SPRINGFIELD, Mo., February 11, 2014 - This spring, the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary will unveil an in-service, hybrid degree that allows people in full-time ministry to pursue a master's degree without having to relocate.
The new Master of Pastoral Leadership will incorporate online and face-to-face learning experiences. It will require just six visits to the Springfield campus over the course of two years.
The MPL is a professional studies degree designed to provide advanced training for men and women who have been in vocational ministry for at least five years and want to enhance their ministry leadership skills.
"As a professional degree, every learning experience will focus on the participant's current ministry setting," said Dr. Randy Walls, AGTS director of Continuing Education, "making this program invaluable to the pastor in the field. And, the program will utilize a cohort model, which will deliver a strong peer learning community and provide the mutual support participants need to make it through the program."
A combination of appropriate credits earned in the student's undergraduate degree and the student's prior preaching and teaching ministry will allow participants to complete the degree in two years (36 credits). Without this advanced standing, the program requires 48 credits.
Federal financial aid is available.
"I'm excited about starting this program because I see a plateau in my leadership skills. I know there's more," said Greg Preston, executive pastor at Eastside Community Church, Gahanna, Ohio. "I believe this will challenge me to go to a new level spiritually, academically and personally."
For more information about the MPL degree, call 1-866-773-2226 or email [email protected].
AGTS is one of the world's leading Pentecostal seminaries. A variety of traditional and alternative class formats are offered throughout the United States and abroad. For more information about AGTS, visit agts.edu.