ACADEMICS: SEMINARY DIVISION

The Master of Theology prepares a student for teaching, preaching and pastoral ministry. Students will demonstrate the knowledge to use Biblical text and ministry skills for teaching, preaching, and pastoral ministry and a more in-depth application to the world. Students may choose between an emphasis of Christian Education, Pastoral Ministry, or Preaching. Upon completion of 54 credit hours, the student may be presented:

• Master of Theology, Major Christian Education Degree
• Master of Theology, Major Pastoral Ministry Degree
• Master of Theology, Major Preaching Degree

The Master of Divinity is designed to satisfy the graduate educational needs of a pastor in a local church or para-church organization. Students may choose between an emphasis of Christian Education, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, or Church Revitalization. Upon completion of 78 credit hours, the student may be presented:

• Master of Divinity, Major Christian Education Degree
• Master of Divinity, Major Pastoral Ministry Degree
• Master of Divinity, Major Preaching Degree
• Master of Divinity, Major Church Revitalization Degree

The Doctor of Ministry is designed to equip the graduate needs of individuals serving in a church or higher education setting. Graduates will gain skills to preach, teach and minister at advanced levels. Upon completion of 36 credit hours, the student may be presented:

• Doctor of Ministry Degree

*Master of Divinity, with a thesis or equivalent is required to enter the D.Min. program.

Learning Outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of the prescribed course work, students will be able to…

1. Objectively evaluate the ministry in which the student has been involved.
2. Identify and analyze limitations that hinder church maturation.
3. Develop networking strategies as a means of learning from other pastors regarding church limitations.
4. Identify and research diverse approaches as well as implement action to overcome obstacles to church maturation.
5. Establish strategies for effective church leadership for the advancement of spiritual maturity.
6. Create a Doctor of Ministry project utilizing a problem-solving methodology to accomplish church maturity.
7. Develop a reporting instrument for sharing the results of project implementation.

Career Opportunities

• Associate Pastor
• Chaplain
• Mission Work
• Pastor
• Seminary Professor

Course Descriptions

HOM 8055 Exegesis to Exhortation
Interpretation of Scripture is investigated with regard to Biblical preaching that changes hearts for greater understanding and discipleship for Christians.

MIN 8055 Church Growth/Revitalization (Prerequisite Course HOM 8055)
Prepare the student to successfully evaluate, plan and lead a local church through continuous growth.

MIS 8055 Pastor & Missions (Prerequisite Course MIN 8055)
An in-depth view of the pastor’s role in the local church’s mission program and the pastor’s involvement as a leader.

BTH 8055 The Pastor & Biblical Theology (Prerequisite Course MIS 8055)
An in-depth study and application of Biblical Theology to contemporary Christian ministries.

MIN 8056 Pastoral Leadership (Prerequisite Course BTH 8055)
This course aims to equip the student to investigate his leadership style, explore the biblical demands and practical applications of pastoral leadership, and strengthen him in his role of guidance of the local church or para-church organization to advance the Kingdom of God.

MIN 8057 Pastoral Care & Counseling (Prerequisite Course MIN 8056)
Counseling that assists the pastor in caring for the flock as well as serve as a foundation for the advancement of spiritual health for the congregation.

PHI 8015 Dissertation Writing
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of research design.  This overview includes understanding the preliminary considerations for selecting a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research design.

The Doctor of Ministry in Church Revitalization is designed to equip individuals serving in a church or higher education setting.  The graduate will build a foundation for the implementation of revitalizing the church of their membership.  Upon completion of 36 credit hours, the student may be presented:

• Doctor of Ministry in Church Revitalization Degree

*Master of Divinity, with a thesis or equivalent is required to enter the D.Min. program.

Learning Outcomes
Upon Completion of the Doctor of Ministry in Church Revitalization, students will be able to…

1. Objectively evaluate the revitalization ministry in which the student has been involved by identifying and analyzing the limitations that hinder revitalization.
2. Develop networking strategies to identify best practices in research and implementation of the ongoing church revitalization ministry.
3. Create a Doctor of Ministry Project utilizing a problem-solving methodology to accomplish church revitalization.
4. Develop a reporting instrument for sharing the results of project implementation.

Career Opportunities

• Associate Pastor
• Chaplain
• Mission Work
• Pastor
• Seminary Professor
• Church Planter
• Church Revitalization Consultant

Course Descriptions

REV 8351 Preparing the Pastor for Revitalization

This course will address the leadership skills and personality traits that successful pastors possess in revitalization before the process begins. They must prepare themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually for the work of revitalization.

REV 8352 Characteristics of a Turn-Around Pastor (Prerequisite Course REV 8351)

This course provides an in-depth examination of the introspective qualities required by a revitalization pastor to effectively navigate the complex challenges of church revitalization.

REV 8353 Advanced Strategies in Church Revitalization (Prerequisite Course REV 8352)

This course expands upon strategic planning principles to facilitate the advanced implementation of church revitalization. The skills and models presented are essential for fostering effective revitalization within the context of the 21st-century local New Testament church

REV 8354 Diagnosing a Declining Church (Prerequisite Course REV 8353)

This course will analyze the indicators of a declining church and explore how a church consultant equips church leadership to diagnose these challenges and implement strategies for revitalization.

REV 8355 Building and Leading a Healthy Church (Prerequisite Course REV 8354)

This course will critically examine the core competencies and strategic approaches demonstrated by healthy churches, which effectively position themselves for sustained long-term success.

REV 8356 Leading Beyond Limits (Prerequisite Course REV 8355)

This course emphasizes the essential resources that a revitalized pastor should employ to consistently assess and enhance the health and growth of the church.

PHI 8015 Dissertation Writing

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of research design.  This overview includes understanding the preliminary considerations for selecting a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods research design.