The Master of Pastoral Ministry degree program offers courses in an expanded worldview of a liberating God in contemporary theologies, and the development of new models of partnership in ministry for the 21st century. Course content includes the study of Jesus’ teachings, the growth of diverse faith communities in early Christianity, the role of women in the biblical and the mystical tradition, the history of the sacraments, renewed sacramental rites, spirituality, pastoral care, and social justice. Students use a reflection process that draws on the text, resources and lived experiences for the development of their pastoral ministry.

The New, Expanded Master of Pastoral Ministry Degree program is open to all GMU applicants. We have new course offerings including “Social Justice,” “Introduction to Pastoral Care,” (with John Jeffrey and team) and a course that will be up soon by Rev. Dawn Hutchings, a Lutheran Pastor and popular speaker and instructor from Canada on Progressive Theology, and who will develop an Introduction to Hebrew Scriptures in the Spring.

These new offerings will be available as both independent and cohort courses on Teachable, and to our degree MPM students as well.

Admissions Process 

To enroll in the Master of Pastoral Ministry (M.P.M.) degree program, complete and submit application with $25 application fee. 

The application fee includes official confirmation of eligibility, selection of courses, and exact cost of tuition and monthly payments.  The applicant is not required to move forward with coursework and tuition payments until this admissions process is completed.  

Eligibility

A bachelor degree is required for acceptance into the Master of Pastoral Ministry degree program.

Credits Required 

The total number of credits needed for completion of the Master of Pastoral Ministry degree will be 36. Core courses are required.

Prior Learning and Life Experience Allowance

A maximum of 12 credits may be awarded for prior learning and life experience combined.
Prior Learning Allowance – A maximum of 12 credits may be awarded for prior learning experience.
Prior Life Experience Allowance – A maximum of 9 credits may be awarded for life experience.

Credits Earned through Global Ministries University

Students must earn 24 credits through Global Ministries University.

Method of Study

Courses in this program are offered as an independent study or in a cohort model.  Cohorts use a blog format to foster an interactive learning community.  Students post assignments and are encouraged to comment on each other’s posts.

Tuition:
$8,000.

Payment plan:

To take one course at a time, student may choose either a two or three-year payment plan.

To take two courses at a time, student must choose a one-year payment plan.

MASTER OF PASTORAL MINISTRY CURRICULUM

MPM101 Contemporary Theology for the People of God (core)

MPM201 The Challenge of Jesus for the 21st Century Christian (core)

MPM304 Celtic Holy Women: Our Wisdom Guides
MPM309 Women in the Bible and Christian Tradition

MPM401 Sacraments: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (core)
MPM402 Eucharist: Embracing an Open Table
MPM403 Baptism and Confirmation
MPM404 Reshaping the Priesthood as a Discipleship of Equals
MPM405 Marriage, Sexuality and Just-Love
MPM406 Anointing and Healing
MPM407 Compassion and Reconciliation – The Empowering Grace of Vulnerability

MPM505 A New, New Testament: Exploring Sacred Texts

MPM601 Homiletics and Preaching
MPM602 Exploring Justice Issues For A World In Crisis
MPM603 Future Church: Evolving, Empowering and Egalitarian
MPM604 Pastoral Care (in development)

MPM801 Master of Ministry Project (6 credits) or two courses from above list.