Seventh-day Adventist pastors in North America have an outstanding educational option available from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. Unfortunately, few know about or take advantage of it. It's a virtually free Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry (MAP. Min.) degree.
How is this possible? Is it for you?
Years ago, the Seminary and the Seventh-day Adventist Unions of the North American Division designed a master's program for mature pastors unable to obtain the expected Master of Divinity degree. Instead of the 96- credit program making up the M.Div., the MAP.Min. is a 48-credit degree. In addition, the MAP.Min. does not require an undergraduate degree in religion or theology or the usual biblical language background. To qualify to take the MAP.Min. you (1) must hold a bachelor's degree; (2) be at least 35 years of age, and (3) have at least five years of ministry leadership experience.
Housed in the InMinistry Center at the Seminary on the Andrews University campus, the MAP.Min. degree is entirely a field delivery program.
During the first weeks of May and November (usually), extension intensives are held near or at one of our Adventist North American Union colleges or universities. At each event pas tors can choose from two back-to-back classes. Further, during February and March, Internet courses are available.
The MAP.Min. curriculum is some what eclectic in nature, providing for a wide exposure to advanced theological learning. Areas include: biblical studies (Old and New Testament), theology and Christian philosophy, Christian ministry, church history, world mission, and electives.
Because each class generates three credits, most active pastors can expect to complete the MAP.Min. degree in about four years by taking 12-15 credits per year. Provision is also made for some academic credit for ministry already experienced.
Why would a pastor, pressed about with all the issues of active ministry, want more education? If nurses, doc tors, businesspersons, and virtually every other career vocation are involved to some degree of continuing education to sharpen the tools of their vocations, why should this not be even truer for spiritual leaders? Does not the excellence of ministry demand the sharpest ministry tools?
The MAP.Min. program is more than a graduate degree. It is an adventure in spiritual and intellectual growth in the context of your ministry (InMinistry). Active pastors gain inspiration, insight, and stimulation from seminary scholars, local ministry experts, and colleagues. Teaching professors have opportunity to stay in tune with the reality of active Adventist pastoral ministry. Everyone wins! For more information regarding course schedules, site locations, registration for classes, and program application, see the shaded boxes below, contact The InMinistry Center at the Seminary by telephoning (269) 471- 3514, or visit our Web site at www.inministry.info.
