Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry
The Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry program gives men a thorough preparation for the work of shepherding God's people. In the three-year course of study, men come to know the Bible, the doctrine, and the history of Christ's Church. They learn the skills needed to be a biblical pastor as they put theory into practice under the care of the elders and pastors of their church.
Classes are split between pre-recorded video classes, live video-conference classes (Tues./Thurs. from 6-9 p.m.), mentor-led practica, and self-guided independent studies.
Classes are split between pre-recorded video classes, live video-conference classes (Tues./Thurs. from 6-9 p.m.), mentor-led practica, and self-guided independent studies.
Qualified candidates are accepted into the M.Div. program while remaining located in the context of their local supporting church. Each candidate has a local mentor, approved by NGA. Students complete coursework primarily through live video-conference courses, with additional pre-recorded, mentor-led, and self-guided courses as well as face-to-face contact through conferences and modules.
The 90-credit degree is able to be completed in three academic years and two summers. Each fall begins with an on-site 2-3 day module with introduction to courses for the semester (Attendance is optional—students can participate via video conference.) For the following 15 weeks, students take two courses by participating in live video conference classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9PM. A self paced, pre-recorded class is also completed. The spring semester has a similar format, but also has required attendance at the Shepherding Conference.
Throughout each semester and both summers, the student will work with the mentor toward accomplishment of the the 20-credit practicum series. Summers are also set aside for study of languages.
Independent study papers (theological and exegetical) are completed in the second and third year.
Here's the full picture of our flagship Master of Divinity curriculum:
The 90-credit degree is able to be completed in three academic years and two summers. Each fall begins with an on-site 2-3 day module with introduction to courses for the semester (Attendance is optional—students can participate via video conference.) For the following 15 weeks, students take two courses by participating in live video conference classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9PM. A self paced, pre-recorded class is also completed. The spring semester has a similar format, but also has required attendance at the Shepherding Conference.
Throughout each semester and both summers, the student will work with the mentor toward accomplishment of the the 20-credit practicum series. Summers are also set aside for study of languages.
Independent study papers (theological and exegetical) are completed in the second and third year.
Here's the full picture of our flagship Master of Divinity curriculum:
Each semester students will pursue a practicum. Here's an overview of each of the units:
1. Preaching (3 credits) Students will be mentored in writing and preaching. It is typically expected that a student will preach approximately 6 exegetical sermons, 2 topical sermons, and 2 evangelistic sermons.
2. Teaching and Discipleship (3 credits) Students will gain teaching experience in three areas: children (catechetical training, Sunday school, youth group work), adults (men’s group, Adult CE), individual discipleship (one-to-one mentoring, formal counseling). Students will participate in ongoing ministry (minimum of one year) in one of these areas.
3. Visitation (3 credits) Students will participate in a minimum of 20 hours of visitation (hospital, nursing home, church members, church visitors, jail inmates, etc.) and write three page reflection papers on their experiences.
4. Personal Disciplines (3 credits) Students will have regular meetings (at least 6 times per year) with mentor concerning personal and family disciplines (daily Bible reading, meditation, and prayer). Students will write a personal testimony. Students will receive instruction in stewardship of personal finances and demonstrate financial faithfulness. Student will develop a plan for regular participation in evangelism and implement it.
5. Administration (3 credits) Students will gain experience in administration by discussions with mentor and participating in administration through activities such as attendance at church budgeting committees, attendance at church and presbytery committee meetings, attendance at church staff meetings, development of prayer & financial support for missionaries, etc. Students will participate in ongoing administrative responsibility assigned by the mentor (minimum of one year) in one such area.
6. Leadership (3 credits) Students will gain experience in leadership by discussions with mentor and attending session meetings, diaconate meetings, as well as the session meeting of another church, if possible. Students will read Robert’s Rules of Order and meet with each active elder of the church. Students will participate in ongoing leadership responsibility assigned by mentor (minimum of one year) in one such area (If the administrative responsibility is a leadership position, this responsibility can fulfill both requirements.).
7. Ordination Prep (2 credits) Students will prepare for ordination exams.
1. Preaching (3 credits) Students will be mentored in writing and preaching. It is typically expected that a student will preach approximately 6 exegetical sermons, 2 topical sermons, and 2 evangelistic sermons.
2. Teaching and Discipleship (3 credits) Students will gain teaching experience in three areas: children (catechetical training, Sunday school, youth group work), adults (men’s group, Adult CE), individual discipleship (one-to-one mentoring, formal counseling). Students will participate in ongoing ministry (minimum of one year) in one of these areas.
3. Visitation (3 credits) Students will participate in a minimum of 20 hours of visitation (hospital, nursing home, church members, church visitors, jail inmates, etc.) and write three page reflection papers on their experiences.
4. Personal Disciplines (3 credits) Students will have regular meetings (at least 6 times per year) with mentor concerning personal and family disciplines (daily Bible reading, meditation, and prayer). Students will write a personal testimony. Students will receive instruction in stewardship of personal finances and demonstrate financial faithfulness. Student will develop a plan for regular participation in evangelism and implement it.
5. Administration (3 credits) Students will gain experience in administration by discussions with mentor and participating in administration through activities such as attendance at church budgeting committees, attendance at church and presbytery committee meetings, attendance at church staff meetings, development of prayer & financial support for missionaries, etc. Students will participate in ongoing administrative responsibility assigned by the mentor (minimum of one year) in one such area.
6. Leadership (3 credits) Students will gain experience in leadership by discussions with mentor and attending session meetings, diaconate meetings, as well as the session meeting of another church, if possible. Students will read Robert’s Rules of Order and meet with each active elder of the church. Students will participate in ongoing leadership responsibility assigned by mentor (minimum of one year) in one such area (If the administrative responsibility is a leadership position, this responsibility can fulfill both requirements.).
7. Ordination Prep (2 credits) Students will prepare for ordination exams.