Programme Overview
The Master of Arts in Sacred Ministry program is a pastoral competency program designed for candidates with a tertiary-level education in theology, degrees in non-theological disciplines, or equivalent professional qualifications. The program aims TO equip the student with sound principles in theological studies, practical skills, and other relevant disciplines required for Christian leadership and ministry. It is a 15-month, full-time program spanning three semesters. However, it can be done on a part-time basis for up to 3 years.
Rationale and Philosophy
The Master of Sacred Ministry (MSM) program is a theological training program that focuses on Christian theology and practical ministry. The work of churches and para-church organizations is becoming increasingly sophisticated, pluralistic, and multicultural as more people are attracted to Christianity. This is evident in the rapid population growth in the country and worldwide. However, there is a paucity of well-informed leadership in Christian ministry today. The good side to all this is the interest of many highly educated church workers in entering ministry, some full-time and others part-time, yet they have little theological education. The difficulty is that many of the highly educated, whether already in church ministry or intending to enter ministry, lack the opportunity to be competently trained at higher academic and ministerial levels to meet the demand for ministerial roles the church needs today. This calls for postgraduate-level theological education to train more people to support the activities of the few pastors and church workers available.
This postgraduate program in Sacred Ministry is designed to produce human resources and leaders who understand the needs of contemporary society and have the competence to deliver relevant solutions.
Specific Program Aims
The Master of Sacred Ministry aims to:
- Produce Christian leaders with the biblical, theological, and ethical understanding necessary to analyze and discuss contemporary social issues affecting the church and society.
- Provide a dynamic learning environment that fosters the development of their personal character and spiritual formation.
- Develop Christian workers with relevant practical ministerial skills through supervised experiential learning and theological reflections in various cultural settings.
- Provide competent leaders and devout human resources to meet the Christian ministerial challenges in a pluralistic society.
- Provide advanced education for those currently in ministry who desire additional ministry training to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in their ministerial vocation.
- Provide a strong foundation for higher postgraduate-level theological education and ministerial competency for Christian workers who have professional or academic qualifications in disciplines other than theological studies.
Programme Objectives
The Master of Sacred Ministry (15-month) program equips students with the qualities and ministerial know-how needed to serve as effective, efficient church ministers.
Students who complete the Master of Sacred Theology program will:
- Become well-grounded in sound biblical theology and capable of interpreting, communicating, and applying theology in ministry;
- Be empowered with the relevant theological leadership skills and spiritual formation for effective performance in church ministry
- Develop the pastoral skills necessary for ministry within a variety of traditions, ministry settings, and cross-cultural contexts.
- Gain adequate biblical and theological preparation for further post-graduate studies (e.g., MPhil or MTh).
Admission Requirements
Any of the following:
- A good Bachelor’s degree in theology or in any other discipline (a 2nd class lower or better) from an accredited institution.
- A professional qualification equivalent to a degree (e.g., Level 6 British Qualification); a Chartered professional qualification (e.g., ACCA, ICA, CIM, CPA, CEng, etc.). Such an applicant must be a Minister of Religion with at least three (3) years of experience in Christian ministry.
- Candidates with first degrees in disciplines other than theology and religion shall be required to take prerequisite access courses before joining the actual program.
Progression
The Master of Sacred Ministry degree is a three-semester program. A student who trails up to three (3) courses not exceeding 9 credits at the end of the second semester shall be required to make up those courses through resit before progressing to the third (final) semester.
Duration of the programme
This program provides students with a 15-month Master of Sacred Ministry (a maximum of 3 years). The degree would be awarded upon successful completion of all courses and participation in seminars, field visits, workshops, or conferences.
Degree requirements
Students are required to fulfill all requirements in addition to those specified by the University.
To receive the Master of Sacred Ministry, students must:
- Complete all required coursework.
- Pass all courses (with a pass mark of 50%)
- Participate in seminars
- Submit all necessary forms to file for graduation
- Complete all degree requirements within the approved timeline
- Fulfill all financial obligations required by the university.