Master of Arts in Practical Ministry
The Master of Arts in Practical Ministry degree provides the student with a practical approach to the application of Scripture and Theology across various ministry disciplines. The student will gain a Spirit-filled foundation in Bible study, personal spiritual formation, and theology, and will choose an elective concentration of personal interest. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in effective study and lay or professional Christian ministry.
This Master of Arts degree is appropriate for lay ministries and full-time ministries in the areas of pastoral work, missions and outreach, church teaching or curriculum development, and administration. The program may also provide an academic foundation for further graduate training, ministry credentials, or for transitioning from lay to professional ministry.
The Master of Arts in Practical Ministry Program is Designed to
- Provide students with a biblical and theological foundation for ministry.
- Develop research and analytical skills for ongoing biblical and theological studies.
- Develop communication skills necessary for the ministry.
- Assist students in developing a biblical worldview and lifestyle.
- Develop a commitment to lifelong learning, growth, and ministry.
Upon Successful Completion, You Will be Able To
- Develop biblical and theological foundations to equip the student to serve in Christian ministry.
- Understand and practice disciplines to develop spiritual character.
- Utilize research methods to study and apply Christian truths in lay or full-time ministry settings.
- Demonstrate through research and writing projects the ability to apply the Word of God practically in the student’s area of ministry.
- Cultivate attitudes and skills to serve in a variety of Christian contexts, including the local church and para-church ministries.
- Engage in research and studies beyond the Master of Arts degree.
Course of Study
The MA in Practical Ministry is a two-year program consisting of 36 units (semester hours). 24 units of core courses and 12 units of electives. Elective concentrations include Biblical Studies, Biblical Languages – OT, Biblical Languages – NT, Jewish Foundations, Practical Ministry, and Theological Studies.
Theology Research Skills (3 units)
GS 501 | Theological Research and Writing | 3 units |
Biblical Studies and Ministry (15 units)
MT 501 | Spiritual Formation | 3 units |
MT 505 | Introduction to Biblical Interpretation | 3 units |
NT 501 | Introduction to the New Testament | 3 units |
OT 501 | Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 units |
Choose 1 of the following
MT 507 | Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 units |
MT 512 | Biblical Curriculum Development | 3 units |
Theology (6 units)
TH 501 | Theology 1 | 3 units |
TH 502 | Theology 2 | 3 units |
Students choose only one concentration from the options below.
Biblical Studies Concentration (12 units)
Choose 4 of the following courses.
NT 504 | The Gospels / The Life of Christ | 3 units |
NT 524 | The Life and Letters of Paul | 3 units |
OT 502 | Historical Geography of Israel | 3 units |
OT 520 | The Pentateuch | 3 units |
OT 525 | The Hebrew Prophets | 3 units |
Biblical Languages – Old Testament Concentration (14 units)
BL 501 | Biblical Hebrew 1 | 4 units |
BL 502 | Biblical Hebrew 2 | 4 units |
Choose 2 of the following courses.
OT 502 | Historical Geography of Israel | 3 units |
OT 520 | The Pentateuch | 3 units |
OT 525 | The Hebrew Prophets | 3 units |
Biblical Languages – New Testament Concentration (14 units)
BL 503 | Biblical Greek 1 | 4 units |
BL 504 | Biblical Greek 2 | 4 units |
NT 504 | The Gospels / The Life of Christ | 3 units |
NT 524 | The Life and Letters of Paul | 3 units |
Jewish Foundations Concentration (12 units)
Choose 4 of the following courses.
JS 501 | Exploring Jewish Prayer, Practices, and Thought | 3 units |
JS 503 | Jewish Foundations of Christianity | 3 units |
JS 511 | Second Temple Judaism | 3 units |
NT 513 | Jewish Background of the Parables | 3 units |
OT 502 | Historical Geography of Israel | 3 units |
Practical Ministry Concentration (12 units)
Choose 4 of the following courses.
MT 506 | Homiletics | 3 units |
MT 509 | Missions and Evangelism | 3 units |
MT 510 | Divine Healing and Miracles | 3 units |
MT 511 | Principles of Spiritual Care | 3 units |
MT 513 | Practical Crisis Counseling | 3 units |
MT 514 | Pastoral Counseling for Recovery Restoration | 3 units |
PL 501 | Foundations of Liturgy | 3 units |
PL 505 | Relational Church Planting and Growth | 3 units |
PL 510 | Stewardship and Administration | 3 units |
PL 512 | Church Law | 3 units |
Theological Studies Concentration (12 units)
CH 502 | Readings in Christian Thought | 3 units |
NT 504 | The Gospels / The Life of Christ | 3 units |
Choose 2 of the following courses.
CH 501 | Survey of Church History | 3 units |
CH 504 | Spiritual Outpourings and Revival | 3 units |
MT 509 | Missions and Evangelism | 3 units |
Graduate degree courses typically require from 10 to 12 hours per week for a 3-unit course. Some students may require more (or less) time depending on the subject being studied.
Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Practical Ministry coursework, you will complete a Written Comprehensive Exam. This integrative Exam is in the form of a Personal Reflection designed to give you an opportunity to discuss your achievement of the Program Learning Outcomes and how the course content in the degree program has been, or could be, integrated into your ministry activities.
Faculty
Here are a few of the faculty members teaching in the MA program. View all faculty bios.
- Phil Forbes
- M.B.A., Phoenix University
- Graduate Certificate in Biblical Languages, Shiloh University
- M.Div., Shiloh University
- Th.M., South Africa Theological Seminary
- Teaches: Biblical Studies, Ministry Practice
- Lisa A. Runquist
- B.A. in Philosophy, Hamline University
- J.D., University of Minnesota Law School
- Teaches: Nonprofit Law
- Terry L. Tuinder
- B.A. in Bible, New Hope Christian College
- M.Div, D.Min., The King’s University
- Teaches: Biblical Studies, Ministry
- Kerry Wood
- B.A. in Christian Ministry, Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- M.A. in Biblical Literature, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
- M.Div., D.Min., The King’s University
- Teaches: Theology and Ministry
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with the MA degree in Practical Ministry the student will:
- Complete the minimum number of units required.
- Successfully complete all courses in the degree program.
- Earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- Fulfill any outstanding school financial obligations.