We developed this 48-credit degree program that can be completed in 2-years specifically for those who feel called to serve in today’s changing church environment and beyond. Three tracks—Ministry, Spiritual Care, and Spiritual Direction—allow students to focus studies on a particular area of service to others. Our program is grounded in the traditional disciplines of biblical studies, theology, and history and integrated with skills needed for leadership, individual and community formation, and spiritual care.
Ministry Track
We designed the Ministry Track for those who seek to serve in contexts that do not require a three-year Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree for authorization or ordination—such as small congregations, emerging ministries, and some non-denominational churches—but who want significant graduate-level study in preparation for ministry. Students are immersed in classroom learning and internship placements to develop skills needed for leadership, individual and community formation, and spiritual care. Graduates of the MAFM will be prepared for ministries that require grounding in traditional disciplines of biblical studies, theology, and history.
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Spiritual Direction Track
In addition to foundational courses in biblical studies, theology, and intercultural understanding, the Spiritual Direction track combines all the courses in our Certificate in Spiritual Direction program (20 credits) with a final capstone project that brings learning and experience together. This program is designed for those interested in becoming a spiritual director within the setting of a Master’s program.
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Spiritual Care Track
For those interested in chaplaincy and pastoral care work but who don’t need full chaplaincy certification, we’ve focused on the key educational elements of our MA in Chaplaincy degree, which is 72-credits, and distilled it into our 48-credit Spiritual Care track. For those seeking to become an Associate Certified Chaplain (ACC), the MAFM will satisfy the graduate-level academic requirements for that role. In addition to foundational courses in biblical studies, intercultural understanding, and spiritual formation, students engage in pastoral care courses such as Chronic illness, Death and Loss, Pastoral Care and Counseling, and CPE.
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