Baptist Seminary of Kentucky (BSK) is now accepting applications for the Master of Arts in Ministry Studies program, launching in Fall 2024. The program, completed online through live Zoom sessions, is designed for people who want to grow in their calling while remaining in their full-time ministry or professional positions.
The MA in Ministry Studies supports two visible trends in congregational ministry. One is the growing popularity of MA degrees for persons entering ministry or non-profit leadership. The Association of Theological Schools notes that for the first time, “the number of MA students has now surpassed the number of MDiv students” enrolled across ATS schools (Colloquy, February 2023).
A second trend is the growth in “homegrown ministers.” These are persons from within a church or community who step up to fill a ministry leadership role, often with children, youth or music. Because these leaders usually have no theological education and are often working multiple jobs, options that offer specialization and quicker completion are helpful.
The 36 hour degree program is centered around the selection of a specialty area by the student in consultation with faculty. Students may select from traditional fields of study or choose an area that is interdisciplinary. The program concludes with a Capstone project or thesis relating to the student’s area of specialization.
Dr. Laura Levens, the program’s director, explained the value of this flexibility, “I am most excited about the versatility and opportunities for innovative research in the new Master of Arts in Ministry Studies program. Students will be able to shape their graduate study to their current need for expertise and to explore aspects of the Christian faith and practice more deeply. The open design of this degree program and the interdisciplinary nature of BSK’s academic program will provide amazing opportunities for students to grow in ways that enhance their ministry callings and sustain the future of ministry in the church and the world.”
The launch of the MA in Ministry Studies further diversifies the options for learning available online through BSK. From non-credit topical Flourish Courses, to a collection of 9 hour Graduate Certificate programs, to the 36 hour MA in Ministry Studies and the 75 hour MDiv, BSK provides multiple paths for growth and formation.
Students can apply to and learn more about the Master of Arts in Ministry Studies program at
BSK.edu/mams, or contact Abby Sizemore at abby.sizemore@bsk.edu.
