Comments on: Anderson U. Launching Master of Ministry Degree

By: Jason Berry

Jason Berry — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:02:46 +0000

Tony…
I think that it would be important to see professors that have stood the test of time and have been faithful for decades, as well as professors who are relevant to present day ministry. I would love to see theology classes anchored by an older seasoned professor, but then fly in, or camera chat in lead pastors who know how to translate the theology these kids are learning so that the people in their churches can understand it. It would be incredible to have 6-10 different relevant pastors stop in through a semester’s class. One of the largest disconnect in seminary is the head learning and the real world. It would be important to me to find ways to connect the two.

By: Bob Bickford

Bob Bickford — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:53:49 +0000

Sounds like a great program. As for resources-definitely recommend the Simply Strategic books, Confessions of a Pastor, What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Church Unique, The Dip.

As for professors-Senior Pastors, Executive Pastors, Strategic Staff from cutting edge churches. It would be really cool to have them and their staff teach a class/section etc.

NewSpring has a paid internship?

By: Tina Harkey

Tina Harkey — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:04:01 +0000

I think an internet option will be a great asset as many people will not be able to leave their current job to go back to school.

I would think management courses on budgeting, managing volunteers & staff, hiring, firing, etc. would all be important. Many pastors won’t start with a huge staff and will need to know basics of employment law if they intend grow and add employees.

Systems, strategy & vision will all be important as will professors from varying backgrounds, church sizes, etc. And I will add the prof’s that taught me the most were actually laboring not just teaching.

Technology is so specific and changes so rapidly I think a class on this would probably be a waste. That would need outsourcing anyway. Just a thought.

By: Tyler

Tyler — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 06:21:53 +0000

I guess that works if the students aren’t wanting to go into something where an MDiv is usually desired. Being that it is half the credits, there is much that the students will lose out on.

I do agree with the first comment, management courses are lacking in seminaries and too many pastors got an undergrad degree in theology or bible and then got an MDiv. They are then charged with running a church and they have zero education on management. That is scary!

By: brad cooper

brad cooper — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 03:29:00 +0000

I love the idea T-Mo… i’d be interested in seeing how AU can move from their established legacy as a strong traditional style Baptist institution and really embrace the future of internet and technology…

If they set this thing up right (learning from the history of others, leveraging their mistakes) They could possibly set something up that is world class— Bi-Vocational professors who are out there already doing the ministry—

in this vein of thinking “What are you doing that no one else is doing to reach who no one else is reaching…” -There are plenty of traditional universities and seminaries out there teaching theory… HOW ABOUT A SCHOOL THAT LEVERAGES TECHNOLOGY TO RESOURCE THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERSHIP… AU could develop a niche all their own… im pumped for them!

By: Charles W.

Charles W. — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:40:32 +0000

1. How would you design the coursework to best prepare students for ministry?
I am currently attending Bethany University in their Church Leadership BA program. For my core classes, my instructor has us write personal response papers to the material that we read and discussed in class. Of all that classes that I have taken here, it was those core classes that challenged me the most because we students had to think for ourselves and not just summarize the book. I will always remember what I learned in those classes because of those personal response papers.
2. If you could hand-select your future “professors,” who would want to learn from?
I would want to learn from both seasoned and beginning pastors from different backgrounds and denominations. Each person will bring new insight and experience to the way that the ministry has changed and is changing in their lifetimes.
3. If you are interested in the program, would you prefer being a resident here in Anderson, attending a regional campus or attending online?
I think that all three would be very beneficial. I live in California and I am greatly appreciative of the campuses that offer online coursework. Regional courses are wonderful for the school to branch out and expand beyond their current fixed place. On campus is great cause it grows the campus.
4. What other feedback do you have?
As the Body of Christ, we need to grow together. Earlier I stated that instructors from different denominations should be considered. I say that because there are no denominations in heaven. I understand that the school is affiliated with the SBC, but the ministry is affiliated with God. People with different denominational backgrounds can offer a wide variety of sources that are very beneficial for students in our current age.

By: Grant Reeves

Grant Reeves — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:19:16 +0000

Put them in some Management courses. I’ve learned from my experience of being a Business Management major, and doing the internship at NewSpring and getting to see first hand what you guys do….that management skills are essential to doing ministry. A lot of business practices can be integrated into ministry, the strategies of ministry and the leadership that is required.