Divinity (MDiv)
See the sections following MDiv for Master of Divinity: Christian Care (MDiv-CC) and Master of Divinity: Formational Leadership (MDiv-FL)
Credential: Master of Divinity
Introduction
The mission of the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program is to prepare students for a lifetime of effective service to the Church and society in a vocational ministry role. A learning journey that integrates biblical, theological, and ministry studies help students develop the wisdom and character needed for the present and future service entrusted to them. Students will be equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to faithfully lead and serve in diverse ministry contexts. Students will be prepared to address the challenging questions and problems of the day while faithfully upholding the truth of God's word.
The MDiv degree is the most commonly pursued academic credential for ordination and acceptance into ministry-related doctoral degree programs like the Doctor of Ministry.
Additionally, to better serve the life-engaged adult learner, courses within the program are delivered in two modalities. The fully online modality offers maximum flexibility by enabling students to complete coursework without rearranging their schedules to attend in-person residencies. The hybrid modality provides students with the unique opportunity to complete most of their coursework online while still experiencing face-to-face on-site learning with their peers. Students can choose between either modality for most courses in the program.
Program Purpose
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) at Capital Seminary & Graduate School is a uniquely balanced program designed to produce the competencies necessary to lead from a biblical worldview. The program prepares students for a leadership role in multiple ministry contexts by focusing on developing the head, heart, and hands of the student.
Educational Philosophy
Our educational philosophy guides our approach to teaching and learning, course design, and faculty selection.
We believe that ministry leaders need to both think and do well. Therefore, we commit to providing students with a solid biblical and theological foundation and the tools to continue exploring and applying Scripture as lifelong learners. We believe the Bible offers philosophical and practical foundations for ministry in any context. Therefore, classroom content and Scriptural principles are integrated and applied to professional practice in every course. At the same time, we commit to preparing students with the knowledge and skills for ministry as leaders, caregivers, teachers, and disciple-makers.
We believe that the character of the leader is crucial for impacting ministry. Therefore, courses seek not only to educate the mind in ministry competencies but also to nurture the development of biblical character qualities in our students. We recognize that ministry leaders lead out of who they are and are becoming. Therefore, we commit to integrating spiritual formation to develop spiritual, emotional, and physical health in ministry leaders' personal and professional lives.
We believe adults learn more effectively in nurturing communities. Therefore, the graduate student is viewed as a self-directed learner. Adult learning methods are emphasized, making the classroom environment an educational workshop that emphasizes interactive methods that utilize the professor's and student's unique gifts and life experiences.
We believe in life-long education. Therefore, courses emphasize critical thinking skills related to life and ministry and provide practical research skills for maintaining continuing education in Christian ministry beyond a formal degree program. We recognize that our ministry contexts are diverse and rapidly changing. Therefore, we commit to developing students who know their context and who can exegete culture and Scripture.
Locations
Lancaster and Online
Program Outcomes
As a result of this program, students will…
- Apply methods of interpretation, research, and biblical languages study to the discovery of biblical truths.
- Articulate and defend sound theology according to historic Christian orthodoxy.
- Construct theological and ethical solutions to challenging questions and problems facing the Church and society.
- Formulate the character and competencies necessary for ethical and authentic servant leadership in the manner of Jesus Christ.
- Plan redemptive spiritual communities built on Christ-like character, authentic servant-leadership, and a robust theology and philosophy of ministry.
- Develop ministry skills in areas of evangelism, discipleship, care, administration, and communicating biblical truth.
MDiv Curricular Structure/Degree Requirements
Biblical and Theological Foundations
Fifteen credits of biblical and theological studies are required. The specific courses required will vary by Specialization and by Advanced or Regular Standing.
Biblical Skills Development
Ministry Leadership Foundations
| MIN 511 | The Church in God's Mission | 3 |
| MIN 512 | Personal Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| MIN 513 | Historical Perspectives on Church & Culture | 3 |
| MIN 514 | Contemporary Issues in Church & Culture | 3 |
Ministry Skills Development
| MIN 504 | Communicating Biblical Truth | 3 |
| MIN 522 | Power, Change, and Conflict | 3 |
| MIN 523 | Leading Evangelism and Discipleship | 3 |
| MIN 524 | Principles and Practices of Christian Care | 3 |
Concentrations & Specializations
Bible Exposition Concentration
Each week both professional and lay Christian ministers, who are tasked with preaching and teaching God’s Word, engage in a two-fold journey. First, they journey from the contemporary world back to the biblical world (interpretive journey). Second, they journey back from the biblical world to the contemporary world (communicative journey). Thus, Christian ministers need to know how to interpret and communicate God’s Word. To do so with integrity, they need to know how to accurately interpret God’s Word. To do so with relevancy, they need to know how to appropriately apply God’s Word to a contemporary audience. This particular concentration is designed to prepare the Christian minister to both interpret the Word accurately and communicate the Word relevantly. While heavier weight is given to the interpretive journey in the concentration, ample time is given to the communicative journey.
This concentration effectively equips pastors, elders, lay teachers, youth leaders, and para-church leaders who desire to sharpen their skills for expository communication of the scriptures.
BIB535 Introduction to Biblical Preaching is required. Students may select from a variety of exiting elective courses to complete the remaining 9 credits, which include courses focused on the hermeneutical process as well as courses focused on exegesis of the Old and New Testaments
| BIB 535 | Introduction to Biblical Preaching | 3 |
| | BIB/THE/APO Elective | 3 |
| | BIB/THE/APO Elective | 3 |
| | BIB/THE/APO Elective | 3 |
Christian Apologetics Concentration
God’s people are called to love him with all their minds, in addition to their hearts and strength. With the increasing pluralism and antagonism to Christianity, believers must be prepared to give a defense for their hope. This concentration prepares students to think critically about the various religious and non-religious belief systems that challenge the truth of Christianity. It equips them to effectively engage any person or thought-system with the truth of the Christian faith. This is a benefit to the church and the cause of Christ as a whole.
| APO 540 | Christian Apologetics | 3 |
| APO 545 | New Testament Issues in Apologetics | 3 |
| APO | APO Elective | 3 |
| APO | APO Elective | 3 |
Christian Care Specialization
The Christian Care specialization prepares students to effectively care for those in need, based on Jesus' ministry and His Scriptures and reliable behavioral science insights and caregiving practices. Graduates are not only equipped to make necessary referrals and train others in Christian caregiving but also develop and deliver effective, complete caregiving that is rooted in biblical truth.
The Christian Care Specialization enables a student to incorporate all courses required for the Master of Arts in Formational Leadership program into a Master of Divinity.
| CHC 505 | Foundations for Christian Care | 3 |
| CHC 510 | Christian Care of Individuals | 3 |
| CHC 511 | Christian Care of Individuals Lab | 3 |
| CHC 515 | Christian Care of Families | 3 |
| CHC 516 | Christian Care of Families Lab | 3 |
| CHC 520 | Christian Care and Group Process | 3 |
| CHC 525 | Training Christian Care Givers | 3 |
Church Planting Concentration
As of March 1, 2023, this concentration is not accepting new students.
The Church is an essential part of God’s plan to bring about reconciliation. Church planting is much more than building yet another church – it’s about bringing the gospel to every part of the earth. In this concentration, students are equipped with the tools needed to be an effective minister on the frontlines of church-based gospel outreach. Courses prepare students to exegete cultures and contextualize for communities as they strategically invest in the entrepreneurial work of church planting. Additional field experience opportunities provide students with a unique opportunity to apply their learning within a mentoring partnership.
| CPL 501 | Theology, History & Models of Church Planting Movements | 3 |
| CPL 502 | Exegeting Culture for Church Planting | 3 |
| CPL 504 | Church Planting I | 3 |
| CPL 505 | Church Planting II | 3 |
Children & Family Ministry Concentration (12 credits)
| CFM 501 | Foundations of Children and Family Ministry | 3 |
| CFM 502 | Spiritual Formation of Children and Families | 3 |
| CFM 503 | Missional Families in a Global World | 3 |
| CFM 504 | Global Children’s Ministry | 3 |
Formational Leadership Concentration (12 credits)
Sustainability in ministry has less to do with skills and charisma than it does with the character and faithfulness of the leader. The formational leadership concentration prepares students to cultivate the virtue, character, and skills necessary to faithfully serve over a lifetime of ministry. By nurturing a heart of integrity and hands skilled at the work, students are equipped to lead with conviction and character.
| MFL 501 | Self-Care for the 21st Century Leader | 3 |
| MFL 503 | Emotional Intelligence & Digital Age Communication | 3 |
| MFL 508 | Shaping Resilient Teams | 3 |
| MFL 509 | Communication as Story | 3 |
Formational Leadership Specialization (24 credits)
The Formational Leadership Specialization enables a student to incorporate all courses required for the Master of Arts in Formational Leadership program into a Master of Divinity. Students taking the Formational Leadership Specialization will take
MFL 501 Self-Care for the 21st Century Leader as a substitute for
MIN 512 and students will take
MFL 502 Integrative Theology as a substitute for one of the Biblical and Theological Foundations courses.
Leadership Studies Concentration
The leadership studies concentration equips students with the essential skills needed to effectively lead in various ministry contexts. Students will develop a personalized leadership approach that illuminates their unique God-given abilities while evaluating major leadership theories. Committed to leading with integrity, students will explore the critical aspects of organizational leadership for a godly leader. Applied faith practices, soul care, and character formation encourage students to lead with confidence and conviction within their ministry contexts.
| LSP 501 | Leadership Theory & Practice | 3 |
| LSP 502 | Development of Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| LSP 503 | Psychology of Leadership | 3 |
| LSP 509 | Leadership Style Analysis | 3 |
Pastoral Studies Concentration
Pastoral Ministry is a unique calling among God's people requiring a unique set of core competencies for the one seeking to serve the Church. The Pastoral Ministry Concentration provides the foundational knowledge and skills one needs for healthy missional ministry in the local Church. Courses give students a core theology for pastoral ministry, advanced training in preaching, depth of study in understanding and designing creative corporate worship, and clear instruction and practice in the essential functions of church finance, leadership, and administration. Through this concentration, students will be prepared for their high calling to "equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4.12).
| PAS 502 | Local Church Revitalization | 3 |
| PAS 503 | Theology, History, & Practice of Worship | 3 |
| PAS 513 | Advanced Homiletics | 3 |
| PAS 520 | Designing Strategic Models of Adult Discipleship | 3 |
Theology Concentration
Christian leaders are constantly called upon to assess and discern ideas and trends that affect the church and society. Foundational to that task is a solid understanding of the Bible and its view of the world as understood and expressed in the long tradition of Christian theological reflection. This concentration equips Christian leaders for ministry by providing them with an advanced framework for thinking theologically, an understanding of the development of Christian theology from its origins to the present, and opportunities for focused research into various topics and issues in systematic, historical, and biblical theology. The goal of the concentration is to graduate Christian pastors and leaders who have the knowledge and skills to interpret and articulate an orthodox understanding of the Christian faith in the evangelical Protestant tradition, to pass it on to future generations, and to apply its insights to the contemporary needs of the church and society.
| THE 517 | Theological Method | 3 |
| THE 518 | History of Christian Doctrine | 3 |
| | Theology Elective | |
| | Theology Elective | |
Worship Arts Concentration
This concentration facilitates a Word-focused understanding of creativity and performance for ministry leaders to equip those in their care to lead worship that engages the congregation's senses, emotions, and intellect. Students will gain a robust perspective of the history of Christian worship practices by observing continuities, overlaps, and contrasts across various time periods and traditions. The deep tie between the Church's worship and its cultural context will be explored with the study of expressions from across the globe. Beyond enhancing their own understanding of arts in the story of God's Church, ministry leaders will learn to integrate these perspectives into their regular shepherding and administrative tasks. Students will complete this concentration with a refreshed vision for shepherding the formation of their congregations in worship and a refined set of skills for equipping those with whom they serve in that mission.
| WOR 500 | Biblical, Historical, & Theological Survey of Worship Arts | 3 |
| WOR 505 | Worship and its Cultural Context | 3 |
| WOR 510 | Worship Design & Practice | 3 |
| WOR 520 | Perspectives and Technology for Worship Arts Administration | 3 |
Youth & Young Adult Ministry Concentration
As of March 1, 2023, this concentration is not accepting new students.
Competent youth ministries make a critical difference in the growth and witness of the Church. Research demonstrates that youth ministry significantly fosters relationships between God, adults, and youth such that teens become makers of culture rather than simply consumers of culture. Carefully crafted youth ministries help teens grow in security in Christ and mature spiritually and socially. Ministry to and through teenagers grows in importance daily. This concentration provides students with the opportunity to develop one’s biblical theology and approach to discipleship. It also seriously considers and helps students learn how to apply the best psychological and social theories in evaluating culture and in guiding youth to navigate adolescence and live for Christ. Students will learn how to listen to teens and their families on deeper levels. Lastly, this concentration will help Lead Pastors gain appreciation of and cultivate a vision for youth ministry.
| YMN 501 | Student Development, Culture & Contextualization | 3 |
| YMN 502 | Student & Family Systems Counseling | 3 |
| YMN 503 | Thinking Theologically in Student Ministry | 3 |
| YMN 504 | Spiritual Formation of Students | 3 |
Application, Admission, Retention, and Graduation
Admission Requirements
Individuals seeking admission to Capital Seminary programing in the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Care and the Master of Arts in Formational Leadership must complete the following application steps. Decisions for admission to these programs are made using each application piece listed as criteria.
Application Process
Individuals seeking admission to Capital Seminary programing in the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, Master of Arts in Christian Care and the Master of Arts in Formational Leadership must complete the following application steps. Decisions for admission to these programs are made using each application piece listed as criteria.
1.
Application Form: Complete the online application and submit the $40 application fee. Once your application has been received, you will be contacted by an Admissions Representative who will guide you through the application process.
2.
Autobiographical Essay: Write an autobiographical essay, of approximately 1000 words, describing your salvation experience and ministry goals using these instructions.
* Explain Christ’s saving work in your life. Please share the details of your conversion experience, and use scripture to explain your experience.
* Explain how God has used people and circumstances in your life to grow your faith.
* Describe your current spiritual disciplines including evangelism, Bible study, prayer and ministry service.
* Share your current employment situation, your future vocational goals, and why you have chosen to apply to Capital Seminary & Graduate School.
* In the last 5 years, other than the Bible, what author or book has most influenced your faith? Using APA or MLA to cite your source, please support your response with a quote from the book.
This essay is designed to provide applicable life content as well as demonstrate the applicant's writing ability. Applicants will be evaluated on: confirmation of acceptance of Christ as personal Savior, developments in spiritual growth, statement of ministry goals, and rationale for desiring a master's degree.
3.
References: Ask two people who are qualified to evaluate your ministry/work experience and potential, to complete the reference form on your behalf. Reference forms are located online here.
4.
Request Official Transcripts: Contact all institutions through which degrees have been awarded to request official transcripts to be sent to Capital Enrollment Management Office (717-560-8297). These must be official transcripts sent directly from the degree granting institution(s). There must be a transcript from an accredited institution showing completion of a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
5.
TOEFL Score: Non-native speakers of English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). If the applicant has an undergraduate degree from an accredited American college or university, he/she is exempt from the TOEFL requirement. If required, the TOEFL test score must meet the following minimum for admission: paper score 550; computer score 213; or internet score 79. The applicant's skill score in writing will also be considered in the admissions decision.
6.
Personal Interview: Following receipt of the above items, a personal interview will be arranged with a faculty member.
Application Response
Applicants will be notified within three weeks of the submission of all application materials with regards to their acceptance into a program.
Five decisions are possible.
•
Full Acceptance: The applicant is fully accepted with no deficiencies or leveling requirements.
•
Accepted with Deficiencies: The applicant is accepted into the program with admission's academic deficiencies identified. The applicant will be informed as to the necessary steps required to achieve full acceptance.
•
Accepted on Review Status: The applicant is admitted pending further review. This may be because a part of the application was incomplete (e.g. a score was not received in time) or because the applicant did not meet one of the admission's requirements.
•
Delay: The applicant may receive an application delay. This may be due to the program being filled, a change in the applicant's life situation, or an event preventing the applicant from attending the first program session. Delayed status applicants will not have to reapply to the program but must pay the program down payment fee.
Declined: The applicant who is declined will be notified by mail or email. Specific reasons for the decline are not provided.
Advanced Standing
The following Biblical and Theological Studies courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with less than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Students’ official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process.
Students transferring from theological seminaries or graduate institutions with accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will be given advanced standing to the extent that their credits approximate the curriculum of Capital Seminary & Graduate School. Transfer credits must be from a seminary or graduate program with a final grade of “C” or higher. They must be no older than 10 years (for biblical language courses) or 15 years (for all other courses). Students can transfer no more than 50% of a degree from an outside institution. For specific information or questions, applicants or students must consult the Program Director.
Program Director
Aaron Brown serves as interim director of the Master of Divinity. Additionally, He is the Associate Chair in the Church and Ministry Leadership Department and directs Formational Leadership programs (MAFL, MDiv-FL) at Capital Seminary. Aaron earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Biola University and a Master of Divinity from Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, CA.
Aaron's primary research interests include spiritual formation, discipleship, and the spiritual health of ministry leaders. He has presented on these subjects at workshops, retreats, and training conferences. Outside of his work at LBC | Capital, Aaron has served in various ministry roles related to teaching, discipleship, strategic leadership, and youth ministry. He enjoys guiding teams through brainstorming and strategic planning work to solve their pressing ministry challenges.
Faculty
James Ayers, PhD
LaSondra Barnes, DMin
Casey Barton, PhD
Philip Bena, MA
Sherry Bell, MA
Ronald Belsterling, PhD
Kirk Belmont, DMin
Aaron Brown, MDiv
Terriel Byrd, PhD
Mark Cote, DMin
Rick Chung, DMin
Douglas Curry, DMin
Mark Eckel, PhD
Mark Farnham, PhD
Douglas Finkbeiner, PhD
Adam Flynt, DMin
Gordon Gregory, Jr., DTh
Steve Grusendorf, PhD
Penny Gushiken, MA
Samuel Harbin, DMin
Ryan Hartwig, PhD
Deborah Hinkel, MA
Albin Huss, PhD
Victor Jacobs, PhD
Debra Johnson-Cortesi, PhD
Joseph Kim, PhD
Miles (Skip) Lewis, EdD
Mark McGeever, DMin
Mark Meyer, PhD
Timothy Nicholls, PhD
Randal Pelton, PhD
Brian Pinzer, PhD
Joshua Rhodes, MA
Alex Sackey-Ansah, PhD
Ed Scheuerman, DMin
Ryan Shenk, MA
Timothy Sidebothom, PhD
John Soden, PhD
Rebekah Strangarity, MA
Marc Talbert, PhD
Currie Tilley, Jr., EdD
Alex Tufano, MA
John Wilkinson, PhD
Nathaniel Yates, PhD
Esther Zimmerman, PhD