We are delighted to announce the launch of our first in-ministry curriculum focused on Church Planting. The Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies degree with a specialization in Church Planting begins this Fall (2014) with an orientation and on-campus class experience in October.
This opportunity is accessible for ministry professionals serving in either a domestic or overseas ministry context. In this innovative cohort model, approximately twenty students will take the same sequence of online and on-campus courses while being actively engaged in their local church plants. Over the next three years, these students will gather for three additional on-campus meetings as well as participate in interactive online classes together. The on-campus experiences are already predetermined and students will receive the scheduled dates for these classes up to twelve months in advance. This model allows students to remain in-ministry while actively participating in the Asbury Seminary community. Additionally, it allows church planters to acquire a rich network of peers and seasoned faculty to support and equip their ministry without having to take a leave of absence during a critical season of engagement.
Download Program Details with the Course Map (PDF)
Highlights:
Contextual learning. This degree offers an integrated, holistic treatment of Church Planting and draws upon fields of theology, history, sociology, ethics, anthropology, leadership, and missiology. Assignments are specially crafted for the student’s present ministry context.
Quality instruction. Classes are taught by world class scholars who have years of experience in missions and Church Planting all around the globe.
Highly relational. All classes will be taken on-campus or online with the same group of church planters. These online classes will introduce you to other Asbury students serving in a variety of capacities on- and off-campus.
Predictable sequencing. The entire sequence of online and on-campus courses is mapped out, allowing you to plan for four short (1-2 week) trips to campus over three years.
Scholarships. All in-ministry participants will receive a $4,500 scholarship annually as funds are available. To qualify for as many financial assistance opportunities as possible, we highly recommend submitting a financial aid application during the admissions process as well.
Download Program Details with the Course Map (PDF)
How to apply:
Complete the online application.
Submit the following:
a. Three references. You will be asked for names and email addresses during the online application. It is required that all applicants submit at least one pastoral reference along with one academic and two professional/peer references. One reference must be from a member of the Church Planting network in which you are currently involved. If you are not associated with a Church Planting network, one additional pastoral reference is required for a total of four references.
b. $50 Application Fee*. Application fees may be paid online, over the phone, or via the postal mail service for your convenience. *Save $50! Application fee is waived if all application materials are received by July 1, 2014.
c. Transcripts. Please send all transcripts from the institution(s) where more than one semester of coursework was completed and/or a degree was conferred. Transcripts must be mailed directly from the school(s) you have attended to Asbury Theological Seminary to be considered “Official.” We also accept “Official” digital transcripts if they are sent to us directly from the institution you attended through an online clearing house.
d. Personal History Essay. Questions will be made available once you have completed the online application. You may submit your personal history essay by emailing it to jessica.avery@asburyseminary.edu.
**To qualify for this innovative program, all application materials must be received by August 20, 2014.
To assist you in determining if this program is right for you, Jessica Avery will be serving all students from the time of inquiry through admission. Jessica just returned from a term overseas serving with a church plant in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has prior experience serving a local church in Atlanta, GA. She can be reached by email (listed above) and by phone at 859-858-2044.
The New Student Orientation and first on-campus classes are scheduled for October 11-17, 2014 on the Wilmore, Kentucky campus. Dates for later campus visits are not yet scheduled, but will be available many months in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if miss a class in the sequence?
Students are encouraged to make every effort to take the established sequence of classes. If personal or ministry circumstances prevent taking a scheduled class, the students will need to wait until the course is offered again, which may jeopardize the student’s ability to complete the program in three years. The student should note that the on campus courses will not be offered as regularly as online courses. On campus classes can not be made up online because of accreditation requirements.
How much does it cost?
The cost for tuition the first year is $9,000*. A $4500 scholarship is available on a first come, first served basis. Additional financial aid opportunities may be available as well. Tuition rates beyond the Fall 2014-Summer 2015 academic year are not yet established. Subsequently, costs for years two and three of the program are not available at this time. However, the rates below can be used to estimate the cost of future years.
*The $9,000 rate for tuition is based on the taking the five listed classes according to the sequence provided. Fees not included.
Rates for Fall 2014-Summer 2015:
$564/credit hour 9+ hours
$596/credit hour 5-8 hours
$624/credit hour 1-3 hours
Technology Fee: $75 Fall and Spring, $25 Summer
Student Services Fee: $75/semester, $25 summer
Do I qualify for the $4500 scholarship? How do I apply for scholarships and financial aid?
The $4500 scholarship is available on a first come, first served basis for students who are admitted to the program. After being admitted, students must submit a FAFSA and an Asbury Financial Aid Application form to apply for any financial aid. Financial Aid staff can be reached at financial.aid@
asburyseminary.edu or by calling 859.858.2319.
What are the prerequisites for this degree program?
The Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies with an Emphasis in Church Planting requires an undergraduate GPA of 2.75. Some exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for lower GPA or prospective students who do not hold a Bachelors degree. Contactjessica.avery@asburyseminary.
edu for details.
How long are the classes?
All online courses go for the duration of an entire 15 week semester. On-campus courses also meet for an entire 15 week semester even if the on-campus part of the course meets for only one or two weeks. Students will have assignments before and after the on-campus class meeting to achieve the specified student learning outcomes. The ExL online environment will be used to communicate outside the classroom.
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