Program Details

Our M.A. in Children’s and Family Ministry is offered through our InMinistry Distance Learning program.

The three-year InMinistry program is designed for students who are passionate about advancing their ministry without having to put it on hold. Our students will spend most of the year in distance learning through interactive online courses and will gather twice a year at the St. Paul campus for 1 week of classroom interaction.

You’ll move through your degree program with your cohort—about 20 of your peers who, like you, are actively involved in ministry. Your cohort will become a close community for you to share insights and provide mutual support as you face ministry challenges and experience personal growth.

Sample Schedule

Fall Quarter

2 classes during a 10-week quarter

Online – 4 weeks
On-campus intensive – 1 week
Break – 1 week
Online – 4 weeks

Winter Quarter

2 classes during a 10-week quarter

Online (no intensive)

Spring Quarter

2 classes during a 10-week quarter

Online – 4 weeks
On-campus intensive – 1 week
Break – 1 week
Online – 4 weeks

Summer Quarter

1 class during a 10-week quarter

Online (no intensive)

Sample Concentration Courses

Introduction to Children's and Family Ministry

In this foundational course, students examine contemporary ministry to children and families within the various educational ministries of the church. Outcomes include:

Understanding of the cultural trends affecting children, families, and the church
Background knowledge of religious education from the Old Testament to present day
Development of a biblical philosophy of ministry to children and families

Curriculum Development and Assessment

Students learn the basic concepts of theory, curriculum development, and curriculum assessment. With this foundation, students will be able to begin the process of planning, evaluating, and writing their own curriculum materials.

Pastoral Care of Children and Families

Students are introduced to pastoral care theory, skills, and issues. Challenging issues for those ministering to children and families will be explored: