Master of Divinity, M.Div.

Program Director: Brian Ross

Overview

To prepare people for pastoral leadership, family ministry, youth work, pastoral care and counseling, chaplaincy, church planting, Bible teaching, community development and cross-cultural ministry; this degree combines classroom and field-based learning to produce personal growth in biblical knowledge, theological understanding, community building, and practical ministry experience. Under supervision, students engage in the practices of ministry for four semesters. Elective units provide opportunity for specialization. The M.Div. is the required degree for admission to Doctor of Ministry programs and for board certification as a chaplain.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate commitment to live as a disciple of Jesus in Christian community.
2. Articulate commitment to a biblical theological Christian perspective.
3. Interpret diverse cultural contexts of ministry using theological perspectives integrated with social scientific approaches.
4. Practice Leadership skills in pastoral ministry.
5. Proclaim the biblical good news through culturally relevant words and deeds with the purpose of leading all people into covenant with Jesus Christ and the church.
6. Develop self-aware renewal practices that empower fulfillment of the contemporary pastoral vocation of leading, serving and reconciling in a resistant culture.
7. Provide best-practices in pastoral leadership that result in growing churches that prepare, plan, equip and empower members to engage in Gods transformative mission in the world.
8. Interpret the emerging post-Christian cultural context locally and globally.
9. Equip a congregation to attend to pastoral care needs of the congregation and its community.  

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno