116 Programs of Study
2012-2013 Academic Catalog
Master of Arts in Youth Ministry M.A.: Professional degrees
Oversight/location of the program within the Seminary: School of Practical Theology The purpose of the Master of Arts in Youth Ministry is to prepare students for a vocation of evangelizing, teaching, discipling and counseling youth during a season of life characterized by pivotal developmental changes— physical, emotional, intellectual, social, moral and spiritual. Students will be equipped to establish and develop ministries— for middle school through high school and the college years—that draw youth to Jesus, nurture them in Christian obedience and faith, and empower them in ministry for Christ.
Program goals Master of Arts in Youth Ministry graduates will have a developing ability to… 1. Commit to cultivate holy love of God and neighbor demonstrated by a knowledge of and practice in the Christian disciplines including works of service, with particular attention to a Wesleyan understanding of the means of grace. 2. Articulate a practical theology of education ministry grounded in the biblical narrative and orthodox theology, as well as informed by human sciences, insights from church history, and life experience. 3. Analyze cultural settings in order to contextualize the Christian faith for the purpose of communicating the Gospel. 4. Demonstrate enhanced understanding of and commitment to personal and social holiness through practices of moral, personal, and spiritual formation, in a context of accountability to a community of faith, and dependence on the Spirit of Christ. 5. Demonstrate competency in ministry practices of leading, teaching, and equipping congregations and organizations in the making of lifelong disciples.
Admission requirements and procedures Application for admission must be made on the Admissions Office form at asburyseminary.edu. 1. Baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or holding membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada. Applicants whose baccalaureate degree is from a college not accredited by the recognized national or regional accrediting agency must have one complete year of work at an accredited institution before being considered for admission to Asbury Seminary. 2. Official transcripts of all postsecondary schools where more than one semester of coursework was completed sent directly by each institution to the Asbury Seminary Admissions Office. 3. A nonrefundable $50 (US) application fee that includes processing of the application and a personal background check. 4. Four references completed on the Admissions Office form at asburyseminary.edu, including a pastoral reference (required) and a professor or academic administration reference (recommended). Laity or personal acquaintances are accepted. 5. Personal history essay, addressing questions as posted at asburyseminary.edu. 6. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75/4.00 for admission in good standing. A GPA between 2.50 and 2.75 is permitted for admission on reduced load basis. The grade point average as calculated by the Admissions Office at Asbury Seminary shall be considered the official grade point average for admission. Applicants with marginal averages are urged to check with the Admissions Office.
A GPA below 2.50 requires the additional submission of a report of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT – 410 minimum score) or the general aptitude section of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE – minimum 153 verbal, or minimum 500 verbal for exams taken prior to August 2011). Students needing to complete the MAT or the GRE will not be considered until the official scores are received. Information concerning these examinations is available from the Admissions Office.