Purpose

The Master of Arts in Family Ministry program is designed to equip students for implementing ministries (e.g., children and family ministries) in the context of a local church or para-church organization. It provides academic training and practical program application with solid biblical, theological and family social science foundations.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

1. Interpret and teach family-related content of Scripture and relevant coursework of social science in a congregational ministry setting or organization
2. Evaluate existing educational programs according to specific family life stages and design feasible programs for implementation in congregational ministry settings or organizations
3. Examine and assess their own spiritual growth and formulate a personal spiritual growth plan.
4. Strengthen insight into the impact of cultural factors on people’s needs, expressions, and interactions.

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. Had been converted and baptized for at least two years.
3. A demonstration of maturity in personal and spiritual life, with two recommendations from church pastors or leaders. (Applicants in Mainland China must have at least one overseas referee and one church pastor to make recommendations).
4. The ability to understand Mandarin.
5. Proof of English proficiency is required. Minimum TOEFL score of 470 / 52 (TOEFL iBT). Or IELTS with a score of 5.5. Or Duolingo English Test score of 80. (TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test valid scores are only limited to two years, more than two years must be retaken) (Applicants with a Bachelor or higher degree from English speaking schools; or those who have lived in North America for more than 20 years are exempt from this requirement.) Other forms of proof of English proficiency may be considered on special individual cases.

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 (14 units)

5. Field Education(0 units)

FES521           Short-term Mission                             (0)

6. Family Ministry Elective (8 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 our school or other theological seminaries with ATS or ATA accreditation must have a GPA of at least 3.0 (B or 83.5%), and apply according to the Scholastic Regulations.
2. Please refer to Transfer of Credits in the Scholastic Regulations.

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete 60 semester units of course work with GPA of at least 3.0 (B).
2. Attend the seminary retreat at least once during the program.
3. Obtain an 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.