Master of Arts Church Ministry

The Master of Arts in Church Ministry is a 36-hour professional program designed to meet the demands of ministry in the twenty-first century as well as enhance those who are currently members of a Baptist church. The purpose of the program is to enhance the relationship between the student's understanding of sound theology and the practical application of that theology in the context of a local church ministry. Students become active learners as they interact with colleagues and faculty while further developing and implementing biblical principles into daily ministry.

This program will benefit BBFI missionaries, Pastors, Lay leadership, Lay biblical counselors and Church staff.

You may complete the Master of Arts Church Ministry through the following formats:

Internet-based courses and their advantages:

• • Complete courses without moving to Springfield
  • Complete courses without leaving your ministry or place of employment
  • Student – to – student interaction through online discussion forums
  • Student – to – faculty interaction through online discussion forums
  • Students may complete some courses live through the internet

Research-based courses and their advantages:

• • Students may complete some research-based courses through interaction with the faculty
  • Complete some courses without moving to Springfield
  • Complete courses without leaving your ministry or place of employment
  • Student – to – faculty interaction through e-mail and personal conversation

Intensive one-week modules and their advantages:

• • Student – to – student interaction
  • Student – to – faculty interaction
  • Students bring personal experience to the classroom that makes for a dynamic discussion impacting all learners
  • Students build relationships both in and out of the classroom

How will I access an internet-based course?

After you are accepted and have registered for the course, the faculty will direct you to the course site. You will create a user name, password and profile. The faculty will provide you with an enrollment key for the particular course for which you are registered. The course syllabus will list textbooks, recommended books and course materials.

What computer requirements are necessary to complete internet-based courses?

• As a minimum, you must have Microsoft Word. The faculty recommends that you own Microsoft Office 2003 or later, since faculty use PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook. As an alternative, it is possible to access PowerPoint reader and Excel reader at no cost.
• You must have daily access to the internet. The faculty recommends high speed internet (e.g. DSL)
• Students must have an active e-mail account. You will use e-mail as the primary way to communicate with faculty, faculty advisor and other students.
• Some courses may require the use of a webcam and a microphone, in order to interact with the resident class.

How will I access information regarding a research-based course?

After you have registered for the course, faculty will contact you and provide a syllabus and other relevant information.

How often are modules offered?

Modules are typically offered during the last full week of October and the first full week of November (fall semester), mid-March and mid-April (spring semester) and late May/early June (summer semester). The course schedule provides the courses and dates.

Is it possible to take more than one course during module week?

Yes, there are at least two courses offered during each module week. Courses are scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 5:30 - 10:00 p.m. Students who travel to Springfield find it convenient and economical to take two courses during the week. The course schedule provides the classes offered.

What are faculty expectations concerning module courses?

You complete pre-work and post-work (e.g. including reading and writing assignments). During module week, most faculty do not assign homework or tests. Course syllabi provide assignments and due dates.

What is the best way to organize my classes?

The MACM degree consists of two components; a core component (21 hrs.) and a professional component (15 hrs.) Faculty recommend that you do not take more than 5-6 credit hours in a single semester. Distance students who complete more than this recommendation find it difficult to efficiently and satisfactorily give time to their studies, ministry/work responsibilities and family. Your faculty advisor will help with this organization process.