1970s: foundation years In June 1977, under the leadership of Dr. Metosalem Q. Castillo, the Alliance Graduate School of Theology and Missions (AGSTM) was founded.

Dr. Castillo served as the president for the first five years and gave direction to the program, focusing on missions and church growth.

This transfer reflected an increased desire and vision for supporting denominational goals directed toward the needs of urban centers in the Philippines and across Asia.

Academic programs were needed that would extend beyond missions and church growth to include an emphasis on biblical, theological, and pastoral ministry studies.

In response to the need to deepen and broaden the scope of theological education and ministry skills, ABS developed a regular three-year professional Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

During its initial years in Manila, the seminary was located in rented facilities of BBB in Quezon City, but in 1984, permanent site for the growing school was secured with the purchase of a large house in the quiet neighborhood of Veterans Village in Proj.

The increasing number of students enrolled in the program attests to the need to prepare "people-helping" ministries within and outside the local church.

This program was offered in partnership with the Asian School of Development and Cross-Cultural Studies (ASDECS) training consortium.

In November 2004, the name ABS was changed to Alliance Graduate School to avoid risking the lives and ministries of alumni working in limited access nations.

Pastoral Leadership provides a growth opportunity among denominations leaders and like-minded Christian organizations at the key centers in the Philippines.