MAFM Ministry Track:
Here's What it Takes

The Moravian MAFM, Ministry Track, degree requires a total of 48 credits of coursework. You can finish in two years of full-time study. But you must finish within six years.

Called to Serve in Unique Settings

The MAFM Ministry track is designed for individuals who feel called to serve in ministry settings that do not require ordination or the MDiv degree, yet recognize the need for a well-rounded background in biblical studies, theology, and history. Our students gain practical experience through 4 semesters in internship placements where they develop skills needed for leadership, teaching, and pastoral care.  Graduates of the MAFM will be prepared for serving in small congregations, emerging ministries, and non-denominational churches.

MAFM Ministry Track Curriculum Overview

Learning Outcomes

Our MAFM Ministry track addresses the following Learning Outcomes:

  • Acquire, develop, and apply knowledge of and experience with sacred scriptures, theology, spirituality, and diversity in ministries of service and support. 
  • Biblical Knowledge & Interpretation: Analyze passages of both the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating knowledge of the larger contexts of the passages and interpret the meanings of the passages in ministry settings.
  • Intercultural Engagement & Action: Identify and engage diverse and overlapping cultural and social dynamics in various settings. 
  • Personal & Spiritual Formation: Describe, practice, and model spiritual and ethical practices and discernment that form and nurture one’s own and others’ faith.
  • Pastoral Leadership: Able to guide a community of faith in fulfilling its ministry & mission courageously and judiciously.
  • Intellectual & Professional Integration: Integrate the variety of disciplines in theological education in a coherent articulation of one’s own theology and approach to pastoral ministry.
  • Theological & Ecclesiastical Heritage: Describe the development of Christian worship, doctrine, symbols, structures, and diversity of theological perspectives.

Ordination

Ordination is governed and bestowed by specific religious bodies and not by the Seminary. The MAFM-Ministry track is not designed to lead to ordination. If you are interested in being ordained in your denomination, talk to your denominational authorities and take a look at our MDiv degree program. 

Supervised Ministry

Your experience of interning in a congregational setting begins with SEPL940 Intro to Supervised Ministry, which provides an orientation and overview of the elements and requirements of the three-semester Supervised Ministry experience. You will shadow two pastors, learning more fully about their congregations with an eye toward identifying a potential Supervised Ministry placement site.

Typically, you carry out your Supervised Ministry placement at one setting for three semesters. You participate in all areas of their ministry setting, including worship leadership, pastoral care and counseling, program development, and administrative leadership. Supervisors provide evaluations of your work every semester. You also complete assignments for several courses at your Supervised Ministry placement, integrating learning through practical application.

You complete Portfolio 1 during the second semester of Supervised Ministry placement and Portfolio 2 during the last semester of Supervised Ministry. In Portfolio courses you will cover topics such as pastoral identity and authority, the history and life of the congregation, and ministry procedures. Projects, final assessments, and capstone sermons demonstrate your developing pastoral identity and ability to do theological reflection.

Intercultural Immersion Experiences

As an MAFM-Ministry student, you are required to take a three-credit cultural immersion course. Cultural immersion experiences could be local or could involve travel in the US or internationally. These courses include preparation, processing the experience as you engage in it, debriefing, and discerning ways to incorporate the learnings in your vocation.

Continuing Education Requirement

Each MAFM student is required to participate in at least 4 continuing education programs. You get to choose which ones you attend—and there are lots to choose from.