Assemblies of God Theological Seminary

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Mid-size city location with balance of urban amenities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Campus life at AGTS reflects its character as a professional school for adults rather than a traditional undergraduate college. Most students are married, many have children, and virtually all are managing ministry responsibilities alongside their studies. The social dynamic resembles a collegial professional community more than a typical college experience. Chapel services provide regular community gathering for worship and spiritual formation. These occasions bring the seminary community together across program differences and create shared spiritual experiences that complement academic work. Prayer groups, informal fellowship, and meals together build relationships among students who will become ministry colleagues. Springfield offers affordable living that helps students stretch limited budgets during seminary training. Housing costs fall well below national averages, and the cost of living generally allows families to manage on modest incomes. The city provides basic amenities and some cultural activities, though students seeking big-city entertainment will need to travel to Kansas City or beyond.

Location & Surroundings

Springfield sits in the Ozark region of southwest Missouri, a landscape of rolling hills, forests, and lakes that attracts outdoor recreation enthusiasts. The city of about 170,000 people serves as the regional center for a large rural area, providing shopping, healthcare, and services to surrounding communities. The pace of life feels distinctly Midwestern, with friendly people and lower stress than major metropolitan areas. The seminary campus integrates with the broader AG presence in Springfield, creating a denominational hub where students encounter church leaders, missionaries on furlough, and denominational officials going about their work. This proximity to the center of AG operations provides networking opportunities and a sense of connection to the larger movement. Travel from Springfield requires some effort, as the city lacks major airline hub status and sits several hours from larger cities. Branson, the country music and entertainment destination, lies nearby for occasional outings. The region's natural beauty provides settings for retreats and outdoor activities. If you need urban stimulation, Kansas City and St. Louis are each about three hours by car.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Seminary education at AGTS costs significantly less than many graduate programs, reflecting the school's nonprofit mission and denominational support. Tuition runs several thousand dollars per year for full-time study, with the Doctor of Ministry program carrying different pricing. Fees for books, technology, and other expenses add to base tuition costs. Financial aid includes denominational scholarships, institutional grants, and federal student loans for eligible students. Many AG districts provide financial support for students preparing for ministry within their territories. Some students work part-time in ministry positions that provide both income and practical experience. Spouses often work to support families during the seminary years. Career outcomes typically involve pastoral ministry, missions, or counseling within AG or related Pentecostal contexts. The strong denominational network helps graduates find placements, though the job search process for ministry positions differs from corporate hiring. Salaries in ministry vary widely by congregation size and location, and many pastors never achieve high incomes. Those entering ministry accept this reality as part of vocational calling rather than career calculation.

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