Master of Ministry
in Pastoral Leadership
Program Description
A study of pastoral theology as applied to local church leadership. Students survey the multiple responsibilities and key rites of the pastorate, focusing on theological and practical integration of those duties in practice.
Student Objectives
At the conclusion of this program the student will be able to:
- Define one’s pastoral identity as an office within the leadership of the local church
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a local church leader in light of a biblical-theological framework of worship.
- Adopt a healthy personal/spiritual walk to function as a leader of a Christian community.
- Integrate conscious theological reflection into the development, leadership and assessment of the public rites and actions of a Christian community.
- Provide pastoral leadership for the functions of Christians in a local church.
Enrollment Periods & Deadlines
The program is online, self-paced, with a maximum program period of one year.
Since this will be delivered via online course modules, we are able to accept new students year round without any enrollment deadlines.
Admission Requirements
Students must show that they have been awarded a degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s from an accredited institution or verifiable Christian seminary or a resume showing 7-10 years of extensive life ministry experience with an accompanying written recommendation from the ministry listed on the resume. There will be a registration section in the course module system that will allow students to prove this eligibility.
Credit Policy
This program does not accept transferred credits nor do any credits earned in this program transfer to other institutions
Grading System
This program operates solely on a Pass/Fail grading system. In order to be eligible for passing, all assignments, including Thesis, must be submitted. The Chancellor of the institution has the full authority and discretion to determine Pass/Fail status of the student enrolled.
Students will receive a digital diploma.
International Students
We do welcome international ministers to enroll into this program, however we do recommend they submit an academic evaluation for our admission staff to review.
Student Resources
Students enrolled in this program do not have the same access to student resources and Professors as other enrolled, full-time students of our seminary and Divinity School. This program is strictly correspondence based where the student will self-learn and has no option for one-on-ones with faculty unless the student wishes to purchase private tutoring from one of our Professors.
Students enrolled in this program will not have access to our digital library for their thesis research, however, all required textbooks for this course is provided.
Program Outline
🟩 FCNS-Aligned Course Schema – Pastoral Leadership Program
| Course Prefix | Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | Gen Ed Area (if any) | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REL | 2300 | World Christian History | 3 | Humanities | Study of the global development of Christianity across eras and regions. | Core Religion Course Assignment: Religions on the Silk Road |
| REL | 2930 | Religions on the Silk Road | 3 | Humanities | Examines the religious interactions along the Silk Road. | Elective/ Intercultural |
| REL | 3931 | Hermeneutics | 3 | Humanities | Principles of biblical interpretation and exegesis. | Theological Core |
| THE | 3100 | Doctrine of God | 3 | Humanities | Systematic theology focused on the nature and attributes of God. | Required Theology |
| THE | 3110 | Theology I | 3 | Humanities | Foundations of Christian theology including revelation, God, and creation. | |
| THE | 3120 | Theology II | 3 | Humanities | Continued study: Christology, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. | |
| MAN | 2140 | Leadership Basics I | 1 | Elective | Introduction to Christian leadership theory and practice. | Leadership Development |
| MAN | 2141 | Leadership Basics II | 1 | Elective | Continued training in core leadership skills for ministry. | |
| MAN | 3301 | Church Leadership & Administration I | 1 | Elective | Foundations in managing church operations. | Series I–VIII |
| MAN | 3302 | Church Leadership & Administration II | 1 | Elective | Practical tools for effective ministry leadership. | |
| MAN | 3303 | Church Leadership & Administration III | 1 | Elective | Advanced leadership strategies. | |
| MAN | 3304 | Church Leadership & Administration IV | 1 | Elective | Leadership ethics, decision-making, and planning. | |
| MAN | 3305 | Church Leadership & Administration V | 1 | Elective | Team development and conflict resolution. | |
| MAN | 3306 | Church Leadership & Administration VI | 1 | Elective | Stewardship, budgeting, and church finances. | |
| MAN | 3307 | Church Leadership & Administration VII | 1 | Elective | Governance and church polity. | |
| MAN | 3308 | Church Leadership & Administration VIII | 1 | Elective | Strategic planning and growth. | |
| HOM | 3210 | Expository Preaching I | 1 | Elective | Introduction to sermon preparation and delivery. | Preaching Series I–VI |
| HOM | 3211 | Expository Preaching II | 1 | Elective | Exegesis and homiletic structure. | |
| HOM | 3212 | Expository Preaching III | 1 | Elective | Delivery and voice in preaching. | |
| HOM | 3213 | Expository Preaching IV | 1 | Elective | Preaching for various contexts. | |
| HOM | 3214 | Expository Preaching V | 1 | Elective | Preaching in multicultural congregations. | |
| HOM | 3215 | Expository Preaching VI | 1 | Elective | Final preaching practicum. | |
| THE | 4911 | Thesis Preparation I | 1 | Capstone | Research methods and theological writing. | Required for Thesis |
| THE | 4912 | Thesis Preparation II | 1 | Capstone | Continued thesis development and mentor feedback. | |
| THE | 4970 | Pastoral Leadership Thesis | 3–6 | Capstone | Final original research project demonstrating theological integration. | Final Thesis |
🟨 Assignments, Exams & Milestones (Non-Credit-Bearing)
- Orientation
- Notes / Reflective Essay
- World Christian History Essay
- Essay Addressing Contemporary Issues
- CLA Final Exam
- Assignment Make-Up Day 1 / 2
- Dissertation Policy Review
- Thesis Submission
- Thesis Last Final
- Printed Diploma Order Forms Due
- Digital Diploma Issued