The Caribbean Graduate School of Theology was established in Kingston, Jamaica in 1986 under the sponsorship of the Caribbean Evangelical Theological Association, a consortium of some 50 undergrad-uate theological institutions scattered throughout the Caribbean region and belonging to various church groups.
Despite an abundance of denominations, only 30 percent of Jamaica's population attends church regularly. The challenge of the Caribbean church is further illustrated by the fact that there are more Caribbean theologians in the United States than in all the Caribbean nations combined. CGST is providing hope in the face of these challenging statistics. While students who leave the Caribbean for theological training generally do not return, CGST is providing indigenously trained ministers to meet the area's needs.
The local church is the first priority in the training offered at CGST. Their main goal is to train church workers of excellence. Strong local churches are best built on the church families that fully recognizing their roles in the church and community. Family life in the Caribbean has been under serious threat and CGST considers it a major priority to equip pastors, elders and counselors with the skills to facilitate healthy families.
CGST at a Glance
150 students. Students come from all over the Caribbean Basin, representing 22 denominations.
4 faculty members.
Led by 13-member board of governors. Administration led by Dr. Las Newman, President.
Accredited by Caribbean Evangelical Theological Association, the University Council of Jamaica.
389 graduates since founding in 1986
Degrees offered: Master of Divinity. M.A., in Theological Studies, M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies; M.A. in Counseling Psychology and Masters of Business Administration
CGST offers graduate training in many fields. Partners with Jamaica Theological Seminary for undergraduate courses.
Library contains 39,700 volumes and subscribes to 199 journals.