Covenant Theological Seminary recently announced a number of new degree programs to be launched this fall. They include three master of arts programs: an M.A. in religion and cultures, an M.A. in worship and music, and a slightly revised version of the already existing M.A. in educational ministries.

“Service to Christ’s kingdom can take many forms,” said Dr. Donald Guthrie, Covenant’s interim vice president for academic administration. “These new programs are designed to help meet the growing need for well-trained leaders, teachers, and communicators of God’s Word who can function in a variety of leadership or support roles in the church or other ministries.”

The new programs, each consisting of 48 total credit hours, share a common core of coursework that provides a foundation in biblical studies, theology, Christian heritage, and communication of the gospel. Students may pursue the degrees in several ways: full time, part time, day or evening on-campus study, and part time through distance education.

The goal of each program is to train students to bring a biblical worldview to bear in every situation.

The three new degree programs prepare students for various aspects of ministry: The M.A. in educational ministries integrates classroom theory with practical application of biblical and educational principles for future administrators; the M.A. in religion and cultures teaches students about cross-cultural ministry and allows them to follow tracks focusing on city ministry and/or international ministry; and the M.A. in worship and music prepares students for service in the church through understanding, planning, and leading gospel-centered worship.

“The goal of each program is to train students to bring a biblical worldview to bear in every situation and to engage the world in appropriate ways with the eternal truths of the gospel,” said Guthrie.

Each program also involves hands-on field education experience in local churches or other ministries, and a final project joining classroom learning with practical application.

“At Covenant Seminary, we believe that what is discussed in the classroom should be practiced in ministry,” said Guthrie. “The Bible addresses such a view of education as it reveals the history of God’s redemption in the lives of sinful, struggling people. We aim to follow this educational model in all our ministry training.”

For more information, visit www.covenantseminary.edu.