2024-2025 Capital Seminary & Graduate School Catalog

Divinity (MDiv)

Credential: Master of Divinity

Location: Lancaster (hybrid), Washington DC (hybrid), Online

Program Director: Matt W. Lee, PhD

Program Mission Statement: The mission of the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program is to prepare students for a lifetime of effective service to the Church and society in a vocational ministry role. A learning journey that integrates biblical, theological, and ministry studies help students develop the wisdom and character needed for the present and future service entrusted to them. Students will be equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to faithfully lead and serve in diverse ministry contexts. Students will be prepared to address the challenging questions and problems of the day while faithfully upholding the truth of God's word.

The MDiv degree is the most commonly pursued academic credential for ordination and acceptance into ministry-related doctoral degree programs like the Doctor of Ministry.

Additionally, to better serve the life-engaged adult learner, courses within the program are delivered in two modalities. The fully online modality offers maximum flexibility by enabling students to complete coursework without rearranging their schedules to attend in-person residencies. The hybrid modality provides students with the unique opportunity to complete most of their coursework online while still experiencing face-to-face on-site learning with their peers. Students can choose between either modality for most courses in the program.

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

1. Apply methods of interpretation, research, and biblical languages study to the discovery of biblical truths.

2. Articulate and defend sound theology according to historic Christian orthodoxy.

3. Construct theological and ethical solutions to challenging questions and problems facing the Church and society.

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

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

6. Develop ministry skills in areas of evangelism, discipleship, care, administration, and communicating biblical truth.

Additional Program Information:

The Master of Divinity (MDiv) at Capital Seminary & Graduate School is a uniquely balanced program designed to produce the competencies necessary to lead from a biblical worldview. The program prepares students for a leadership role in multiple ministry contexts by focusing on developing the head, heart, and hands of the student.

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.

Curricular Options: The Master of Divinity offers three tracks. Track #1 Master of Divinity with a concentration consisting of 12 credits in a concentration that will provide students with further knowledge and ministry skills. Track #2 Master of Divinity: Christian Care Specialization and Track #3 Master of Divinity: Formational Leadership Specialization. A specialization is a focused area of training that exceeds the scope of a concentration. Students completing a specialization will be awarded a diploma that includes the specialization in the program title.

Students are encouraged to choose a concentration or specialization at the beginning of their program.

MDiv - Curriculum Structure and Degree Requirements

Master of Divinity Curricular Structure Credits
ORI 500 Orientation 
Biblical and Theological Foundations Courses  18
Ministry Leadership Foundations Courses  12 
Biblical Skills Development Courses  15 
Ministry Skills Development Courses  12 
Concentration Courses  12 
Open Elective Courses  6
Program Total 75

 

Biblical and Theological Foundation Courses (18 credits)

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

BTC 523Biblical Narrative - Old Testament

3

BTC 533Biblical Narrative - New Testament

3

BTC 563Biblical Interpretation

3

THE 501Christian Doctrine I: Revelation, God, Humanity, and Sin

3

THE 502Christian Doctrine II: Christ, Salvation, Church, and the Future

3

APO 555Ethics and Cultural Engagement

3

 

Ministry Leadership Foundation Courses (12 credits)

MIN 511The Church in God's Mission

3

MIN 512Personal Spiritual Formation

3

MIN 513Historical Perspectives on Church & Culture

3

MIN 514Contemporary Issues in Church & Culture

3

 

Biblical Skills Development Courses (15 credits)

BIB 512Greek I

3

BIB 513Greek II

3

BIB 517Hebrew I

3

BIB 518Hebrew II

3

BIB 536Biblical Exegesis and Exposition - Hebrew

3

OR

BIB 537Biblical Exegesis and Exposition: Greek

3

 

Ministry Skills Development Courses (12 credits)

MIN 504Communicating Biblical Truth

3

OR

BIB 535Introduction to Biblical Preaching

3

MIN 522Power, Change, and Conflict

3

MIN 523Leading Evangelism and Discipleship

3

MIN 524Principles and Practices of Christian Care

3

 

Concentration Courses (12 credits)

The following concentrations are available in the MDiv program. Click the link to see the courses.

 

Bible Exposition Concentration

Christian Apologetics Concentration

Children & Family Ministry Concentration

Formational Leadership Concentration

General Biblical Studies Concentration

General Ministry Studies Concentration

Leadership Studies Concentration

Pastoral Studies Concentration

Theology Concentration

 

Open Elective Courses (6 credits)

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

3

Elective

3

 

MDiv Christian Care Specialization - Curriculum Structure and Degree Requirements

MDiv Christian Care Curricular Structure Credits
 ORI 500 Orientation 0
Biblical and Theological Foundations Courses  18 
Ministry Leadership Foundations Courses 
Biblical Skills Development Courses  15 
Ministry Skills Development Courses 
Christian Care Courses  27 
 Program Total 75 

 

Biblical and Theological Foundation Courses (18 credits)

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

BTC 523Biblical Narrative - Old Testament

3

BTC 533Biblical Narrative - New Testament

3

BTC 563Biblical Interpretation

3

THE 501Christian Doctrine I: Revelation, God, Humanity, and Sin

3

THE 502Christian Doctrine II: Christ, Salvation, Church, and the Future

3

APO 555Ethics and Cultural Engagement

3

 

Ministry Leadership Foundation Courses (9 credits)

MIN 511The Church in God's Mission

3

MIN 513Historical Perspectives on Church & Culture

3

MIN 514Contemporary Issues in Church & Culture

3

 

Biblical Skills Development Courses (15 credits)

BIB 512Greek I

3

BIB 513Greek II

3

BIB 517Hebrew I

3

BIB 518Hebrew II

3

BIB 536Biblical Exegesis and Exposition - Hebrew

3

OR

BIB 537Biblical Exegesis and Exposition: Greek

3

 

Ministry Skills Development Courses (6 credits)

MIN 504Communicating Biblical Truth

3

OR

BIB 535Introduction to Biblical Preaching

3

MIN 523Leading Evangelism and Discipleship

3

 

Christian Care Courses (27 credits)

CHC 505Foundations for Christian Care

3

CHC 510Christian Care of Individuals

3

CHC 511Christian Care of Individuals Lab

3

CHC 515Christian Care of Families

3

CHC 516Christian Care of Families Lab

3

CHC 520Christian Care and Group Process

3

CHC 525Training Christian Care Givers

3

CHC 590Christian Care of Individuals and Families Practicum

3

CHC 595Training Christian Care Givers Practicum

3

 

MDiv Formational Leadership Specialization - Curriculum Structure and Degree Requirements

MDiv Formational Leadership Curricular Structure Credits
ORI 500 Orientation
Biblical and Theological Foundations Courses  18
Ministry Leadership Foundations Courses  12 
Biblical Skills Development Courses  15 
Formational Leadership Courses  24 
Open Elective Courses  6
 Program Total  75

 

Biblical and Theological Foundation Courses (18 credits)

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

BTC 523Biblical Narrative - Old Testament

3

BTC 533Biblical Narrative - New Testament

3

BTC 563Biblical Interpretation

3

THE 501Christian Doctrine I: Revelation, God, Humanity, and Sin

3

OR

MFL 502Integrative Theology

3

THE 502Christian Doctrine II: Christ, Salvation, Church, and the Future

3

APO 555Ethics and Cultural Engagement

3

 

Ministry Leadership Foundation Courses (12 credits)

MIN 511The Church in God's Mission

3

MFL 501Self-Care for the 21st Century Leader

3

MIN 513Historical Perspectives on Church & Culture

3

MIN 514Contemporary Issues in Church & Culture

3

 

Biblical Skills Development Courses (15 credits)

BIB 512Greek I

3

BIB 513Greek II

3

BIB 517Hebrew I

3

BIB 518Hebrew II

3

BIB 536Biblical Exegesis and Exposition - Hebrew

3

OR

BIB 537Biblical Exegesis and Exposition: Greek

3

 

Formational Leadership Courses (24 credits)

MFL 503Emotional Intelligence & Digital Age Communication

3

MFL 504Restoration & Reconciliation

3

MFL 505Leadership as Influence

3

MFL 506Global Community Formation

3

MFL 507Theology of Organization

3

MFL 508Shaping Resilient Teams

3

MFL 509Communication as Story

3

MFL 510Seasons of the Soul in Leadership

3

CFR 501Eugene Residency

0

CFR 502International Experience

0

CFR 503Eugene Experience

0

 

Open Elective Courses (6 credits)

Students may take 6 credits of electives from the following seminary course prefixes: APO, BIB, CFM, LSP, MFL, MIN, PAS, 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
Divinity (MDiv)  75 cr.  up to 50% 

10 yrs. (biblical languages)

15 yrs. (all other courses)


Advanced Standing

Students demonstrating sufficient (at least 30 credits of undergraduate biblical, theological, or ministry courses) may be awarded up to 12 credits of advanced standing in the MDiv Program. These advanced standing credits will be applied to 9 credits of biblical and theological foundations (applied to BTC 523, BTC 533, & BTC 563) and 3 credits of electives. Additionally, students with earned undergraduate credit in the biblical languages may earn up to 6 credits of advanced standing in biblical skills courses. Language credits may be applied to either Greek I and II or Hebrew I and II, but not both.

The MDiv program director will have the final authority on determining if a student's previous coursework qualifies for advanced standing and how advanced standing shall be applied to the MDiv program.

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.

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: Matt W. Lee, PhD

Dr. Matt Lee is the director of the MDiv Global Program and an assistant professor at LBC | Capital. He obtained his MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary, his MA in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, then his PhD in Christian Apologetics from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Prior to LBC | Capital, he served in various pastoral roles from 2001–2022, notably at SaRang Church in Seoul, Korea, as the lead pastor for the young adult singles ministry. Dr. Lee has released multiple worship music recordings in addition to publishing a number of writings which includes his book Cultural Contextualization of Apologetics. Dr. Lee is a pastor-teacher, a passionate disciple-maker, and a fervent minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He believes in the power of the Gospel to change everything and seeks to carry out such Gospel-driven ministry through teaching, preaching, and disciple-making. He is married to Lindsey, and they have two children, Olivia and Matthew Jr.

Education:

PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Christian Apologetic, Louisville, KY
MDiv, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA
MA, BIOLA University, Christian Apologetics, La Mirada, CA
BS, University of Southern California, Music Industry

Faculty

LaSondra Barnes, DMin
Casey Barton, PhD
Sherry Bell, MA
Kirk Belmont, DMin
Terriel Byrd, PhD
Mark Cote, DMin
Rick Chung, DMin
Douglas Curry, DMin
Mark Eckel, PhD
Mark Farnham, PhD
Douglas Finkbeiner, PhD
Adam Flynt, DMin
Gordon Gregory, Jr., DTh
Steve Grusendorf, PhD
Penny Gushiken, MA
Samuel Harbin, DMin
Ryan Hartwig, PhD
Deborah Hinkel, MA
Albin Huss, PhD
Victor Jacobs, PhD
Debra Johnson-Cortesi, PhD
Joseph Kim, PhD
Miles (Skip) Lewis, EdD
Mark Meyer, PhD
Timothy Nicholls, PhD
Randal Pelton, PhD
Brian Pinzer, PhD
Joshua Rhodes, MA
Alex Sackey-Ansah, PhD
Ed Scheuerman, DMis
Ryan Shenk, MA
Timothy Sidebothom, PhD
John Soden, PhD
Jana Holiday, PhD