Masters Degree in Theology & Ministry

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Classical Theology. Practical Ministry.

The Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry at Welch College is designed for college graduates who desire additional education in the classical theological disciplines and the integration of those disciplines within the practice of Christian ministry.

The 33-semester-hour M.A. degree is an advanced degree, with a hybrid format, that focuses on developing skills and knowledge in the area of Christian ministry. You will study under faculty members who are gifted scholars with specialties in a broad range of disciplines and are experienced in ministry. They will teach effectively and mentor you intentionally to apply biblical and theological depth to your ministry. The emphasis is on practical application that builds on your experience.

The Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry is regionally and nationally accredited. Learn more about our accreditation here.

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ICS 5007	Mission and Church Growth
THE 5017	The Arminian Theological Tradition
BIB 5027	Issues in Old Testament Studies
MIN 5037	Discovering and Communicating Biblical Truth
THE5047	Church and Culture
MIN 5057	Ministry and Leadership I
BIB 5067	Issues in New Testament Studies
MIN 5077	Ministry and Leadership II
THE 5087	Theological Foundations (Fully online course)
THE 5095	The History of Doctrine (Fully online course)
THE/MIN 5100	Research Methodology
THE/MIN 5107	Summative Experience

Scholarships

A graduate education is expensive but it is one of the most important endeavors you will ever undertake. We can help you pay for your education by keeping costs low and helping you find financial aid in the form of loans and scholarships.

Academic Merit Scholarship $2,500 – for those with an undergraduate GPA >= 3.5 on a 4-point scale
Ministry Scholarship $1,000 – for Free Will Baptist ministers, missionaries, and denominational workers
Free Will Baptist Church Member discount $1,320

Scholarships will be granted to students based on information provided during the application process.

2020-2021 Course Calendar

SPRING A Schedule
1st Online Block: 01/16-02/02
On-Campus Intensive:02/03-02/07
2nd Online Block: 02/08-03/06

COURSE	FORMAT	PROFESSORS
BIB 5027 Issues in Old Testament Studies	Hybrid	McAffee
ICS 5007 Mission & Church Growth	Hybrid	Raper & Callaway

SPRING B Schedule
1st Online Block: 03/16-04/12
On-Campus Intensive: 04/13-04/17
2nd Online Block: 04/18-05/15

COURSE	FORMAT	PROFESSORS
THE 5017 The Arminian Theological Tradition	Hybrid	Hester, & Pinson
MIN 5037 Discovering & Communicating Biblical Truth	Hybrid	Cockrell
THE 5100 Research Methodology	Online	Cockrell

SUMMER Schedule:
1st Online Block: 05/25-06/21
On-Campus Intensive: 06/22-06/26
2nd Online Block: 06/27-07/24

COURSE	FORMAT	PROFESSORS

THE 5047 Church & Culture	Hybrid	Ball
MIN 5057 Ministry & Leadership I	Hybrid	Raper & Pinson

FALL A Schedule:
1st Online Block: 08/03-08/30
On-Campus Intensive: 08/31-09/04
2nd Online Block: 09/05-10/02

COURSE	FORMAT	PROFESSORS
BIB 5067 Issues in New Testament Studies	Hybrid	Cockrell
MIN 5077 Ministry & Leadership II	Hybrid	Raper & Pinson

FALL B Schedule:
Entirely Online: 10/12-12/11/2020

COURSE	FORMAT	PROFESSORS
THE 5087 Theological Foundations	Online	Ball
THE 5095 History of Doctrine	Online	Hester
THE 5100 Research Methodology	Online	Cockrell

2021 Course Schedule

SPRING A Schedule
1st Online Block: 01/11-02/07
On-Campus Intensive: 02/08-02/12
2nd Online Block: 02/13-03/12

COURSE	FORMAT	PROFESSORS
BIB 5027 Issues in Old Testament Studies	Hybrid	McAffee
ICS 5007 Mission & Church Growth	Hybrid	Raper & Callaway

SPRING B Schedule:
1st Online Block: 03/22-04/18
On-Campus Intensive: 04/19-04/23
2nd Online Block: 04/24-05/21

COURSE	FORMAT	PROFESSORS
THE 5017 The Arminian Theological Tradition	Hybrid	Hester, & Pinson
MIN 5037 Discovering & Communicating Biblical Truth	Hybrid	Cockrell
THE 5100 Research Methodology	Online	Cockrell

SUMMER Schedule:
1st Online Block:05/31-06/27
On-Campus Intensive:06/28-07/02
2nd Online Block: 07/03-07/30

COURSE	FORMAT	PROFESSORS
THE 5047 Church & Culture	Hybrid	Ball
MIN 5057 Ministry & Leadership I	Hybrid	Raper & Pinson

FALL A Schedule:
1st Online Block: 08/09-09/05
On-Campus Intensive: 09/06-09/10
2nd Online Block: 09/11-10/08

COURSE	FORMAT	PROFESSORS
BIB 5067 Issues in New Testament Studies	Hybrid	Cockrell
MIN 5077 Ministry & Leadership II	Hybrid	Raper & Pinson

FALL B Schedule:
Entirely Online: 10/18-12/17/2021

COURSE	FORMAT	PROFESSORS
THE 5087 Theological Foundations	Online	Ball
THE 5095 History of Doctrine	Online	Hester
THE 5100 Research Methodology	Online	Cockrell

COURSES CONTINUALLY AVAILABLE

Digital Orientation

MIN/THE-5100: Research Methodology

MIN/THE-5107: Summative Project/Thesis

Program Objectives

Students who successfully complete the program should demonstrate:

A thorough understanding of the history, principles, and methods of Biblical exegesis and the ability both to defend the reliability of the Biblical text and to communicate the Bible’s redemptive storyline in an effective, relevant way.
Mastery and implementation of a biblical philosophy of church and pastoral leadership as applied to: (a) the leader’s personal spiritual formation and interpersonal relationships; (b) Christian worship; (c) principles of pastoral care in ministering to people’s spiritual, psychological, relational and material needs; and (d) practical issues involved in the pastoral ministry within the local church.
Application of rigorous theological critique informed by a Christian worldview toward the assessment of: (a) trends, issues, and ethical concerns in the secular culture; and (b) current movements and trajectories within the church culture.
An understanding of Christian theological thought with a view toward: (a) critical engagement with a wide scope of theological systems and worldviews; (b) grounding in Reformation Arminianism and the distinctives of Free Will Baptist theology; and, (c) the role of presuppositional apologetics oriented toward worldview critique.
Grasp of the global expanse of God’s Kingdom-building through His church encompassing: (a) missiological principles of international evangelization and church planting as applied to the local church; and (b) organic models of church growth founded upon an understanding of biblical principles of evangelism and discipleship.
A solid grasp of the history of the church, particularly: (a) the heritage of evangelical orthodoxy traced through the patristic, reformation, and post-reformation eras; and (b) Free Will Baptist history and traditions, with an emphasis on confessional loyalty.