When churches add ministry staff—worship leaders, youth pastors, administrators, pastoral caregivers—they often seek training for those new leaders. Calvin Theological Seminary is meeting the need with learning opportunities for church staff and volunteers through a variety of new programs.
In the fall of 2009 the seminary’s M.A. degree program will include two new specializations: Youth & Family Ministries and Pastoral Care. They join the current specializations in Worship, Educational Ministries, and Evangelism & Missions. Along with adding the new specializations, the entire M.A. curriculum has also been revised.
The core curriculum maintains CTS’s rich studies in Bible and theology, while specialized courses provide focused training in particular ministry areas.
The M.A. program has a strong international presence, with students from a dozen countries. This enriches the entire seminary community, including the other professional degree program, the Master of Divinity (M.Div.), which prepares students to be ordained ministers.
The new curriculum provides opportunities for M.Div. and M.A. students to dialogue inside and outside of class, modeling the interaction they will experience in church staff ministry. The new curriculum also pursues creative and thoughtful use of technology, preparing students to use it in the various ministries of the church.
CTS has also added a unique Master of Arts in Bible and Theology degree for those who wish to deepen their understanding of Scripture and theology but are not preparing for a particular ministry role. These students can learn how Bible study and Reformed theology contribute to their occupations and life experiences.
CTS is also offering new certificate programs beginning in the fall of 2009 for those who desire further study but are not planning on getting a master’s degree. For more information on CTS’s M.A. degree and certificate programs, see www.calvinseminary.edu/degrees.
About the Author
Becky Ochsner works in the Making Connections Initiative and Continuing Education Office at Calvin Theological Seminary.
