John A. Carter

Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology

A Commander in the Chaplain Corps, Dr. Carter has a demonstrated history of leadership in the Navy and USMC. Highlights of his 20 year ministry in the Navy and Marine Corps include serving as the Senior Chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery, and as the Base Chaplain for the Navy’s largest training installation. He also pastored military chapels in Japan, Washington state, and Illinois. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary in California, a Master of Theology degree from Duke Divinity School, and his doctorate in Christian Leadership from Covenant Theological Seminary. Ordained in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church since 2002, he serves his denomination on the Committee for Chaplains and Military Personnel. His primary academic focus is in the areas of counseling, spiritual formation, leadership, and institutional ministry.

Education

Publications

Navy Chaplains: Cooperation and Conflict in a Pluralistic Institution [Doctoral dissertation, Covenant Theological Seminary] (2012) https://covenantlibrary.org/etd/2012/Carter_John_DMin_2012.pdf

The Presbyterian Mission in Korea and the Founding of General Assembly Theological Seminary: 1950-1953 [ThM Thesis, Duke University] (2017)

Study with Dr. Carter


Advanced Placement

AP:Master of Divinity

76 CREDITS | 2.5 YEARS

ABOUT

If you’re graduating with a ministry degree from an accredited Bible college or Christian liberal arts school, you may qualify for our Advanced Placement MDiv (AP MDiv). This program reduces the overall number of hours you’ll need to graduate with an MDiv while also allowing you to take additional advanced electives in areas that you’re passionate about.

COURSEWORK

MDiv

Master of Divinity

90 CREDITS | 3 YEARS

ABOUT

Gain pastoral leadership skills through the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Our MDiv degree program has the rigorous academic courses and spiritual support you need for your calling in Christian ministry or academia. Join a diverse student body and learn within the context of a broadly evangelical ethos.

COURSEWORK

Curriculum Breakdown:

  • Introduction to Theological Education: 2 hours
  • God’s Word: 36 hours
  • God’s People: 22 hours
  • God’s World: 12 hours
  • Electives: 4 hours

Track Options (Chose one)

  • Church & Parachurch Ministry: 14 hours
  • Academic Ministry: 14 hours
  • Mission and Cultural Engagement: 14 hours
Master's

Chaplaincy and Ministry Care

48 CREDITS | 1.5 YEARS

ABOUT

With an MA in Chaplaincy and Ministry Care, you’ll be ready to provide spiritual care for people within and outside a Christian ministry setting. Many of our graduates serve in local churches or public settings as pastors or chaplains.

COURSEWORK

Master's

Theological Studies

42 CREDITS | 1.5 YEARS

ABOUT

Pursue an in-depth understanding of theology and its relevance to today’s world with a master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS). Apply your knowledge to your vocation, ministry, volunteer work, family life, and more through our distinguished and flexible program. The Master of Arts (MA) in Theological Studies degree is TEDS’ most flexible program both in focus and delivery method. Choose your area of study based on your interests and experience. In addition, you can earn your degree through multiple delivery modalities, including completely online. See how a theology degree can transform your life by enrolling at TEDS.

COURSEWORK

FEATURED COURSES

  • Introduction to the New Testament 1
  • Introduction to the Old Testament 1
  • Introduction to Biblical Theology
  • Theology 1: The God of the Gospel: From the Father
  • Church History 1: The Patristic and Middle Ages
  • Theology of Mission & Evangelism

TRACKS

  • Cross-Cultural Ministry Track
  • Executive Leadership Track
  • Preaching Ministry Track
  • Ministry Care Track
Certificate

Ministry Care

12 CREDITS | 1 YEAR

ABOUT

Learn how to faithfully counsel, teach, support, and guide your brothers and sisters in Christ as they seek to be transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through this certificate you’ll explore ministry practices, counseling techniques, socio-cultural impacts on ministry, church leadership development, and building biblical curriculum.

COURSEWORK

Featured Courses

  • Intro to Counseling Ministries
  • Educational Ministry
  • Understanding the Social and Cultural Contexts of Ministry
  • Spiritual Formation for Ministry
  • Christian Worship