Pastoral Ministry, Non-North American Division MA

MA in Pastoral Ministry

Esther R. Knott, English Track Director
Ricardo Norton, Hispanic Track Director

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry is for experienced pastors and recommended lay leaders whose ministerial functions and employment responsibilities make it impossible to engage in an extended study program at the Seminary. While admission to the program is similar for all groups of applicants, the curriculum reflects emphases for English or Hispanic ministry tracks (for details, see below).

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MA in Pastoral Ministry is based on the following requirements in addition to the general admission requirements  for all graduate students and the general Seminary admission requirements. Applicants must also complete and return the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire as directed.

NAD Ministerial Applicants

• Hold a BA degree or equivalent from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Provide evidence of successful pastoral leadership during the past five years.
• Be Recommended by their local conference administration, a pastoral colleague and local church leader/elder.

NAD Lay Leader Applicants

• Hold a BA degree or equivalent from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Provide evidence of extensive, active, and successful ministry leadership in service areas such as Sabbath school teacher, youth leader, elder, deacon, etc. during the past five years.
• Recommended by their local conference administrator, church pastor, and local head elder.

Program Outcomes

1. Delivers effective biblically based sermons.
2. Demonstrates proper biblical interpretation skills.
3. Understands the historical-theological and missional development of the Adventist Church.
4. Trains church members for evangelism.
5. Empowers church members for leadership.
6. Capable of reaching specific social groups.

Program Requirements

The MA in Pastoral Ministry degree is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 48 credits of formal course work.

1. Course work in North America is offered off campus twice annually in one- and two-week intensives, normally at Adventist educational institutions. Students should expect pre- and post-class assignments as part of the total academic requirements of each course. The intensives generate the equivalent of 6–12 credits annually.
2. Course work should be completed within six years of beginning the program.
3. Attendance of at least 6 credits on campus at Andrews University is required.
4. Students failing to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 are placed on probation. Any student remaining on probation for the equivalent of two years (maximum of 18 credits) must withdraw from the program.
5. Only grades of a C- or above will count towards the 48-credit requirement.
6. Following an absence of two years or more, a student’s previous admission status will have lapsed and the student must reapply to the program.

Transfer Credits

• Upon approval by the dean, a maximum of 24 graduate credits may be transferred from approved seminaries or universities, including Andrews University.
• A maximum of 8 credits may be transferred from another conferred degree upon approval by the dean.

Reapplying to the MA: Pastoral Ministry Program

Following an absence of two years or more, a student’s previous admission status will have lapsed and the student will need to reapply to the program and pay all the admission fees.

*All classes in the MA in Pastoral Ministry program are to be taken for 3 credits.

Biblical Studies 12

Theology and Christian Philosophy 8

• One course in Ethics
• Three additional courses in THST

Christian Ministry 12

Courses selected in at least two areas:

• Evangelism and Church Growth
• Leadership and Administration
• Pastoral Care and Counseling
• Preaching and Worship

Church History 4

• CHIS 674 - Development of Seventh-day Adventist Theology Credits: 3
• One elective

Mission 2

Electives 10

Total Credits for the MA Degree: 48