Purpose

The Master of Arts in Family Ministry program is designed to form Christian leaders (directors, ministers, etc.) for family-based ministries (e.g., children, youth, family ministry) in the context of a local church or para-church organization. It provides training with solid biblical, theological, spiritual, and family social science foundations.

Goals

Upon completion of the M.A.F.M. program, students will be able to demonstrate the following:

1. Foundational knowledge and understanding of both the content of Scripture and Christian theology; broad knowledge of relevant course work in family social science.
2. Growth in self-awareness, personal spiritual vitality and maturity, character, interpersonal relationships, and ministerial gifts.
3. Ability to design, implement and evaluate educational and preventive programs throughout the family life span.
4. Familiarity with therapeutic approaches, from the pastoral counseling perspective, of family life as they arise developmentally and from a crisis.
5. Cultural sensitivity in family ministry settings.

Admission Requirements

1. A bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited four-year university or seminary with a GPA of 2.67 (B- or 80%) or above.
2. Converted and baptized for at least two years.
3. A demonstration of personal and spiritual maturity, with two recommendations from church pastors or leaders.
4. The ability to understand Mandarin. (An interview will be given to assess listening comprehension.)
5. Proof of English proficiency is required. A minimum TOEFL score of 470 / 52 (TOEFL iBT) is required. (Applicants with a bachelor’s or higher degree from English-speaking schools are exempt from this requirement.)

Program Requirement

Students are required to complete 60 units of coursework.  This includes 46 units of core courses, 8 units of family ministry elective courses, and 6 units of free elective courses.

Duration and Location

The program must be completed between 2 to 7 years. Students may petition for an extension on a case-by-case basis.

Core Courses

1. Biblical Studies (15 units)

2. Theological & History Studies (12 units)

3. Practical Theology (5 units)

4. Family Ministry Core Course (15 units)

5. Field Education(0 units)

FES521           Short-term Mission                             (0)

6. Family Ministry Elective (11 units)

Church Life

Students are required, with the exception of the first semester, to participate in local church activities.

Transfer Students

1. All transfer students from other accredited seminaries must have a GPA of at least 3.0 (B or 83.5%), and complete an application in accordance with the Scholastic Regulations.
2. For all other transfer situations, please refer to “Transfer of Credits” in the Scholastic Regulations.

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete 60 semester units of coursework with GPA of at least 3.0 (B).
2. Attend the seminary retreat at least once during the program.
3. Obtain academic clearance.
4. Students who have 3 or less credit units left to complete the degree program may still attend the commencement. Such students must show proof of registration for the remaining units in the following summer term.