Because ATS is the official seminary of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, the seminary supports the historic mission and message of the Alliance. ATS is located in a multicultural environment, with an urban involvement, and emphasizes a cross-cultural nature to its programs so that the best possible training ground for missions and ministry is provided to meet Alliance objectives.

We recognize that forming effective ministers of the gospel is a process. ATS takes students through a three-phase formation sequence in the following way:

• The Person Phase develops lifestyles, habits and understanding of the Bible in the student's life and contemporary setting.
• The Church Phase clarifies the nature and mission of the church and helps the student define his or her call to ministry.
• The Ministry Phase helps students apply what they've learned and adds skills to help them focus toward specific vocations

ATS blends the concepts of the church with social science and practical training in preparing men and women for service. We prioritize the following objectives in our professional degree programs:

• Knowledge and methodology in biblical studies, theology and social sciences.
• Competence in ministerial skills, including evangelism, church planting, preaching, administration, counseling and interpersonal relationships.
• Proficiency in cross-cultural communication, both in North America and around the world.
• Cultivation of a deep personal and corporate piety. 
• Practical training through internships and ministry experiences