The Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) program provides formative transformation and foundational preparation for professional ministry in various contexts. Contemporary biblical and theological scholarship offers the philosophical basis for integrating scriptural principles into professional practice. The convenience of courses provided either online or in hybrid modalities allow students the flexibility to complete the program at their own pace. Using essential skills, students are equipped to navigate the diverse issues and needs of the world.
Students receive foundational preparation for a broad range of careers. The career marketplace for graduates from the MAM includes pastors, church planters, Church and church-related staff members, Christian education specialists, youth and young adult ministry, and children’s ministry professionals.
The mission of the Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) program is to prepare students for effective professional ministry in diverse ministry contexts by thoughtfully engaging internal formation, reflective practice, and cultural awareness.
Our educational philosophy guides our approach to teaching and learning, course design, and faculty selection.
We believe that ministry leaders need to both think and do well. Therefore, we commit to providing students with a solid biblical and theological foundation and the tools to continue exploring and applying Scripture as lifelong learners. We believe the Bible offers philosophical and practical foundations for ministry in any context. Therefore, classroom content and Scriptural principles are integrated and applied to professional practice in every course. At the same time, we commit to preparing students with the knowledge and skills for ministry as leaders, caregivers, teachers, and disciple-makers.
We believe that the character of the leader is crucial for impacting ministry. Therefore, courses seek not only to educate the mind in ministry competencies but also to nurture the development of biblical character qualities in our students. We recognize that ministry leaders lead out of who they are and are becoming. Therefore, we commit to integrating spiritual formation to develop spiritual, emotional, and physical health in ministry leaders' personal and professional lives.
We believe adults learn more effectively in nurturing communities. Therefore, the graduate student is viewed as a self-directed learner. Adult learning methods are emphasized, making the classroom environment an educational workshop that emphasizes interactive methods that utilize the professor's and student's unique gifts and life experiences.
We believe in life-long education. Therefore, courses emphasize critical thinking skills related to life and ministry and provide practical research skills for maintaining continuing education in Christian ministry beyond a formal degree program. We recognize that our ministry contexts are diverse and rapidly changing. Therefore, we commit to developing students who know their context and who can exegete culture and Scripture.
The Graduate Certificate in any of the MAM concentrations is a 24-credit program for individuals who do not need the MAM degree. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Certificates section of this catalog.
MAM Curricular Structure/Degree Requirements
Biblical and Theological Foundation
Twelve credits of biblical and theological studies are required within the MAM program. Advanced standing may apply to up 6 credits of MAM Coursework.
Students receiving advanced standing have BTC courses waived but are still required to complete
THE 501 and
THE 502. Students who do not receive advanced standing are required to take
BTC 523, 533, 563, and 573. For more information, see the “Advanced Standing” section below.
Advanced Standing Track
Ministry Leadership Foundation
| MIN 504 | Communicating Biblical Truth | 3 |
| OR | |
| BIB 535 | Introduction to Biblical Preaching | 3 |
| MIN 511 | The Church in God's Mission | 3 |
| MIN 512 | Personal Spiritual Formation | 3 |
Ministry Skills Development
| MIN 522 | Power, Change, and Conflict | 3 |
| OR | |
| MIN 523 | Leading Evangelism and Discipleship | 3 |
| OR | |
| MIN 524 | Principles and Practices of Christian Care | 3 |
| Elective | |
| Elective | |
| Elective | |
| Elective | |
Concentrations
Concentrations
A concentration consisting of twelve specialized training credits in a selected concentration will provide students with further knowledge and ministry skills. Students are encouraged to choose a concentration at the beginning of their program.
Electives
Six credits of elective coursework are included in the program. Advanced standing for previous qualifying coursework can be applied to electives. Additionally, field experience and TraveLearn trips can be used.
Church Planting Concentration
As of March 1, 2023, this concentration is not accepting new students.
The Church is an essential part of God’s plan to bring about reconciliation. Church planting is much more than building yet another church – it’s about bringing the gospel to every part of the earth. In this concentration, students are equipped with the tools needed to be an effective minister on the frontlines of church-based gospel outreach. Courses prepare students to exegete cultures and contextualize for communities as they strategically invest in the entrepreneurial work of church planting. Additional field experience opportunities provide students with a unique opportunity to apply their learning within a mentoring partnership.
| CPL 501 | Theology, History & Models of Church Planting Movements | 3 |
| CPL 502 | Exegeting Culture for Church Planting | 3 |
| CPL 504 | Church Planting I | 3 |
| CPL 505 | Church Planting II | 3 |
Children & Family Ministry Concentration
The following courses are required to complete the Children and Family Ministry Concentration.
| CFM 501 | Foundations of Children and Family Ministry | 3 |
| CFM 502 | Spiritual Formation of Children and Families | 3 |
| CFM 503 | Missional Families in a Global World | 3 |
| CFM 504 | Global Children’s Ministry | 3 |
Formational Leadership Concentration
The following courses are required to complete the Formational Leadership concentration.
| MFL 501 | Self-Care for the 21st Century Leader | 3 |
| MFL 508 | Shaping Resilient Teams | 3 |
| MFL 503 | Emotional Intelligence & Digital Age Communication | 3 |
| MFL 509 | Communication as Story | 3 |
Leadership Studies Concentration
The leadership studies concentration equips students with the essential skills needed to effectively lead in various ministry contexts. Students will develop a personalized leadership approach that illuminates their unique God-given abilities while evaluating major leadership theories. Committed to leading with integrity, students will explore the critical aspects of organizational leadership for a godly leader. Applied faith practices, soul care, and character formation encourage students to lead with confidence and conviction within their ministry contexts.
| LSP 501 | Leadership Theory & Practice | 3 |
| LSP 502 | Development of Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| LSP 503 | Psychology of Leadership | 3 |
| LSP 509 | Leadership Style Analysis | 3 |
Pastoral Studies Concentration
Pastoral Ministry is a unique calling among God's people requiring a unique set of core competencies for the one seeking to serve the Church. The Pastoral Ministry Concentration provides the foundational knowledge and skills one needs for healthy missional ministry in the local Church. Courses give students a core theology for pastoral ministry, advanced training in preaching, depth of study in understanding and designing creative corporate worship, and clear instruction and practice in the essential functions of church finance, leadership, and administration. Through this concentration, students will be prepared for their high calling to "equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12).
| PAS 502 | Local Church Revitalization | 3 |
| PAS 503 | Theology, History, & Practice of Worship | 3 |
| PAS 513 | Advanced Homiletics | 3 |
| PAS 520 | Designing Strategic Models of Adult Discipleship | 3 |
Worship Arts Concentration
This concentration facilitates a Word-focused understanding of creativity and performance for ministry leaders to equip those in their care to lead worship that engages the congregation's senses, emotions, and intellect. Students will gain a robust perspective of the history of Christian worship practices by observing continuities, overlaps, and contrasts across various time periods and traditions. The deep tie between the Church's worship and its cultural context will be explored with the study of expressions from across the globe. Beyond enhancing their own understanding of arts in the story of God's Church, ministry leaders will learn to integrate these perspectives into their regular shepherding and administrative tasks. Students will complete this concentration with a refreshed vision for shepherding the formation of their congregations in worship and a refined set of skills for equipping those with whom they serve in that mission.
| WOR 500 | Biblical, Historical, & Theological Survey of Worship Arts | 3 |
| WOR 505 | Worship and its Cultural Context | 3 |
| WOR 510 | Worship Design & Practice | 3 |
| WOR 520 | Perspectives and Technology for Worship Arts Administration | 3 |
Youth & Young Adult Ministry Concentration
As of March 1, 2023, this concentration is not accepting new students.
Competent youth ministries make a critical difference in the growth and witness of the Church. Research demonstrates that youth ministry significantly fosters relationships between God, adults, and youth such that teens become makers of culture rather than simply consumers of culture. Carefully crafted youth ministries help teens grow in security in Christ and mature spiritually and socially. Ministry to and through teenagers grows in importance daily. This concentration provides students with the opportunity to develop one’s biblical theology and approach to discipleship. It also seriously considers and helps students learn how to apply the best psychological and social theories in evaluating culture and in guiding youth to navigate adolescence and live for Christ. Students will learn how to listen to teens and their families on deeper levels. Lastly, this concentration will help Lead Pastors gain appreciation of and cultivate a vision for youth ministry.
| YMN 501 | Student Development, Culture & Contextualization | 3 |
| YMN 502 | Student & Family Systems Counseling | 3 |
| YMN 503 | Thinking Theologically in Student Ministry | 3 |
| YMN 504 | Spiritual Formation of Students | 3 |
Application, Admission, Retention, and Graduation
Admission Requirements
Individuals seeking admission to Capital Seminary programing in the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Care and the Master of Arts in Formational Leadership must complete the following application steps. Decisions for admission to these programs are made using each application piece listed as criteria.
Application Process
Individuals seeking admission to Capital Seminary programing in the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Care and the Master of Arts in Formational Leadership must complete the following application steps. Decisions for admission to these programs are made using each application piece listed as criteria.
1.
Application Form: Complete the online application and submit the $40 application fee. Once your application has been received, you will be contacted by an Admissions Representative who will guide you through the application process.
2.
Autobiographical Essay: Write an autobiographical essay, of approximately 1000 words, describing your salvation experience and ministry goals using these instructions.
* Explain Christ’s saving work in your life. Please share the details of your conversion experience, and use scripture to explain your experience.
* Explain how God has used people and circumstances in your life to grow your faith.
* Describe your current spiritual disciplines including evangelism, Bible study, prayer and ministry service.
* Share your current employment situation, your future vocational goals, and why you have chosen to apply to Capital Seminary & Graduate School.
* In the last 5 years, other than the Bible, what author or book has most influenced your faith? Using APA or MLA to cite your source, please support your response with a quote from the book.
This essay is designed to provide applicable life content as well as demonstrate the applicant's writing ability. Applicants will be evaluated on: confirmation of acceptance of Christ as personal Savior, developments in spiritual growth, statement of ministry goals, and rationale for desiring a master's degree.
3.
References: Ask two people who are qualified to evaluate your ministry/work experience and potential, to complete the reference form on your behalf. Reference forms are located online here.
4.
Request Official Transcripts: Contact all institutions through which degrees have been awarded to request official transcripts to be sent to Capital Enrollment Management Office (717-560-8297). These must be official transcripts sent directly from the degree granting institution(s). There must be a transcript from an accredited institution showing completion of a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
5.
TOEFL Score: Non-native speakers of English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If the applicant has an undergraduate degree from an accredited American college or university, he/she is exempt from the TOEFL requirement. If required, the TOEFL test score must meet the following minimum for admission: paper score 550; computer score 213; or internet score 79. The applicant's skill score in writing will also be considered in the admissions decision.
6.
Personal Interview: Following receipt of the above items, a personal interview will be arranged with a faculty member.
Application Response
Applicants will be notified within three weeks of the submission of all application materials with regards to their acceptance into a program.
Five decisions are possible.
• Full Acceptance: The applicant is fully accepted with no deficiencies or leveling requirements.
• Accepted with Deficiencies: The applicant is accepted into the program with admission's academic deficiencies identified. The applicant will be informed as to the necessary steps required to achieve full acceptance.
• Accepted on Review Status: The applicant is admitted pending further review. This may be because a part of the application was incomplete (e.g. a score was not received in time) or because the applicant did not meet one of the admission's requirements.
• Delay: The applicant may receive an application delay. This may be due to the program being filled, a change in the applicant's life situation, or an event preventing the applicant from attending the first program session. Delayed status applicants will not have to reapply to the program but must pay the program down payment fee.
• Declined: The applicant who is declined will be notified by mail or email. Specific reasons for the decline are not provided.
Retention and Program Completion
The maximum length for program completion is five years from the date of admission. An application for an extension may be obtained from the Registrar's Office (Registrar@lbc.edu). Students not completing their degree or certificate within five years and not receiving an extension will be withdrawn from the program. A Readmission Application may be obtained from the Registrar's Office.
Continuous enrollment is encouraged in all Capital programs. It is understood that extenuating circumstances occur which may prevent a student from enrolling in a given semester. However, this should be viewed as an exception so the program can be completed within the five-year limit. Should a student not enroll for a 180-day period, he/she will be withdrawn from the program and will need to reapply. A readmission application is available from the Registrar's Office. See Planned Return Policy for further details.
Graduation
Graduation Requirements
The following requirements must be successfully completed in order to receive a Seminary degree or certificate:
1.
Satisfactory completion of all course work
2.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
3.
Fulfillment of all financial obligations
4.
Adherence to biblical standards and ethics in living one’s lifestyle
Dr. LaSondra Barnes, DMin
LaSondra Barnes serves as the Director of the Master of Arts in Ministry Program and Associate Professor who works with faculty, staff, and students to foster an environment of meaningful, transformational servant leadership through teaching and administration. Before LBC|Captial, she held positions in student life at a Christian university, as an adjunct professor, and in various pastoral roles. She holds a Doctorate in Ministry from George Fox University, a Master of Divinity from Western Seminary, and a BS from Michigan State University. LaSondra’s primary research areas of interest are spiritual formation, leadership development, women’s ministry, and healing parental wounds.