Ministry (MAM)

Credential: Master of Arts

Locations:  Online, Lancaster (hybrid), Washington, D.C (hybrid)

Program Director: LaSondra Barnes, DMin

Program Mission Statement: 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.

Program Learning Outcomes: As a result of this program, the students will :

1. Establish foundational knowledge of the narrative, content, and interpretation of the Bible for the development of a biblical worldview.

2. Generate a biblical philosophy of ministry and leadership practice applicable in the context of contemporary culture.

3. Formulate the character and competencies necessary for authentic servant leadership in the manner of Jesus Christ.

4. Plan redemptive spiritual communities built on Christ-like character, authentic servant-leadership, and a robust theology and philosophy of ministry.

5. Develop ministry skill sets for effective leadership and service in a selected ministry context. 

Additional Program Information: 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.

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.

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.

Curricular Structure and Degree Requirements

Curricular Structure	Credits
ORI 500 Orientation	0
Biblical and Theological Foundations Courses	12
Ministry Leadership Courses	6
Ministry Skills Courses	6
Concentration Courses	12
Elective Courses	6
Program Total	42

Biblical and Theological Foundation Courses (12 credits)

Biblical and Theological Foundations courses may be met through Advanced Standing. See the section below for more details.

BTC 563	Biblical Interpretation	3
BTC 523	Biblical Narrative - Old Testament	3
BTC 533	Biblical Narrative - New Testament	3
BTC 573	Introduction to Christian Theology	3

Ministry Leadership Foundation Courses (6 credits)

MIN 511	The Church in God's Mission	3
MIN 512	Personal Spiritual Formation	3

Ministry Skills Development Courses (6 credits)

MIN 504	Communicating Biblical Truth	3
	OR
BIB 535	Introduction to Biblical Preaching	3
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

Concentration Courses (12 credits)

Students are encouraged to choose their concentration early in the program.

Children & Family Ministry Concentration

This concentration allows students to delve deeper into the much-needed area of Children & Family Ministry as they serve families and work to bring current and future generations close to Christ.

CFM 511	Foundations of Children and Family Ministry	3
CFM 512	Contexts of Children and Family Ministry	3
CFM 513	Faith Formation in Children and Families	3
CFM 514	Leadership of Children and Family Ministry	3

Formational Leadership Concentration

Sustainability in ministry has less to do with skills and charisma than it does with the character and faithfulness of the leader. The formational leadership concentration prepares students to cultivate the virtue, character, and skills necessary to faithfully serve over a lifetime of ministry. By nurturing a heart of integrity and hands skilled at the work, students are equipped to lead with conviction and character.

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 511	Leadership Foundations & Practives	3
LSP 512	Essentials of Organizational Management	3
LSP 513	Formational Leadership Practices	3
MIN 550	Ministry Finance and Management	3

Pastoral Studies Concentration

Pastoral Studies concentration is grounded in the authority of Scripture and places a strong emphasis developing church leaders to become faithful pastors that lead fruitful churches. From a biblical foundation, students learn about the nature of ministry, discipleship and leadership within the context of the local church.

PAS 501	Pastoral Ministry	3
PAS 503	Theology, History, & Practice of Worship	3
PAS 540	Advanced Preaching	3
MIN 550	Ministry Finance and Management	3

General Ministry Studies Concentration

Students may elect to take courses from several concentration areas within the degree program for the General Ministry Studies concentration. For students in ministry programs, they may take seminary courses beginning with the prefix MIN, CFM, LSP, MIN, MFL, and PAS. Any transfer courses brought in as concentration courses must align with the program outcomes of the student’s degree program.

	CFM/LSP/MIN/MFL/PAS Elective	3
	CFM/LSP/MIN/MFL/PAS Elective	3
	CFM/LSP/MIN/MFL/PAS Elective	3
	CFM/LSP/MIN/MFL/PAS Elective	3

Elective Courses (6 credits)

Students may take 6 credits of elective courses from the following seminary course prefixes: APO, BIB, CFM, LSP, MIN, MFL, PAS and THE.

	Elective	3
	Elective	3

 

Admission, Retention, and Graduation

Admission Requirements

Admission into a master's degree program at Capital Seminary is consistent with the general admissions policy and practice of LBC|Capital. Admission criteria is located in the Admissions Information section of the catalog.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is awarded in accordance with the general transfer policy in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the catalog. Transfer credits are reviewed and approved by the Program Director. This program has the following program specific transfer credit information. Transfer credit must be from an institution other than LBC|Capital.

 

Seminary Program	Program Credits	# of Transfer Credits	Age of Transfer Credits	Min. Grade of Transfer Credit
Ministry (MAM)	42 cr.	up to 50%	10 yrs. (biblical languages) 15 yrs. (all other courses)	C

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing for Biblical and Theological Foundations course is granted to those students who have completed 15 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. The prior coursework satisfies 6 credits of the total 12 credits of BTC required courses. Students with advanced standing are required to take THE 501 and THE 502.

THE 501	Christian Doctrine I: Revelation, God, Humanity, and Sin	3
THE 502	Christian Doctrine II: Christ, Salvation, Church, and the Future	3
	Advanced Standing Credit	3
	Advanced Standing Credit	3

Program Retention

Academic progress in this program is monitored after each term. The Academic Probation policy and Academic Dismissal policy found in this catalog are applied to all LBC|Capital students.

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 ([e-mail]). 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. If students reapply and are reinstated, they are subject to the graduation requirements as contained in the catalog at the time of their readmission.

Graduation Requirements

The following requirements must be successfully completed in order to receive a Seminary degree or certificate:

• Satisfactory completion of all course work
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Fulfillment of all financial obligations
• Adherence to biblical standards and ethics in living one’s lifestyle

Faculty

Program Director: 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.

Faculty:

James Ayers, PhD LaSondra Barnes, DMin Casey Barton, PhD Philip Bena, MA Sherry Bell, MA Ronald Belsterling, PhD Kirk Belmont, DMin Aaron Brown, MDiv Terriel Byrd, PhD Mark Cote, DMin Rick Chung, DMin Douglas Curry, DMin Mark Eckel, PhD Mark Farnham, PhD Douglas Finkbeiner, PhD Adam Flynt, DMin

Steve Grusendorf, PhD Penny Gushiken, MA Samuel Harbin, DMin Ryan Hartwig, PhD Deborah Hinkel, MA Debra Johnson-Cortesi, PhD Joseph Kim, PhD Miles (Skip) Lewis, EdD Mark McGeever, DMin Timothy Nicholls, PhD Randal Pelton, PhD Brian Pinzer, PhD Joshua Rhodes, MA Alex Sackey-Ansah, PhD Ed Scheuerman, DMin Ryan Shenk, MA

Timothy Sidebothom, PhD Rebekah Strangarity, MA Marc Talbert, PhD Currie Tilley, Jr., EdD Alex Tufano, MA John Wilkinson, PhD Nathaniel Yates, PhD Esther Zimmerman, PhD