By David Sanford
When surveyed, a majority of pastors and church executives somewhat agree or strongly agree they need more than graduate courses in Bible, theology and traditional ministry.
In response, Corban University’s School of Ministry (CUSM) offers “more” in its most popular and important degree programs.
D.Min. in Strategic Leadership
Building on the foundation of a M.Div. or Master’s in a ministry field — and on your vocational experience in ministry — this “new, improved” D.Min. degree program, led by Dr. Gary McIntosh, provides advanced study in church leadership. Expand your own capacity and effectiveness in order to take your ministry to the next level.
This program requires students to complete a two-week residency at Corban’s Salem, OR, campus once a year for the first three years of the program. At every turn, it will inspire you to accurately assess your ministry leadership and use effective strategies built on the enduring truths of God’s Word.
Traditional topics of study
• Spiritual Life of a Leader
• Ministry Formation
• Biblical Leadership
• Ministry Leadership
• Biblical Application
• Thesis-Project Development
“More” topics of study
• Leadership Foundations
• Leadership Philosophies
• Leadership Analytics
• Leading Church Staff
• Leading Church Volunteers
• Directing Church Programs
• Managing Church Assets
Transfer credit
Individuals requesting credit transfers should do so at the time of admission to the program. Eight hours of D.Min. credit, representing two modules / courses, may be transferred into the program from other accredited seminaries. The transfer of courses is subject to the approval of the D.Min. Director and Registrar based upon their relevance to CUSM’s program emphasis and structure, and whether the courses represent a comparable level of academic and professional quality.
Additional information
Corban will match 50 percent of scholarship money contributed toward your tuition from a church or parachurch organization up to $800 per residency. As applicable, take advantage of Tuition Assistance, GI Bills, and VA benefits. As well, talk to the Corban Business Office about making monthly payments on your student account instead of paying your tuition in one lump sum at the beginning of each semester.
M.A. in Christian Leadership
Not everyone in ministry is called to be a church’s senior or lead pastor. The Master of Arts in Christian Leadership provides seminary training with a strong theological base and three versatile concentrations, allowing you to tailor your degree to your ministry’s needs. Those three concentrations are Spiritual Formation, Nonprofit Leadership, and Christian Teaching.
Traditional topics of study
• Interpreting Scripture
• Understanding Theology
• Theories of Learning and Teaching
• Teaching Scripture and Theology
• Growing in the Lord
• Biblical Worldview
• Counseling
“More” topics of study (includes Hoff School of Business MBA courses)
• Management
• Leadership Theories
• Servant Leadership
• Organizational Behavior
• Stewardship and Financial Planning
• Human Resource Management
• Building Community Partners
• Understanding Generations
• Teaching Diverse Kinds of Learners
• Cross-cultural Ministry
Transfer credit
Corban University School of Ministry may accept credits from regional and national accrediting institutions approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. No more than 50 percent of the total credit hours required in a program may be transferred from another institution. The final 20 semester hours must be taken at the School of Ministry (and Hoff School of Business).
Additional information
Individuals enrolled in the School of Ministry are challenged to worship and glorify God, to nourish their souls with His Word, to fellowship with Him through prayer, to actively build up Jesus Christ’s followers, and to proclaim the Good News to others.
So, what is God’s calling on your life and ministry? As you look to the future, what “more” do you need? As the Lord leads you, this is my prayer: “By His power, may God fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith” (2 Thess. 1:11b). May that be true for you in increasing measure throughout 2016, 2017 and beyond.
David Sanford has served as an associate pastor for 22 years and served as the executive editor of three study, reflective, and application-oriented Bibles published by Tyndale House and Zondervan. He now serves as Director of Institutional Marketing at Corban University.
Details of the study offerings mentioned in this article are available on the Corban University website or by emailing graduate@corban.edu.
