The Master of Arts in Ministry is designed for individuals who have been in ministry for a significant number of years and have not had the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree. Graduate level training is provided in several essential aspects of professional ministry in order to enhance significantly the effectiveness of participating ministers. In establishing this program, the seminary is endeavoring to address specific needs of the Church as it functions in the major ethnic communities within the Southern California area. The two primary foci of the program are biblical and practical studies. The biblical emphasis provides an increased breadth in knowledge of the content of the Word of God, including its background and sound principles of literary interpretation.
Practical studies concentrate on the enhancement of ministry and communication skills.
The goal of both emphases is improved expertise in a ministry of the Word as it relates to the daily lives of people and their eternal destiny. A. Personal Qualifications 1. Completion of five years in ministry and presently on a church staff in an official capacity. Participation in the Master of Arts program in Ministry presumes a significant level of ministry experience and personal maturation. For this reason, applicants must be at least 30 years of age, and the degree is rarely granted to persons less than 35 years of age.