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Graduate Ministry Programs

Master in Ministry (MIM)

The Master in Ministry (MIM) offered by the College of Ministry at Northwest University is designed to prepare students – intellectually, spiritually, and functionally – for vocational or lay ministry.

Reflecting the emphasis of this three-pronged approach, the curriculum is accordingly academically rigorous, spiritually enriching, and praxis-oriented in order to holistically prepare men and women to successfully engage in Christian leadership.

16 Months – 30 Credits

This 30-credit degree program is designed to be completed in four semesters over 16 months.

Online Format to Provide Flexibility

Courses are delivered predominantly online, with the exception of two live interactive weekend seminars; students are required to come to campus only twice throughout the entire program and it has been structured with the adult learner and working professional in mind.

Cohort-Based to Encourage Community

The Master in Ministry is structured around the cohort, a group of students working together to encourage and learn from one another, in an environment that empowers Christian leadership formation.

The MIM degree program is specifically for individuals who evidence a divine call on their life and wish to pursue lay or vocational ministry and who already possess an undergraduate degree that is not in Bible, Theology, Christian Education, or Ministry.

Program Goals

The Master in Ministry program seeks to equip Christian leaders intellectually, spiritually, and functionally, to successfully:

• Serve as leaders in a variety of Christian leadership contexts including both local church and para-church ministries.
• Engage in biblical and theological reflection, especially as it relates to one’s ministry context.
• Provide individuals wishing to transition into ministry from a lay background by providing the academic foundation needed to obtain ministerial credentials.
• Serve as academic foundation for those wishing to pursue further graduate theological training.

Program Structure

Biblical and Theological Core (15 credits)

BIBL 5103 OT Introduction: Background and Theology (3)
BIBL 5203 NT Introduction: Background and Theology (3)
BIBL 5553 Reading the Bible: Exegesis and Interpretation (3)
THEO 5213 Christian Theology: An Introduction (3)
BIBL 6843 Texts Within Context: Special Topics (3)

The classes in the Biblical and Theological Core are drawn from extant courses within the M.A. in Theology and Culture program.

Ministry Leadership Core (9 credits)

CMIN 6323 Biblical Preaching and Teaching (3)
PMIN 5413 Ministry Essentials (3)
PMIN 6243 Ministry Leadership and Administration (3)

Contextual Education (3 credits)

PMIN 6611 Contextual Education I (1)
PMIN 6621 Contextual Education II (1)
PMIN 6631 Contextual Education III (1)

Contemporary Issues (3 credits)

PMIN 5711 Contemporary Issues I:Spiritual Formation (1)
PMIN 5721 Contemporary Issues II:Special Topic Seminar (1)
PMIN 5731 Contemporary Issues III:Special Topic Seminar (1)

Total Credits: 30

Proposed Course Schedule / Format / Credits

For more information or any questions that you might have about the Master in Ministry program please contact our Graduate Enrollment Counselor for the College of Ministry:

Aaron Oosterwyk
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425.889.7792