Pastoral Ministry (M.Div.)

Credential: Master of Divinity (M.Div.)

Degree Level: Master's Degree

Credits: 90 total, with up to 45 transfer credits accepted

School: School of Divinity

Program Overview

The Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry at Abide University is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for ordained pastoral ministry and professional church leadership. Our RCSAI-accredited curriculum integrates rigorous theological education with practical ministry skills, covering pastoral theology, homiletics, liturgics, church administration, and pastoral care. Students develop expertise in preaching, worship leadership, congregational care, and organizational management while cultivating spiritual maturity and ministerial character. The program equips graduates for effective leadership in diverse ministry contexts including local churches, denominational positions, and parachurch organizations.

Core Courses

  • MDIV 601 — Pastoral Theology (4 credits)
  • MDIV 610 — Homiletics I: Preaching Foundations (4 credits)
  • MDIV 611 — Homiletics II: Advanced Preaching (4 credits)
  • MDIV 620 — Liturgics and Worship Leadership (4 credits)
  • MDIV 630 — Church Administration and Leadership (4 credits)
  • MDIV 640 — Pastoral Care and Counseling (4 credits)
  • MDIV 650 — Spiritual Formation for Ministry (3 credits)
  • MDIV 690 — Ministry Practicum (6 credits)
  • MDIV 670 — Hebrew Scripture and Pastoral Interpretation (6 credits)
  • MDIV 671 — New Testament Exegesis for Pastoral Ministry (6 credits)
  • MDIV 672 — Christian Doctrine and Pastoral Judgment (9 credits)
  • MDIV 673 — Church History and Ministerial Identity (6 credits)
  • MDIV 674 — Integrated Pastoral Ministry Formation Portfolio (12 credits)

Credit requirements

  • Core courses: 72 credits
  • Required elective credits: 18 credits

Total required: 90 credits

Elective Courses

Complete 18 credits from the options below (18 credits offered).

  • MDIV 710 — Sacramental Theology and Practice (3 credits)
  • MDIV 720 — Church Planting and Development (3 credits)
  • MDIV 730 — Multicultural Ministry (3 credits)
  • MDIV 740 — Pastoral Ethics (3 credits)
  • MDIV 750 — Congregational Revitalization (3 credits)
  • MDIV 760 — Preaching in Special Contexts (3 credits)

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Demonstrated call to pastoral ministry
  • Active involvement in local church ministry
  • Pastoral recommendation from ordained minister
  • Personal statement of faith and ministry calling
  • Background check required for ministry placements