Master of Arts in Practical Ministry

Master of Arts in Practical Ministry (MAPM)

The Master of Arts in Practical Ministry (MAPM) is a professionally oriented degree that equips students for leadership and service in Christian ministries which ordinarily do not require ordination. It provides an integrated curriculum of foundational studies especially focusing on the Bible and the practice of ministry. The degree requires 36 credit hours. Students may take an additional 12 credit hours to expand their foundational knowledge or add a concentration in a specialized area of ministry.

Program Director

Gore, R. J.

Professor of Systematic Theology
Dean Emeritus

Program Goals

The Seminary seeks to develop the following in students in this degree program:

Concepts. Graduates will interpret the Bible and draw on the church’s theological and historical heritage as they apply the Bible’s message to faith, life, and ministry in contemporary contexts.
Calling. Graduates will identify, develop, and use their abilities and spiritual gifts to advance the church’s mission to worship and serve Jesus Christ.
Character. Graduates will serve the church with evident Christian character and integrity in their personal and professional lives.
Competence. Graduates will serve the church effectively using skills required for lay and para-church ministry, especially teaching, leadership, and soul care.

Student Learning Outcomes

In dependence upon the grace of God, Master of Arts in Practical Ministry (MAPM) graduates will be able to:
1. Articulate (both orally and in writing) the essential biblical, theological, historical, cultural, and ministerial concepts necessary for a lifetime of learning and effectiveness in their various callings and ministries. (Articulation and Essentials)
2. Interpret the Bible within its canonical and historical contexts and apply the message of the Bible to contemporary life and to their ministry contexts, while drawing upon the Church’s theological and historical heritage (Interpretation and Application)
3. Discuss graciously the essentials of evangelical Christianity and the Reformed theological tradition within the contexts of diverse ecclesiologies, contemporary cultures, and global Christianity. (Evangelical and Reformed)
4. Identify contemporary issues in the Church and the world and demonstrate the ability to theologically evaluate and pastorally address those issues. (Theological and Pastoral Integration)
5. Demonstrate love for Jesus Christ and growth in sanctification toward personal, relational, and spiritual maturity appropriate to their vocational callings and ministry contexts. (Sanctification)
6. Demonstrate competence for faithful and effective Christian leadership, teaching, and pastoral care within the Church and to the world. (Christian Leadership)

Program Requirements

Admission

Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution with an acceptable grade point average. (See “Admissions” for details.)

Graduation

Students must complete 36 hours of coursework as outlined below with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain in good standing and maintain eligibility for financial aid. The program may be completed in as little as two years of full-time study. Students must normally complete the program within six years.

MAPM

Foundational Courses

BI 501 Bible Survey or BI 080 Bible Challenge Exam*
BI 502 Principles of Exegesis (required of first-year students)**
PM 502 Christian Vocation and Transformation

*BI 501 Bible Survey is required of first-year students who have not passed the Bible Challenge Exam.
**Students must have successfully completed BI 502 to earn “exegesis credit” for Bible electives and normally should have completed OT and NT survey courses.