Mastering Theological English
August 25, 2014
Over the summer, the Center for Theological Writing (CTW) at Westminster held its first Mastering Theological English (MTE) pilot program. This program was designed to help international students who wish to attend Westminster improve their theological English skills so they can succeed in seminary classes and, after graduation, serve the Lord in their context. We spoke with Dr. Leslie Altena, director of MTE, about the program, its success, and the students who participated.
MTE students at graduation with Dr. Altena and teachers of the program
A Conversation with Dr. Leslie Altena
What is MTE?
Mastering Theological English (MTE) is a nine-week intensive English language program held from the end of May through the beginning of August on Westminster's Philadelphia campus. Students are in class six hours per day, five days per week.
How did MTE start?
MTE is part of Westminster's vision for the global church. The idea for the program began in 2012, when Dr. Jeffrey Jue asked me to look into ways to help international students who were otherwise highly qualified, except for their English level, to enter Westminster degree programs.
A week-long materials pilot was launched in the summer of 2013 to test possible textbooks and online resources. The full program was piloted this summer, as four students completed their nine weeks of intensive study.
How many students were in the program?
Four students (three Koreans and one Brazilian) were in the main MTE course and one student (an Indonesian) was in a special program designed to help him meet the English requirements of the Th.M. The latter program extends until the end of November.
At what level of English were the students before they started compared to where they are now?
Students came into the program with a firm grasp of the basics of English and the ability to communicate well in everyday life but lacking advanced skills in theological reading, writing, listening, and speaking. After their intensive work in MTE (one said he had never worked at anything so hard in his life), these students are now prepared to read theological texts assigned in their courses; listen to classroom lectures with a higher level of comprehension; write with greater clarity, accuracy, and precision for course assignments; and participate more actively in classroom conversations.
What is the hope of each of the students for ministry?
One student is entering the M.A.R. program, two are entering the M.Div., and one just began his D.min. program in August. Some of the students hope to begin or continue pastoral ministry, while at least one hopes to pursue mission work overseas. Finally the MTE student preparing to enter the Th.M. intends to teach at a seminary.
The experience of teaching MTE this summer was joyful and inspiring; I worked alongside staff and students who gave their all towards an important goal: the students' attaining English language ability high enough to enter Westminster and be equipped to proclaim the gospel. Congratulations to the MTE graduates and to their families! May God be praised!
For more information about the MTE program, please email admissions@wts.edu
