“More seminaries are training pastors to specialize in children’s needs. Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., introduced a master of arts degree in children’s and family ministry just 21/2 years ago, and the program now has 70 students.”

“ The New Funday School”
by Nadya Labi, TIME magazine, December 16, 2002, page 62

Bethel’s Children’s and Family Ministry program has given me an edge with the current trends and issues facing children and families. I am able to network with and help other children’s pastors understand where ministry is headed and what is still effective.

Susie Abramson
Maplewood, Minnesota

I am thoroughly relishing the Bethel CFM program. Not only can I pursue my degree while already involved in full-time ministry, but I have received the blessing of a group of colleagues who do what I do, speak my language, and understand my ministry like no one else in my world can. The faculty is very supportive, encouraging, and mindful of the fact that I have responsibilities outside of seminary. Bethel seems to want me to soar, and this program is one tool that helps me do just that.

Mary Kay Dyer
Saginaw, Michigan

The CFM program has been a great opportunity for me to develop my knowledge and abilities while at the same time continuing to serve full time in my ministry context. The classes and assignments, though at a master’s level, are manageable and enjoyable because they pertain directly to the things I do on a day-to-day basis in children’s ministry. The networking of ideas and resources among fellow children’s leaders is priceless.

Steve Scott
Pandora, Ohio

I have been impressed with the quality of the instruction, flexibility working with my schedule, networking with professionals with matching goals, the cross-cultural and interdenominational student perspectives, and the attention to career application of the curriculum. The growth I have experienced has been phenomenal, not only professionally, but also with biblical life application. The friendships I have developed with fellow students have been the greatest blessings as we share common struggles with our chosen careers.

Jo Farwell
Whittier, California

I find the CFM program to be intellectually stimulating and challenging while at the same time helping me grow exponentially in my relationship with God.

Wendy Sanders
Hayward, Wisconsin

The CFM program is like a treasured gem to me—sparkling from many angles, administered with grace and challenge. It offers rich and relevant course material, skilled and caring instructors, and valued relationships with fellow student travelers. Not only have I been enriched and equipped professionally and academically, but the attention to spiritual and personal formation has provided renewal and focus of purpose, giving me new depth and confidence in the journey of becoming whole and holy and all God created me to be.

Char Veenstra
White Bear Township, Minnesota

I am thrilled for the opportunity this program gives me to carry out the call I have from the Lord. Most of all I feel blessed that I can still home-school my children and do kingdom work for the Lord as I learn. As a blind student, I also appreciate that this delivery method has allowed me to be totally involved in the program.

Theresa Taylor
Columbia Heights, Minnesota