Credit hours earned by lay persons in the Certificate program may be applied toward a lay studies master's degree which is in the planning process. The purpose of the M.A. in Lay Ministry is to provide theological education for lay people which will equip them for competent lay ministry to the church and community. The goals of the M.A. in Lay Ministry are to give the student a survey knowledge of several theological categories, interdisciplinary knowledge and focused knowledge in specific areas of interest or need based on the student s personal reflection and consultation with the Director of Lay Theological Studies. The individual selections within each category will depend on the student s ministry aspirations and need for corresponding skills. Since each lay minister will have different strengths which he or she will bring to the program and thus different skills and competencies which he or she will want to acquire, great latitude of course selection is allowed.
Balance is achieved via the four categories.
The student will be able to focus on interests, needs, and weaknesses identified by their maturing understanding of how the various disciplines under gird their skill in the design, implementation, and assessment of lay ministry. The program of study includes exposure to the broad range of theological disciplines. By balancing the student s studies over the Colloquia and four other categories of studies, the student crosses over lines not only between disciplines but also between schools. All contents 2001, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, P.O. Box 22000, Fort Worth, Texas USA 76122-0418. All rights reserved.