with local churches across South East Asia and the world to bring theological education directly to leaders in their context.

SOMs are designed to be:

  • Collaborative: Held in partnership with local churches.
  • Accessible: Bringing training to leaders where they live and serve.
  • Practical: Focused on real-world application for immediate impact.

Academic Programs for Every Stage of Your Journey

SEATS offers a clear pathway for ministerial education, from foundational training to doctoral studies. All our programs are accredited by the International Council for Higher Education.

Your Starting Point SEATS Program Outcome
No matter your starting point, SEATS has a path for you. If you have some college education or less, our Graduate Diploma of Ministry is designed to help you build a strong, practical foundation for effective ministry.

For those who have already completed an undergraduate degree, our Master of Ministry (M.Min.) in Missional Ecclesiology will help you deepen your theological understanding and enhance your leadership skills for greater impact.

If you hold a Master's degree and are ready to pursue the highest level of practical training, our Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Missional Ecclesiology will equip you to become an expert in leading and transforming churches for the future.

[Explore Detailed Program Curriculum & Requirements]


Global Learning, Local Impact

While our roots are in the Philippines, our reach is global.

  • Our Legacy: Pre-COVID, we held on-site classes in the Philippines (Ortigas, Molave, Burias), Thailand, and the USA.
  • Our New Reality: The pandemic propelled us into a new era of digital connectivity. Since May 2020, we have successfully conducted classes via Zoom.
  • Our Expanded Reach: This shift has allowed us to expand our constituency to serve a vibrant, growing community of Filipino church leaders across the Philippines, Thailand, the USA, and Canada.

We are committed to breaking down geographical barriers to provide world-class education.


Ready to Develop Your Ministry?

Take the next step in your calling. SEATS is here to equip you with the knowledge and skills to lead a functional, impactful church.

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WHAT'S NEW

Michael J. Fast, Ph.D.

Michael J. Fast is SEATS' Academic Vice President and Dean.
DOB: 25 April 1967

SEATS to send delegation to the 2019 Triennial General Assembly of the Asian Theological Association (ATA) in Singapore

This coming 12-16 August 2019, SEATS will have six delegates at the 2019 Triennial General Assembly of the Asian Theological Association (ATA) to be held at TCA College in Singapore. We enjoyed our time at the ATA's theological consultation last year held here in Metro Manila and are looking forward to see how God will lead the church in the future.

SEATS to send delegation to the International Council for Higher Education (ICHE) conference in Taiwan

SEATS will have 15 representatives at the upcoming ICHE conference to be held this coming July 11-12 at the Tunghai University, in Taichung, Taiwan! Headed by Rev. Greg Azares, the delegates will have an opportunity to introduce SEATS to ICHE. We are seeking accreditation from ICHE for our proposed PhD in Applied Theology program. The team will consist of both SEATS faculty members and students. We are also excited to see the inclusion of some spouses in the delegation as well.

SEATS Burias Courses Planned

Bishop Cesar Punzalan, Rev. Greg Azares, and Rev. Michael Fast met recently met together to finalise the classes for SEATS' new extension program in Burias, Masbate, Philippines. Courses will be held quarterly and will lead to a Master of Ministry in Missional Ecclesiology.

Second Property Purchase Deal Signed

Rev. Greg Azares and Rev. Michael Fast signed a Deed of Absolute Sale with USEC Ted Encarnacion and Engr. Roselle Santos last April to finalise the purchase of a second 500m2 lot in Pingkian, Quezon City. This property will be used for the Center for Diakonal Ministries that SEATS is constructing in Pingkian.

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