After years of planning, Asbury welcomes a new opportunity for graduate students, experienced pastors and worship leaders and artists. The Ministry Innovation program, which launched this fall, allows a wide variety of students to blend theology, creativity and practical ministry skills.
The 36 credit hour master’s program was created to equip students for a dynamic world while utilizing their talents to add a unique quality and depth to their ministry.
“While the church is often profiled for its failures, problems and challenges, at Asbury University, we still believe in the church” said Dr. Brian Shelton, the School of Christian Studies’ Dean. This masters program is a response to that perceived failure. Shelton said, “We adopted the most engaging strategy… that envisions effective innovation for the church.”
Through Ministry Innovation, Asbury offers graduate students a unique ministry program that is not offered by the Seminary, and presents them with different avenues of ministry that they can consider, with emphasis on diverse majors and skills.
“While Ministry majors will be drawn to this program, it also invites majors in Art, Music, Media, Business and an array of others to consider complementing their bachelor’s degree with a master’s to use their non-traditional skills and passions” said Dr. Shelton.
The course curriculum involves a plethora of ministry and liberal arts classes that give students the opportunity to hone their skills and explore their interests.
“With classes like Ministry through Art, Ministry through Media and even Ministry through Literature and Imagination, we explore innovative ways to do ministry for a whole new generation,” Dr. Shelton explains.
The structure of the course is split into two spheres. Sphere one includes classes specifically for ministry and sphere two combines theology and liberal arts. In addition to classes, students will complete their own innovative ministry projects. The program also provides ministry coaching where students are assigned a coach to help refine their individual interests, skills and ministry readiness.
For Asbury undergraduate students, there is the possibility of completing your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years, called the Grad Plus program. This degree is highly accessible and offers a lot of flexibility. Students have the option of hybrid mentorship and online courses, making it simple to adapt to their lifestyle needs.
Although the program is new, Dr. Shelton hopes that the Ministry Innovation course will make students more optimistic about the church, and he hopes that it will stir excitement in students about what the church can do.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.
