Master of Arts in Ministry

Designed by the church, for the church—ensuring students develop theological depth and practical ministry skills in real-world settings.

Our M.A. in Ministry is designed to equip you with essential skills of preaching, pastoral care, spiritual formation, church administration, and cultural engagement. Courses are delivered in seven-week modules over a two-year program, offering a manageable format for working adults. Our hybrid format combines the flexibility of online education with live and in-person elements to study in a vibrant learning community with classmates and faculty.

Why Tabor?

• Designed for discerning God’s call. You can start where you are, regardless of your current career. Our default student is a working adult discerning a call to ministry in a volunteer or vocational context, has completed a bachelor’s degree, but has never undertaken formal theological education.
• Biblically and theologically faithful courses. Deeply embedded in scripture and  Evangelical/Anabaptist theological perspectives, our courses help you engage with and communicate faithful doctrine for the benefit of your church.
• Formative and affordable education. You will receive a robust, spiritually formative, and affordable education. You can complete our MA in Ministry without the burden of excessive student debt.
• Crafted with churches to meet the needs of churches. Our M.A. in Ministry was crafted by a dedicated partnership with the Central and Southern districts of the US Mennonite Brethren (USMB) churches, bridging the college-church divide and ensuring it meets the needs of real congregations. Tabor College is uniquely qualified to serve its conference churches and develop the next generation of harvest workers and church leaders.

Explore the structure & curriculum of the M.A. in Ministry!

EVENTS: RSVP for upcoming lectures or watch previous talks from faculty!

Our promise to students:

• To provide an education that encourages you to place Christ at the center and be challenged to pursue excellence.
• When you complete your degree, you will be equipped to make the world a better place, helping you discern your career as a calling to partner with Christ and His kingdom.
• To support you on each step of your journey.

Program Overview

• Serving the local church. You will study while serving in a local church, immediately applying what you learn in real ministry situations. All of our students serve in a host congregation that has identified God’s leadership in their lives, is helping them discern a call to ministry, and has sent them to study with us.
• Flexible learning in a real community. You will learn in a hybrid format that combines the flexibility of online education with live and in-person elements to build a vibrant learning community with classmates, cohort facilitators, and instructors.
• Easy on-ramps: a student can begin the M.A. in Ministry at the beginning of any semester—fall, spring, or summer.
• Paired courses and streamlined curriculum. We pair each of our Bible and theology courses with a related practical ministry course, so you think deeply about a topic and learn to apply it in your ministry context. Our curriculum is streamlined, delivering 12 courses sequentially over two academic years. You will only ever take one course at a time.
• Taught by pastor-scholars. Our instructors are content specialists with terminal degrees and extensive ministry experience; many currently serve in full-time pastoral ministry. Our faculty reflects the collaboration between Tabor College and USMB churches that developed this program.

Making a Difference in your Church & Community

1. Apply

2. Learn While Serving in Your Church

3. Be Sent Out as a Harvest Worker

Picture Yourself at Tabor

• Set at an affordable price, you can complete the degree without the burden of excessive student debt. Every student receives support from their local church and scholarships are available for students preparing for ministry in USMB churches.
• All courses will be taught by professors and pastors deeply committed to furthering Christ’s kingdom and equipping your calling to lead and serve.
• These courses are designed to serve you regardless of where you stand in your career or academic pursuits.

Career Opportunities

• Pastoral Ministry 
• Church Leadership
• Missions 
• Chaplaincy 
• Nonprofit Work 
• College Professor 
• Parochial Teacher  
• Church Volunteer Work 

Program Cost & Information

• $14,000 ($389/hour)
  • Price per term: $2,334 (6 semesters)
• 36 credit hours over two years, start at any time!

Admissions Process

Students may enroll to start at the beginning of any semester– fall, spring, or summer!

• Apply Online
• Review Scholarships
  • Explore church & district contributions
  • Learn about the MB Foundation LeadGen Scholarship
  • Aid for Tabor graduates or members of USMB congregations
• Submit Requested Support Documents
• Receive Admission Decision

Have Questions?

Contact Elizabeth Heftie, Graduate Admissions Recruiter & Marketer at elizabeth.heftie@tabor.edu or 620-947-3121.

M.A. Ministry Faculty