Note: We are no longer accepting new students into the Diploma of Pastoral Ministry program. New pastoral ministry students should apply to the Certificate of Biblical Studies program, then to the Diploma of Christian Ministry program with a Pastoral Ministry focus.
The Diploma of Pastoral Ministry program is designed to assist men in developing their pastoral giftings and disciple them for pastoral leadership.
A Diploma of Pastoral Ministry requires completion of at least 48 credit hours, including 24 credits in theological studies, 40 credits in pastoral leadership, and 8 elective credits. This diploma or its equivalent is one of the requirements for a candidate for a Ministerial License issued by the North American Ministerial Council of the Church of God (Seventh Day).
Theological Studies Requirements (24 Credits)
BIS 101 History and Literature of the Old Testament (4)
BIS 104 History and Literature of the New Testament (4)
BIS 201 Biblical Interpretation (4)
HIS 202 History of Western Christianity, 1517-Present (4)
THE 201 Systematic Theology (4)
THE 202 Intro to Church of God (Seventh Day) Doctrine (4)
Pastoral Leadership Requirements (16 Credits)
COM 341 Expository Preaching (4)
LEA 101 Foundations of Ministry (4)
LEA 201 Church Administration (4)
PAM 131 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (4)
Electives (8 Credits)
Students may choose any 8 credits in the following course categories: BIS, COM, EDU, HIS, LEA, MIS, PAM, PHI, PSY, THE, WOA.
Additional Requirements:
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A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
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Completion of 120 hours of approved and documented ministry and/or mentoring; 50% of these hours must be in conjunction with a local congregation
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Recommendation of the faculty based on Christian character and perspective, emotional stability, and commitment to the purpose of LifeSpring School of Ministry
Diploma Completion Programs for Previous MTS Students
The following degree plans are only available to former MTS students who formally enrolled in the Diploma of Pastoral Ministry prior to June 30, 2009. Students will be notified no later than August 31, 2009 which degree plan best fits their prior studies and will have until December 31, 2014 to complete this degree plan. Students who have not completed the plan by this date will be required to complete their diploma under a more recent degree plan.
Diploma of Pastoral Ministry (42 credits; Option A)
Theological Studies Requirements (17 Credits)
BIS 101 History and Literature of the Old Testament (4)
BIS 101.1 History and Literature of the Old Testament: The Pentateuch
BIS 101.2 History and Literature of the Old Testament: The Historical Books
BIS 101.3 History and Literature of the Old Testament: Poetry
BIS 101.4 History and Literature of the Old Testament: The Prophets
BIS 104 History and Literature of the New Testament (4)
BIS 104.1 History and Literature of the New Testament: The Gospels
BIS 104.2 History and Literature of the New Testament: The Life and Teachings of Christ
BIS 104.3 History and Literature of the New Testament: Acts, the General Epistles, and Revelation
BIS 104.4 History and Literature of the New Testament: Pauline Epistles
BIS 201 Biblical Interpretation (2)
BIS 201.1 Biblical Interpretation: Introduction
BIS 201.2 Biblical Interpretation: Observing the Text
HIS 202 History of Western Christianity, 1517-Present (1)
HIS 202.4 Church of God (Seventh Day) History
THE 201 Systematic Theology (2)
THE 201.1 Systematic Theology: Introduction
THE 201.2 Systematic Theology: Theology Proper and Christology
THE 202 Intro to Church of God (Seventh Day) Doctrine (4)
THE 202.1 CG7 Doctrines: God’s Word for Man - Deity Revealed
THE 202.2 CG7 Doctrines: God’s Provision for Man - Life in Christ
THE 202.3 CG7 Doctrines: God’s Pattern for Man - Obedience in the Spirit
THE 202.4 CG7 Doctrines: God’s Future for Man and all Creation
Christian Leadership Requirements (14 Credits)
COM 341 Expository Preaching (4)
COM 341.1 Expository Preaching: The Message and the Messenger
COM 341.2 Expository Preaching: Remaining True to the Text
COM 341.3 Expository Preaching: Preparing Expository Sermons
COM 341.4 Expository Preaching: Preaching Expository Sermons
LEA 101 Foundations of Ministry (2)
LEA 101.1 Foundations of Ministry: Christian Walk
LEA 101.2 Foundations of Ministry: Calling
LEA 201 Church Administration (4)
LEA 201.1 Church Administration: Leadership
LEA 201.2 Church Administration: Polity
LEA 201.2 Church Administration: Administration
LEA 201.2 Church Administration: Finance
PAM 131 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (4)
PAM 131.1 Intro to Pastoral Ministry: Part 1
PAM 131.2 Intro to Pastoral Ministry: Part 2
PAM 131.2 Intro to Pastoral Ministry: Part 3
PAM 131.4 Intro to Pastoral Ministry: Part 4
Electives (11 Credits)
Students may choose any 10 credits (in increments of 1 or more credits) in the following course categories: BIS, COM, HIS, LEA, MIS, PAM, PHI, PSY, THE, WOA.
Additional Requirement:
Diploma of Pastoral Ministry (42 credits; Option B)
This degree plan is only available to former MTS students who formally enrolled in the Diploma of Pastoral Ministry program prior to June 30, 2009.
Theological Studies Requirements (16 Credits)
BIS 101 History and Literature of the Old Testament (2)
BIS 104 History and Literature of the New Testament (2)
BIS 201 Biblical Interpretation (3)
HIS 202.4 Church of God (Seventh Day) History (1)
THE 202 Intro to Church of God (Seventh Day) Doctrines (3)
Biblical Studies Electives (5) [from the BIS course category; includes book studies]
Christian Leadership Requirements (14 Credits)
COM 271 Principles and Practice of Preaching (3)
Or COM 341 Expository Preaching (3)
LEA 201.2 Church Administration: Polity (1)
PAM 131 Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (3)
Christian Leadership Electives (7) [from the following course categories: COM, LEA, MIS, PAM, PHI, PSY, THE, WOA]
Electives (12 Credits)
Students may choose any 10 credits (in increments of 1 or more credits) in the following course categories: BIS, COM, HIS, LEA, MIS, PAM, PHI, PSY, THE, WOA.
Additional Requirement:
