Master of Arts in Ministry
Name of Program
Master of Arts in Ministry
Introduction
The Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) program is designed to provide professional ministry development, primarily in church and church-related ministries. 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.
Program Purpose
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Ministry degree is to prepare students to effectively minister in both local church and church-related contexts. Students develop a solution orientation to the challenges of ministry and learn to integrate both biblical precepts and the Christian faith with their professional practices.
Educational Philosophy
The Master of Arts in Ministry is founded on six basic educational commitments. These commitments represent the educational philosophy on which the program is structured. The student entering this program can expect that course design and faculty selection will reflect this perspective on teaching and learning. These are:
• We believe the Bible provides the philosophical and practical foundations for ministry in any context. Therefore, in every course, classroom content and Scriptural principles are integrated and applied to professional practice.
• 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 believe that a graduate curriculum should balance contemporary scholarship and professional practice. Therefore, classroom content facilitates the reflection of relevant theory with the application of learning to real-world situations. In addition, each faculty member is a seasoned practitioner in their field, allowing students to benefit from the praxis of their in-depth knowledge and professional experience.
• We believe the mentoring process is the most effective means to equip people for ministry. Therefore, each student is assigned to a faculty advisor, who guides the academic process from matriculation to graduation and provides ministry counsel and encouragement.
• We believe adults grow more effectively in nurturing communities. Therefore, the graduate student is viewed as a self-directed learner and adult learning methods are emphasized, making the classroom environment an educational workshop that emphasizes interactive methods that utilize the professor and student’s unique gifts and life experience.
• We believe in life-long education. Therefore, courses emphasize critical thinking skills that relate to all of life and ministry and provide the practical research skills for maintaining continuing education in Christian ministry beyond a formal degree program.
Locations offered
Note: Not all concentrations are offered at each site.
Washington, DC
Lancaster, PA
Program Director
Faculty List
James Ayers, PhD
Ron Belsterling, PhD
Kirk Belmon, DMin
Terriel Byrd, PhD
Aaron Brown, MDiv
Rick Chung, DMin
Mark Cote, DMin
Hans Finzel, DMiss
Adam Flynt, DMin
Steve Grusendorf, PhD
Sam Harbin, DMin
Ryan Hartwig, PhD
Deborah Hinkel, MA
Debra Johnson-Cortesi, PhD
Chan Kilgore, MDiv
Tim Koller, MA
Miles Lewis, EdD
Mark McGeever, DMin
Walter McNutt, PhD
Dale Mort, PhD
Randal Pelton, DMin
Brian Pinzer, PhD
Richard Rhoads, DMin
Timothy Sidebothom, PhD
Currie Tilley, EdD
Alex Tufano, MA
Jim Van Yperen, MA
Rodney Wilkinson, MEd
Esther Zimmerman, PhD
Program Core Competencies
The Master of Arts in Ministry program equips students for ministry in the church and society by developing:
- A foundational knowledge of the narrative, content, and interpretation of the Bible for the purposes of the development of a biblical worldview.
- The skill sets necessary in effectively communicating the Scriptures.
- The skills necessary in the process of personal spiritual formation and discipleship of others.
- The character and competencies necessary to be an authentic servant leader.
- A biblical philosophy of ministry and leadership practice applicable in the context of contemporary culture.
- The knowledge and skill sets necessary to lead individuals, teams, and organizations.
- The skill sets necessary for assessing organizational health and strategizing for organizational development.
- Knowledge and skill sets appropriate to the selected ministry concentration.
- Experiential learning and research skills for maintaining life-long education.
Graduate Certificate Program
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 Studies
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12 credits
|
|
Ministry Praxis
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9 credits
|
|
Advanced Ministry Praxis
|
9 credits
|
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Advanced Ministry Praxis Concentration
|
12 credits
|
|
Field Based Experience
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6 credits
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Program total
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48 credits
|
Competency 1 Biblical and Theological Studies
The following Biblical and Theological Studies courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Student’s official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process and the student will be informed of their Advanced Standing status during their admissions interview.
| BTC 523 | Biblical Narrative - Old Testament | 3 |
| BTC 533 | Biblical Narrative - New Testament | 3 |
| BTC 563 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BTC 573 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
Competency 2
Ministry Praxis
| MIN 504 | Communicating Biblical Truth | 3 |
| MIN 509 | Spiritual Formation & Discipleship | 3 |
| MIN 510 | The Leader's Life & Work | 3 |
Competency 3
Advanced Ministry Praxis
| MIN 505 | Theological Foundations for Ministry | 3 |
| MIN 507 | Leadership Development & Team Building | 3 |
| MIN 508 | Organizational Change & Conflict | 3 |
Competency 4
Field Based Experience
The field-based study experience is an integral part of the total degree that is designed to develop greater competence in ministry. In consultation with their faculty mentor, students will select among the first two options below to fulfill the 6 credits of program requirements.
Ministry Internships
Students are provided an opportunity to gain practical ministry knowledge by serving in an approved church, church organization, non-profit organization, governmental organization, school, or under the mentorship of a Christian leader. Students invest a total of 120 documented hours, per 3-credit internship course, in observation and activities under the mentoring of a qualified organizational leader. Internship sites and supervisors must be approved in advance by the student’s faculty mentor. Mentorships are offered to students already serving in a paid ministry position. Details of the mentorship will be developed with the assistance of the student’s faculty mentor. Ministry Internships or Mentorships are charged tuition at the same rate as other 3 credit courses.
Academic Option
With the permission of both the Faculty Mentor and a Chair of the appropriate Seminary Department, students may be allowed to take elective courses in their program or an independent study appropriate to their ministry goals. Students must make a formal written proposal in order to exercise this option.
Concentrations
Concentration 1
Church Planting
As of March 1, 2023, this concentration is not accepting new students.
The following courses are required to complete the Church Planting concentration (offered in Boca Raton, FL)
| CPL 501 | Theology, History & Models of Church Planting Movements | 3 |
| CPL 502 | Exegeting Culture for Church Planting | 3 |
| CPL 503 | Church Planting Internship I | 3 |
| CPL 504 | Church Planting I | 3 |
| CPL 505 | Church Planting II | 3 |
| CPL 506 | Church Planting Internship II | 3 |
Concentration 2
Formational Children & Family Ministry
The following courses are required to complete the Formational 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 |
Concentration 3
Leadership Studies
The following courses are required to complete the Leadership Studies concentration.
| 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 |
Concentration 4
Pastoral Studies
The following courses are required to complete the Pastoral Studies concentration.
| 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 |
Concentration 5
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
As of March 1, 2023, this concentration is not accepting new students.
The following courses are required to complete the Youth & Young Adult Ministry concentration.
| 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.
Academic Advising
Each student is assigned a Student Experience Specialist who will help them through the admissions process, orientation, scheduling, registration, graduation, and other academic matters relating to the student’s progress through their program. Furthermore, a Faculty Advisor will be assigned to each student for assistance with Field-Based Experience and to provide a guide through the program. Final responsibility for the fulfillment of all program and graduation requirements rests with the student; therefore students are encouraged to be proactive in relating to their Student Experience Specialist and Faculty Advisor during academic studies.
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.
Advanced Standing
The following Biblical and Theological Studies courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Students’ official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process.
Students transferring from theological seminaries or graduate institutions with accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will be given advanced standing to the extent that their credits approximate the curriculum of Capital Seminary & Graduate School. Transfer credits must be from a seminary or graduate program with a final grade of “C” or higher. They must be no older than 10 years (for biblical language courses) or 15 years (for all other courses). Students can transfer no more than 50% of a degree from an outside institution. For specific information or questions, applicants or students must consult the Program Director.
| BTC 523 | Biblical Narrative - Old Testament | 3 |
| BTC 533 | Biblical Narrative - New Testament | 3 |
| BTC 563 | Biblical Interpretation | 3 |
| BTC 573 | Introduction to Christian Theology | 3 |
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