The Master of Arts in Lay Ministry provides theological education for lay people, equipping them for competent lay ministry to the church and community. Since the M.A. in Lay Ministry degree does not adequately prepare students for any aspect of vocational ministry, those who sense God’s leadership into vocational ministry should normally enroll in the Master of Divinity.
The student must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Applicants must be laypersons who do not sense God’s call into vocational ministry but who desire to prepare themselves to know God and to serve Him more effectively.
The 48-hour M.A. in Lay Ministry provides students a survey of several foundational theological disciplines. Students select courses from each of the following categories of studies: Faith and Scripture, Faith and Heritage, Faith and Ministry, and electives. Individual course selections within each category depend upon students’ ministry aspirations and need for corresponding skills.
Faith and Scripture (15 hours) courses provide a formal introduction to the study of Scripture. Required courses include: Biblical Hermeneutics (BIBST 3203), Great Themes of the Old Testament (OLDTS 3333), and Great Themes of the New Testament (NEWTS 3333). English Bible book courses and Biblical Backgrounds courses satisfy the remaining six hours of electives in Biblical Studies.
Faith and Heritage (12 hours) courses introduce theological disciplines such as systematic theology, church history, historical theology, and women’s studies. Required courses include: Systematic Theology I (SYSTH 3003) and Systematic Theology II (SYSTH 3013). Systematic theology electives, church history, historical theology, women’s studies, philosophy of religion, and ethics courses satisfy the remaining 6 hours of Faith and Heritage requirements.
Faith and Ministry (12 hours) courses sharpen areas of applied studies such as personal evangelism, missions, teaching, and other courses dealing with applied ministry. Required courses include: Personal Evangelism (EVANG 3303, including Evangelism Practicum [EVANG 3000]), Introduction to Missiology (MISSN 3363), and Principles of Teaching (FOUND 4303). Students may select the remaining course requirement from: evangelism, missions, and diverse offerings by the School of Educational Ministries.
Electives (9 hours) give students the opportunity to select courses from the Schools of Theology, Educational Ministries, and Church Music.
Year 1 |
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| Total | 24 hours |
Year 2 |
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| Total | 24 hours |
Students may take more than two years to complete the M.A. in Lay Ministry.
A Master of Arts in Lay Ministry student or graduate who believes that God is leading into vocational ministry and more advanced theological studies may transfer a significant number of hours into the new program of study.
For additional information about the Master of Arts in Lay Ministry, contact Dr. Mark Taylor, Associate Dean for Masters Programs:
by mail at:
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
P.O. Box 22696,
Fort Worth, Texas, 76122
by email at malm@swbts.edu,
or by phone at (817) 923-1921 ext. 6960.