Master of Divinity

Concentrations

• Christian Faith Formation
• Pastoral Care and Counseling,
• Pastoral Ministry
• Theological Studies with majors in biblical studies, theology and ethics, church history, missiology, and peace studies.

Educational goals

Graduates with an MDiv:

1. Are grounded in and are continuously formed by the Bible.
2. Engage their historical and theological traditions in the context of the larger Christian church.
3. Are formed by a continuing encounter with God.
4. Demonstrate personal integrity and authority in ministry.
5. Understand and creatively engage their ministry context. Lead the church in fulfilling its missional calling.

Purpose

The three-year Master of Divinity curriculum prepares men and women for ministerial leadership of a congregation and for church leadership more broadly. The program is designed to develop spiritually mature, Spirit-led leaders to care for and guide the church.

Education for ministerial leadership involves attention to a student’s growth in theological discernment and competency in ministry, as well as the development of character, sense of call, pastoral identity, spiritual depth, and commitment to service in the name of Christ.

Preparation for pastoral service in the Believers Church tradition requires more than developing a pastoral presence to specific situations or individuals. It builds competence and confidence in students to provide direction for the church’s worship life, preaching, teaching, group planning and decision-making, healing, the work of forgiveness, reconciliation, and peacemaking. Pastoral leadership assists the spiritual growth of groups of believers, building them together into a “dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22) for service in the world.

More information

For detailed information, please review the AMBS Catalog.

 Updated February 2012