The Master of Divinity program is recommended for students seeking a comprehensive preparation for Christian ministry. In three academic years of study the student is exposed to the complete range of theological disciplines which include biblical, theological, historical, contextual, formational and practical ministry studies. Persons This program is designed for persons in leadership roles which assume broad knowledge of the church’s faith, tradition and practice should consider this program.
To qualify for the degree the student must complete 81 semester hours. A transferring student shall normally complete the last 30 hours of studies in residence. Fifty-three hours of core studies are designed for all students. The student will identify one of four Ministry Tracks in which to focus the remaining twenty-eight hours of study. The available tracks are: 1) Pastoral Ministry – for traditional congregations and emerging Christian communities; 2) Academic; 3) Specialized Ministries —Chaplain, Pastoral Counselor, Spiritual Director; and 4) Cross-Cultural and Community Mission.
A Master of Divinity is generally thought of as a degree for those interested in pastoral ministry. In some denominations the Master of Divinity is required for ordination to Christian ministry. An MDiv at Eastern Mennonite Seminary is intended both for those interested in various kinds of ministry. Our four tracks identify four main areas of ministry: pastoral ministry, and for those called to academic ministry, mission in a cross-cultural or community setting, or specialized ministry, such as chaplaincy, pastoral counseling intercultural and community mission, chaplaincy, or spiritual direction. Advisors Advisers and faculty will help guide students in the process of selecting a track. Students will be encouraged courses that lead toward their chosen vocation. Students are encoursaged to take responsibility for their own learning, identify performance goals, seek constructive feedback , and grow competent in their chosen field(s) of ministry. Students will choose electives based on ministry goals and potential ministry settings. In some denominations the Master of Divinity is required for ordination to the Christian ministry.
Biblical Languages
In keeping with the persuasion that the expositor of God’s Word should be familiar with the original languages of Scripture, the Primary Track of this curriculum emphasizes an acquaintance with Koine Greek and Biblical Hebrew. Students will take both the Elementary and Readings course in each language (BVOT 532 Elementary Hebrew, BVOT 541 Hebrew Readings, BVNT 531 Elementary Greek, BVNT 541 Greek Readings). Exegesis courses may be taken as electives.
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A unique strength of Eastern Mennonite Seminary is our formation program. We believe that focusing on one’s our own ongoing formation during the seminary journey is the way for ministering persons to be healthy and whole in their our vocations. FS 501 and FS 502 Formation in God’s Story I & II (2 credits each) helps students understand their own lives in conversation with and connection to God’s story as found in Scripture and being written in the present in their own lives through spiritual practices. FS 601 and FS 602 Formation in Ministry I & II (3 credits each) offers students the opportunity to put their learning into practice in internship sites related to their vocational leanings with a mentor to help with on-site theological reflection. FS 701 and FS 702 Formation in Missional Leadership I & II (2 credits each) provides space for students to integrate what they have learned about themselves, God, the world, and the church as they look forward to their future in ministry. For more information please visit the formation page.
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