Master of Arts in Family Ministry

Equipping Family Ministry Leaders with Biblical Foundations and Practical Ministry Skills
The program equips students to integrate biblical studies, theology, and the social sciences of family life while developing effective teaching and ministry design skills. Students are prepared to lead family and children’s ministries in churches and Christian organizations and to respond effectively to the needs of families and children across different stages of life and cultural contexts.
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Purpose

The Master of Arts in Family Ministry program equips students to carry out various ministries (such as children’s and family ministries) in local churches or evangelical organizations. The program combines academic training with practical application, grounded in a solid foundation of biblical studies, theology, and family social sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Family Ministry program, students will be able to:

1

Interpretation and Teaching: Interpret and teach biblical content related to the family and relevant social science courses in church or organizational ministry.

2

Evaluation and Design: Evaluate existing educational programs and design practical initiatives for church or organizational ministry based on the stages of the family life cycle.

3

Reflection and Planning: Assess personal spiritual growth and develop a plan for ongoing spiritual formation.

4

Cultural Awareness: Deepen understanding of how cultural factors shape people’s needs, emotional expression, and interpersonal interactions.

(*The Chinese version is pending approval by vote of the Academic Affairs Committee.)

Admission Requirements

  1. Graduation from an accredited four-year university or seminary with a bachelor’s degree or higher and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.67 (B−, or 80%).
  2. Profess faith in Christ and have been baptized for at least two years.
  3. Demonstrate exemplary character and spiritual maturity, with a recommendation from a pastor or church leader. (Applicants residing in mainland China must provide recommendations from at least one overseas referee and one church pastor.)   
  4. Be able to understand spoken Mandarin Chinese.
  5. Proof of English reading proficiency: a TOEFL score of at least 470/52 (TOEFL iBT), an IELTS score of at least 5.5, or a Duolingo English Test score of at least 80. (English test results are valid for only two years; applicants must retake the test after that period.) Applicants who earned a university degree or higher at an English-medium institution, or who have lived in North America for more than 20 years, may be exempt. Other equivalent evidence of English proficiency will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

CURRICULUM

Curriculum and Course Requirements

46 credits of required courses, 8 credits of family ministry electives, and 6 credits of free electives, for a total of 60 credits.

PROGRAM DURATION

Study Location and Duration

The minimum period of study is two years and the maximum is seven years. Extensions beyond seven years may be requested on a case-by-case basis. Some courses may be taken online.

Required Courses

1. Biblical Studies (15 Credits)

2. Theology and History (12 Credits)

3. Practical Theology (5 Credits)

4. Required Family Ministry Courses (14 Credits)

5. Field Education (0 Credits)

FES521      Short-Term Mission Internship                               (0)

6. Family Ministry Electives (Choose 8 Credits from the Following Courses)

Two-Year Course Plan

Master of Arts in Family Ministry

Two-Year Course Plan

First Semester

Second Semester

First

Year

 Biblical Hermeneutics(3) Spiritual Formation and Disciplines(3)
 New Testament Survey I(3) New Testament Survey II(3)
 Family Systems Dynamics(2) Survey of Theology(3)
 Pastoral Counseling I(2) The Bible and the Family(3)
 Library and Information Research Methods(1) Family-Oriented Church Ministry(3)
 Family Ministry Elective(3)   
      
 Semester Total Credits14 Semester Total Credits15
Summer Short-Term Mission Internship(0) Family Ministry Elective(3)
Second

Year

 Pentateuch(3) Poetic and Wisdom Literature /  Studies in the Prophets(3)
 Ecclesiology(2) The Holy Spirit, Sanctification, and Discipleship(3)
 Parenting Education and Guidance(2) Holistic Healing(2)
 Ethics(3) Pastoral Counseling II(2)
 Family Ministry Elective(2) Free Elective(3)
 Free Elective(3) Family Ministry Practicum (Prerequisite: Family-Oriented Church Ministry)(0)
 Semester Total Credits15 Semester Total Credits13

Participation in Church Life

Students are required to participate in the life of a local church throughout their studies, except during the first semester.

Transfer Students

  1. Master’s-level transfer students from this seminary or a seminary accredited by ATS or ATA, with a GPA of at least 3.00 (B, or 83.5%), may apply to transfer into this program in accordance with seminary regulations.
  2. Please refer to the “Transfer Credit Policy” under “Academic Regulations.”

Graduation Requirements

1

Complete the required 60 credits with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (B).

2

Attend at least one pre-semester spiritual retreat during the program.

3

Complete all school clearance procedures.

4

Students who lack no more than 3 elective credits to graduate may apply to participate in that year’s commencement ceremony. However, they must first register for the summer intensive courses that year and complete the outstanding credits before their diploma will be issued.