BITS ACADEMICS

Back

Master of Ministry

Location: Online

Credits: 45

Master of Ministry

Overview

The Master of Ministry equips students for practical, pastoral, and missional leadership in the local church and parachurch contexts. The program emphasizes preaching, pastoral care, discipleship, leadership, and service in diverse ministry settings, grounded in solid biblical and theological foundations.

Goals

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

Interpret and apply Scripture in preaching and teaching.

Provide biblical pastoral care and counseling.

Lead worship, discipleship, and evangelism ministries effectively.

Develop strategic ministry plans for local churches.

Engage contemporary issues with a biblical and pastoral perspective.

Requirements

General core - 21 credits
Code Title Credits
GEN501 Biblical Worldview 3
GEN502 Research Methods 3
GEN503 Entrepreneurial Theology 3
GEN504 Biblical Epistemology 3
GEN505 Theology, Economics and Development 3
GEN506 Biblical Ethics and Social Change 3
GEN507 Bible and Cultural Intelligence 3
Concentration - 24 credits
Code Title Credits
MIN601 Advanced Pastoral Ministry 3
MIN602 Homiletics and Worship Leadership 3
MIN603 Pastoral Care and Counseling 3
MIN604 Discipleship and Spiritual Formation 3
MIN605 Leadership in the Local Church 3
MIN606 Church Administration and Governance 3
MIN607 Evangelism and Church Growth 3
MIN608 Contemporary Issues in Ministry 3

Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Ministry may pursue roles such as:

Pastor / Associate Pastor

Church Planter

Ministry Director (discipleship, youth, evangelism, etc.)

Chaplain (where additional credentials permit)

Nonprofit or parachurch ministry leader

General core - 21 Credits

GEN501 - Biblical Worldview (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to a comprehensive Christian worldview grounded in Scripture. It explores the nature of reality, human purpose, ethics, culture, and the mission of God. Students examine competing worldviews and develop the ability to interpret contemporary issues through a biblical-theological lens, strengthening their capacity for faithful Christian leadership in society.

GEN502 - Research Methods (3 Credits)

A graduate-level introduction to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methodologies. Students learn how to design research projects, analyze data, review scholarly literature, formulate hypotheses, and integrate theological reflection with academic inquiry. Emphasis is placed on research skills relevant to ministry, leadership, and theological scholarship.

GEN503 - Entrepreneurial Theology (3 Credits)

This course explores theological and practical foundations for innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving within Christian ministry. Students examine biblical models of creativity, stewardship, and mission-shaped leadership. The course equips learners to design ministry initiatives, launch sustainable projects, and respond to emerging needs within church and society.

GEN504 - Biblical Epistemology (3 Credits)

A study of how knowledge, truth, and belief are understood within Scripture. The course examines philosophical and theological questions concerning revelation, faith, reason, certainty, and spiritual understanding. Students develop tools to think critically about how Christians know what they know and how to apply biblical truth in academic and ministry settings.

GEN505 - Theology, Economics and Development (3 Credits)

An interdisciplinary exploration of economic life from a biblical and theological perspective. Topics include stewardship, work, wealth, poverty, justice, development, public policy, and global mission. Students evaluate modern economic theories in light of Scripture and consider how Christian leaders can promote economic flourishing in their communities.

GEN506 - Biblical Ethics and Social Change (3 Credits)

A study of ethical reasoning grounded in Scripture with application to contemporary social issues. Students analyze moral philosophy, biblical ethical frameworks, justice concerns, human dignity, and the Christian’s role in promoting societal transformation. The course equips graduates to lead ethically in ministry, leadership, and public life.

GEN507 - Bible and Cultural Intelligence (3 Credits)

An examination of how Scripture informs cross-cultural engagement and Christian leadership in diverse contexts. Topics include cultural anthropology, worldview analysis, intercultural communication, and biblical perspectives on ethnicity, unity, and mission. Students develop cultural intelligence necessary for ministry in a globalized world.

Concentration - 24 Credits

MIN601 - Advanced Pastoral Ministry (3 Credits)

A study of the theology and practice of pastoral ministry with attention to leadership, pastoral identity, congregational dynamics, and ministerial ethics. Students explore preaching, teaching, counseling, administration, and spiritual leadership at an advanced level.

MIN602 - Homiletics and Worship Leadership (3 Credits)

An advanced course on sermon development, expository preaching, liturgical leadership, and worship planning. Students learn to integrate Scripture, theology, and pastoral sensitivity in pulpit and worship ministry.

MIN603 - Pastoral Care and Counseling (3 Credits)

An in-depth exploration of pastoral counseling theories, crisis intervention, spiritual guidance, and emotional care within congregations. Students develop practical skills to care for individuals, couples, and families with biblical integrity and clinical awareness.

MIN604 - Discipleship and Spiritual Formation (3 Credits)

A study of the processes and strategies for forming mature disciples of Christ. Students evaluate historical, biblical, and contemporary models of discipleship and learn to design formation pathways for local churches.

MIN605 - Leadership in the Local Church (3 Credits)

An examination of leadership theory and practice from a pastoral perspective. Topics include team leadership, conflict resolution, change management, strategic planning, and church governance.

MIN606 - Church Administration and Governance (3 Credits)

A study of administrative and organizational practices essential to effective church leadership. Topics include financial oversight, legal responsibilities, organizational structure, policy development, and operational management.

MIN607 - Evangelism and Church Growth (3 Credits)

An exploration of evangelistic theology, personal witnessing, discipleship strategies, and church growth models. Students analyze cultural trends and develop outreach plans for their ministry contexts.

MIN608 - Contemporary Issues in Ministry (3 Credits)

A seminar addressing current challenges facing the church, including technology, secularism, cultural shifts, pastoral burnout, family issues, and ethical dilemmas. Students learn to respond with biblical wisdom and practical insight.

Logo BITS

Contact

+1 (904) 895-1712
info@bitseminary.com
3107 Spring Glen Rd, Ste 209
Jacksonville Fl 32207

All rights reserved, ©2026, BITS