ThM in Ministry - Gordon Conwell

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Are you actively engaged in a parish ministry or interested in delving deeper into practical theology? Or, are you looking for further study in homiletics, leadership, and practical theology?

The ThM in Ministry was designed with you in mind.

Dr. Jeff Arthurs

Robinson Chair of Preaching and Communication, Director of the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching

Am I the right fit for the ThM in Ministry?

Our program is designed for those who seek:

  • The flexibility of a modular and digital format
  • A dynamic learning environment led by a faculty of respected practical theologians who are engaged in active ministries.
  • Interaction with professors who are relational and ministry-minded.
  • Classes taught by renowned guest professors.
  • A variety of courses that cover relevant, timely topics.
  • A combination of theory and praxis.
  • Helpful critique and personalized feedback. We take very seriously the idea that a supportive environment fosters student motivation and contributes to students reaching learning goals.

FAQs

What do you mean by modular?

Options and flexibility abound in our modular Th.M. We designed this program with the busy pastor or ministry leader in mind.  Each year, some of courses will be offered as one-week intensives including some offered in January and summer.

Digital Live courses are semester-long courses that meet online. They typically combine live online sessions with asynchronous learning.

Independent study courses are also available. One way to construct these is to build them around pastors’ conferences sponsored by the Gordon-Conwell Institute or the annual meetings of the Evangelical Homiletics Society.

Does the Program Have to be Completed in One Year?

No. The modular program does not have to be completed in one year, but it is possible for full-time participants to do so. Part-time participants have up to four years to finish the degree.

Tell Me About the Residential ThM

Residential students must take three courses per semester in order to maintain full-time status and housing eligibility (if living on campus). The degree is normally completed in one year.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Articulate a theology of leadership.
  • Articulate a theology of preaching.
  • Expand knowledge and skill in ministry by designing a flexible course of study, eight courses, that help you in your ministry. These courses will be in leadership and preaching, along with electives.
  • Preach expository sermons that are faithful to the text and relevant to the lives of listeners.

Courses

24 Credit Hours (8 Courses)

PR

PR

Two Courses in Preaching

CL

CL

Two Courses in Leadership

Two courses from anything in the Division of Practical Theology

(eg. youth ministry, educational ministry, practical apologetics, and counseling. These could also be taken in preaching or leadership)

Two courses from anything in the seminary

(eg. exegesis, theology, church history, or ethics)
These also could be taken in preaching or leadership. 1–2 of the eight courses can be taken from the BTIC (Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium) from schools such as Boston Univ., Harvard Divinity, and Boston College.

Requirements

Academic Requirements

Required Degree:

Master of Divinity from an accredited institution.

Minimum GPA: 3.0

English Language Requirements (International Students)

Gordon-Conwell requires a TOEFL score of 91 or better (IBT). We also accept IELTS scores of 7.0 or higher. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree through an English-language university may request a TOEFL waiver.

Biblical Language Requirements

There are no biblical language requirements for the ThM in Ministry.

Application Requirements

A Completed Online Application Includes:

  1. Application Form
  2. Two Uploaded Essays
    • A 1-2 page personal statement addressing questions about your vocational goals, church involvement, encouragement from others, reasons for applying to Gordon-Conwell, and an assessment of your own strengths and weaknesses
    • A 1-2 page autobiographical statement
  3. Three Recommendations
    • Pastor or Church Official
    • Friend or Associate;
    • Former Professor or Professional Colleague (references should be individuals whom you have known for at least one year, and who are not related to you.)
  4. Official Transcripts
    • The seminary requires a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
    • Official transcripts must be sent directly to Gordon-Conwell, or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope. Copies and opened transcripts are not considered official.
    • Transcripts may be sent by any means your college(s) uses for transmitting official transcripts; official electronic transcripts are accepted.
    • Gordon-Conwell is a partner school of Parchment. If your college uses this service for transmitting electronic transcripts, search for and have the transcripts sent to “Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.”
    • We do need transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, even if the classes were transferred to another school and are reflected on their transcripts.

Have Questions?

Someone from our friendly admissions team would be happy to reach out to you.


You Can Afford Seminary!

Scholarships and financial assistance are available.