Scripture and Theological Engagement
Ministry leadership must flow from a firm and continuous engagement with God through His Word. Scripture is the catalyst for growth in both the leader and those being served.
Good social science. Ministry methods. Cultural context. When reflected upon and viewed through the lens of Scripture, these are powerful and transformational tools in the hands of those ministering the gospel of Jesus to others.
Spiritual Formation and Calling
The core of the leader is of greater importance than ever before. The myriad of challenges, within and outside the church, demand spiritual leaders that are able to provide healthy and Christ-centered leadership based on their own depth and formation. Exploring their calling and the world’s great need is central to young adults.
Leadership in Ministry
The program advances an approach to ministry that draws on a broad base of disciplines and prepares for a wider variety of occupations than traditional pastoral approaches. MAM courses critically engage students in the practice of theology within ministry contexts and prepare students to lead, equip, diagnose, evaluate, and manage through the extreme challenges and opportunities present in ministry. They must also create culture and mobilize the church for maturity.
Developmental Approach
Where most graduate institutions provide either a practical theology approach (primarily based on technique) or an eclectic approach that lacks real impact in practice, Taylor's MAM program is distinctly embedded in practice. We will consider how people grow and develop, and how they learn and are led so that practices in ministry leads to fruitful ministry.
Taylor Ethos
Taylor is a national leader in preparing people for ministry. MAM is an educational program directed toward ministry and infused with the academic quality Taylor consistently offers. Taylor nurtures a particular and potent kind of love for God, His Word, service in the world, and God’s mission among students. MAM students will finish this program equipped for ministry and carrying this spiritual DNA as a powerful and unique missional force.
Ministry Preparation
Completion of our program provides an appropriate certification for a wide range of roles within churches, ministries, and non-profit organizations. Taylor ministry graduates have successfully worked around the world across a variety of ministry contexts. Well-prepared and theologically winsome leaders in ministry are in high demand today, and partnerships with local churches provide MAM students with significant practical experiences that, when reflected upon using theology and ministry philosophy, will prepare graduates to lead effectively in a vast array of ministry contexts.
These core values are upheld by Taylor University and church partners. Each value is integral to the master's program, and residents are expected to commit to these tenets of the program while pursuing their degree.
The best learning takes place when students experience a sense of togetherness, ideas are discussed and challenged by others, and learners experience the support of fellow learners.
Learning is not meant to be a process of gathering isolated bits of information, but rather connecting insights to each other to create whole visions of seeing, new paradigms of thinking, and application to contemporary ministry situations.
Ideas disconnected from experience rarely transform people. Theory and practice must meet through reflection. Ministry must be informed by theory, and theory must exhibit practical expression.
True education is found not in the transmitting of information, but in the development and transformation of people. The process and format must adhere to the best practices of ministry that are being taught and drawn from Scripture.
Learning is a theological task, and is best framed within the revelatory activity of God. We value the centrality of the Bible, the model of the Master Teacher, the instruction of the Holy Spirit, and the redemptive themes that permeate the educational effort.
Through meaningful engagement with Scripture, we can effectively bring God’s Word of redemption and restoration to people in need. Engaging with Scripture is the catalyst for transformational discipleship, spiritual growth, and following one’s calling.