Ministry is about more than knowing you're called. It's about preparing to fulfill that calling.
Our M.A. in Ministry is for those who want to prepare for pastoral leadership, especially in staff roles in churches, student ministries, or non-profit organizations. Your coursework will cover Bible, theology, leadership, spiritual formation, and ministry skills. You’ll experience personal growth and transformation as you explore your faith and learn to share the gospel. Your community of peers will challenge you just as much as they support you. And you’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual maturity you need to serve others with wisdom and grace.
Program Option(s)
M.A. in Ministry
This program is designed to prepare and inspire you to fulfill your highest passions in ministry. We'll provide you with the framework, theories, and practices that produce the best results.
| Deliveries | Daytime, Evening, and Fully Online |
| Locations | Online, San Diego, and St. Paul |
| Credits | 51 |
| Cost per Credit | $508 |
| Estimated Total Cost | $25,908* |
* These program details and costs are estimated and subject to change. View our program details disclaimer for more information.
Recent News
Seminary Partnership Helps Student Pursue His Calling
January 24, 2018 | 1 p.m.
Upcoming Events
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Preparation Meets Calling
The Master of Arts in Ministry will prepare you to lead. You’ll start with a foundation of comprehensive knowledge and interpretive skill in Bible and theology. You’ll grow personally and spiritually, which is critical because all ministry starts with self-leadership. And you’ll add the practical ministry skills you need to serve with excellence in your ministry calling. As you learn to share the gospel with people from diverse backgrounds, invite people to transformative growth, and build productive teams, you’ll be ready to make significant contributions in your congregation, your community, and our world.
62 denominations represented at Bethel Seminary
On average, 15-20 hours per week are committed to online programs.
Program Highlights
Spiritual formation
Grow in spiritual maturity through a greater understanding of the Bible and how it relates to your own life. As you develop in faith and Christ-likeness, you’ll have a greater capacity to serve others.
Unique concentrations
Focus on your specific ministry vocation—choosing courses or a concentration to hone your area of calling. You’ll be equipped for meaningful work with those you’re called to serve.
Online Options
We offer fully online options so that you can complete the Ministry program from anywhere, and at a pace that fits your busy schedule.Practical benefits
You’ll gain hands-on experience through a professional internship, giving you a chance to practice ministry—and then to reflect on your experience. The core capacities you gain will sustain you over time, preparing you to adapt to tasks or roles that God may call you to in the future.
Program flexibility
If you desire deeper preparation, the M.A. in Ministry offers seamless transition into the Master of Divinity degree program. All courses are transferable. You’ll be able to continue your studies without missing a beat!
Focus on the church
At Bethel Seminary, we exist to serve the church. If you share this same passion, the M.A. in Ministry program will provide you with the knowledge and skills to help ensure the future and growth of God's appointed agency—the church.
Outcomes
The M.A. in Ministry will prepare you for associate or staff ministry roles in churches, student ministries, non-profit, or parachurch organizations through a strong biblical foundation, practical course material, and spiritual reflection.
Skills
Learn how to:
- Increase your impact by developing the knowledge, spiritual maturity, and skills that will equip you to practice the ministry to which you are called
- Promote a culturally sensitive understanding and practice of ministry
- Develop a biblical and theological framework for your specific ministry goals
- Familiarize yourself with emerging theoretical and research methodologies in the field of ministry studies
- Promote awareness of ethical and theological issues relevant to ministry praxis
- Be a successful member of any ministry team through developing your leadership skills
Careers
The M.A. in Ministry prepares students for a broad field of ministry roles. Possible ministry opportunities include:
- Associate Pastor
- Pastor of Community Life
- Pastor of Discipleship
- Pastor of Small Groups
- College Ministry
- Youth Ministry