Ministry
Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM)
Online & Hybrid in Lancaster
Credits
42
Avg. Completion Time
1-2 years (full-time)
Delivery Method
Online OR Hybrid
Why Earn an MA in Ministry through LBC | Capital?
Our Master of Arts in Ministry program prepare students for effective professional ministry in diverse ministry contexts by thoughtfully engaging internal formation, reflective practice and cultural awareness. When you choose to study at Capital, you’ll receive foundational and formative preparation for a broad range of ministry contexts.
At LBC | Capital, we value the biblical definition of ministry, recognizing that ministry happens in broad contexts. Many of the graduates from this program have gone on to become pastors, church leaders and leaders in para-church and non-profit ministries, church planters, youth and young adult ministry leaders, worship leader and more. This degree program provides individuals with contemporary biblical and theological scholarship that is transferable to ministry and brings vitality and commitment to service and our faculty is committed to the learning experience of students through rigor, dialogue and prayer. Through this program, we strive to raise up Christian leaders who are marked by character qualities consistent with biblical servant leadership, competent in service to God and humanity through the use of essential skills in communication, leadership and management and committed to a set of core values and beliefs that align with the historic Christian faith.
What Makes our Program Different?
LBC | Capital’s MAM program is designed to allow students to take one or two courses per eight-week session in either hybrid or online formats. Depending on the pace students take courses and whether they have been awarded advanced standing, the average program completion time is between between one and two years.
The MAM program is also highly customizable allowing students to choose between seven different concentrations of specialized study and skills development to achieve their unique vocational goals.
Course Length
8 weeks
Residency Requirement
2-day in-person residency for hybrid courses
No residency for online courses
Highly Customizable
Choose from six concentrations to design a unique program that meets your educational goals.
Program Cost
Advancement Standing
Receive up to 12 credits of advanced standing
Transfer Agreement
Transfer no more than 50% of a degree from an outside institution
Program Plan
Master Arts in Ministry (42 Credits)
Biblical & Theological Foundations 12 Credits
Ministry Leadership Foundations 6 Credits
Ministry Skills Development 6 Credits
Concentration 12 Credits
Electives 6 Credits
View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and complete program details.
Difference between Hybrid & Online Courses
HYBRID include a required in-person two-day residency that provides a unique opportunity for students and professors to interact face-to-face within a learning community. These residencies also offer natural opportunities for ministry networking, informal peer interactions, and creative learning activities.
ONLINE offer the flexibility of not requiring an in-person residency. Online students can interact with peers and professors through optional weekly synchronous online meetings. Online courses also allow students to pursue their degrees from anywhere in the world.
Program Distinctive - What makes LBC | Capital's program unique?
The Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) program provides formative transformation and foundational preparation for professional ministry in various contexts. Contemporary biblical and theological scholarship offers the philosophical basis for integrating scriptural principles into professional practice. The convenience of the courses provided online or hybrid modalities allow students the flexibility to complete the program at their own pace. Through the use of essential skills, students are equipped to navigate the diverse issues and needs of the world.
Career Paths
The Master of Ministry will prepare you for a wide range of service and/or ministry contexts. Here is a sampling of careers in which our MAM alumni serve:
- Pastoral Roles (Children, Youth, Executive, Associate)
- Ministry Leader
- Christian Non-Profit Leader
- Teacher
- Church Planter
Program Goals – In this program, students will…
- Establish foundational knowledge of the narrative, content, and interpretation of the Bible for the development of a biblical worldview.
- Generate a biblical philosophy of ministry and leadership practice applicable in the context of contemporary culture.
- Formulate the character and competencies necessary for authentic servant leadership in the manner of Jesus Christ.
- Plan redemptive spiritual communities built on Christ-like character, authentic servant-leadership, and a robust theology and philosophy of ministry.
- Develop ministry skill sets for effective leadership and service in a selected ministry context.
Customize Your MAM Studies with a Concentration
By combining the general MAM plan with one of these concentrations, you can customize your course of study to better meet your educational goals. With the strategic use of available electives, these concentrations provide students with unique opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills within specific domains and disciplines.
Some concentrations may require a remote residency.
Church Planting
For those who have a passion and heart to take God’s love through the Church to every corner, town and neighborhood, the Church Planting concentration provides the tools to expand the kingdom.
Students choosing to earn a concentration in Church Planting will take the following courses:
- Theology, History & Models of Church Planting Movements
- Exegeting Culture for Church Planting
- Church Planting I
- Church Planting II
- Church Planting Internship II
Available: Online
Children & Family Ministry
This concentration allows students to delve deeper into the much-needed area of Children & Family Ministry as they serve families and work to bring current and future generations close to Christ.
Students choosing to earn a concentration in Children & Family Ministry will take the following courses:
- Foundations of Children and Family Ministry
- Contexts of Children and Families
- Faith Formation in Children and Families
- Leadership of Children and Family Ministry
Available: Online, Hybrid Lancaster
Formational Leadership
Sustainability in ministry has less to do with skills and charisma than it does with the character and faithfulness of the leader. The formational leadership concentration prepares students to cultivate the virtue, character, and skills necessary to faithfully serve over a lifetime of ministry. By nurturing a heart of integrity and hands skilled at the work, students are equipped to lead with conviction and character.
Students choosing to earn a concentration in Formational Leadership will take the following courses:
- Self-Care for the 21st Century Leader
- Emotional Intelligence & Digital Age Communication
- Shaping Resilient Teams
- Communication as Story
Available: Online, Hybrid Lancaster
Leadership Studies
The leadership studies concentration equips students with the essential skills needed to effectively lead in various ministry contexts. Students will develop a personalized leadership approach that illuminates their unique God-given abilities while evaluating major leadership theories. Committed to leading with integrity, students will explore the critical aspects of organizational leadership for a godly leader. Applied faith practices, soul care, and character formation encourage students to lead with confidence and conviction within their ministry contexts.
Students choosing to earn a concentration in Leadership Studies will take the following courses:
- Leadership Foundations and Practice
- Essentials of Organizational Management
- Formational Leadership Practices
- Ministry Finance and Management
Available: Online, Hybrid in Lancaster or Washington, D.C.
Pastoral Studies
Pastoral Studies concentration is grounded in the authority of Scripture and places a strong emphasis developing church leaders to become faithful pastors that lead fruitful churches. From a biblical foundation, students learn about the nature of ministry, discipleship and leadership within the context of the local church.
Students choosing to earn a concentration in Pastoral Studies will take the following courses:
- Pastoral Ministry
- Theology, History, and Practice of Worship
- Advanced Preaching
- Ministry Finance and Management
Available: Online, Hybrid in Lancaster or Washington, D.C.
Worship Arts
This concentration facilitates a Word-focused understanding of creativity and performance for ministry leaders to equip those in their care to lead worship that engages the congregation’s senses, emotions, and intellect. Students will gain a robust perspective of the history of Christian worship practices by observing continuities, overlaps, and contrasts across various time periods and traditions. The deep tie between the Church’s worship and its cultural context will be explored with the study of expressions from across the globe. Beyond enhancing their own understanding of arts in the story of God’s Church, ministry leaders will learn to integrate these perspectives into their regular shepherding and administrative tasks. Students will complete this concentration with a refreshed vision for shepherding the formation of their congregations in worship and a refined set of skills for equipping those with whom they serve in that mission.
Students choosing to earn a concentration in Worship Arts will take the following courses:
- Biblical, Historical, & Theological Survey of Worship Arts
- Worship and its Cultural Context
- Worship Design & Practice
- Perspectives and Technology for Worship Arts Administration
Available: Online
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Through this robust and creative concentration, students learn both the theoretical principles and practical leadership skills necessary to teach, disciple and lead young people in a variety of ministry contexts, such as churches, parachurch organizations, camping ministries, college student ministries, community centers and more.
Students choosing to earn a concentration in Youth & Young Adult Ministry will take the following courses:
- Analyzing Youth and Culture
- Counseling Youth via Family Systems
- Thinking Theologically in Youth Ministry
Discipling Youth via Relational Ministry
Available: Online, Hybrid Lancaster
Meet the Faculty
Aaron Brown, MDiv
Associate Chair of Church & Ministry Leadership, Director of Formational Leadership programs, Assistant Professor
Esther Zimmerman, PhD
Church & Ministry Leadership Dept. Chair, Children & Family Ministry Program Director
Ryan Shenk, MA
Assistant Professor, Director of Worship Arts Studies, Director of Contemporary Bands
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