Imagine finishing college with a fully accredited Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies degree from Grace College while at the same time being trained in ministry by experienced, passionate ministry leaders. We believe that the partnership between Grace College and Grace Church in Akron provides a uniquely effective way to train the next generation of ministry leaders.
In addition, a Master of Arts in Local Church Ministry is also offered through Grace Seminary at the Akron location.
ACADEMICS
Earn a well-respected Bible degree while attending classes using Grace College’s world-class curriculum. The Akron program has been approved by the Higher Learning Commission, the accrediting body of Grace College, and the Ohio Department of Higher Education. The Grace theological seminary offers the best learning environment for students willing to get the degrees like M. A. in Local Church Ministry.
MENTORING
Be mentored and encouraged to grow and build the qualifications you will need for ministry. A team of chosen mentors will help you pursue the degrees and programs like Master of Arts in Local Church Ministry.
MINISTRY EXPERIENCE
Practically apply what you’re learning and gain valuable leadership and ministry experience.
That’s the degree program Grace Church of Greater Akron has created in partnership with Grace College.
The combination of these three elements has revolutionized the way ministry training is carried out at our undergraduate seminary. We facilitate a unique college experience with benefits beyond that of the traditional college experience.
B.S. IN BIBLICAL STUDIES
SCHEDULE OF STUDY (120 CREDIT HOURS)
Grace College Akron is here to equip you for ministry through a biblically based bachelor’s degree like M. A. in Local Church Ministry with a ministry leadership emphasis.
FALL |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| FYE 1010 – Freshman Foundations | 3 |
| BIB 1050 – Exploring the Bible | 3 |
| Session B | |
| BBL 2010 – Understanding the Old Testament | 3 |
| ENG 1100 – Effective Writing | 3 |
| PSY 1200 – Essentials in Behavioral Science | 3 |
SPRING |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| BIB 2010 – Scripture and Interpretation | 3 |
| PHI 3010 – Christianity and Critical Thinking | 3 |
| Session B | |
| HUM 2000 – Global Perspectives | 3 |
| BBL 2020 – Understanding the New Testament | 3 |
SUMMER |
CREDIT HOURS |
| MLD2020 – Ministry Leadership Seminar 1 | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 33
Curriculum schedule and course offerings are subject to change.
FALL |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| BBL 3010 – Defining Doctrines of Christian Faith | 3 |
| SCI 2030 – Faith, Science, and Reason | 3 |
| Session B | |
| MIS 3220 – Principles and Practices of Prayer | 3 |
| COM 1100 – Public Speaking | 3 |
SPRING |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| BIB 2310 – History of Christianity | 3 |
| MAT 3200 – Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| Session B | |
| BBL 3090 – Spiritual Formation | 3 |
| BBL 3140 – Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
SUMMER |
CREDIT HOURS |
| MLD3020 – Ministry Leadership Seminar 2 | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 30
Curriculum schedule and course offerings are subject to change.
FALL |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| MLD 1000 – Principles of Ministry Leadership | 3 |
| MLD 2700 – Servant Leadership | 3 |
| Session B | |
| MLD 3400 – Communication in Christian Ministry | 3 |
| MLD 3000 – Nonprofit Financial Management | 3 |
SPRING |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| BBL 3000 – Theological Systems | 3 |
| ICS 3650 – lntercultural Ministry | 3 |
| Session B | |
| BIB 3300 – Essential Doctrinal Themes | 3 |
| PH I 3000 – Apologetics in a Postmodern World | 3 |
SUMMER |
CREDIT HOURS |
| MLD4020 – Ministry Leadership Seminar 3 | 6 |
Total Credit Hours: 30
Curriculum schedule and course offerings are subject to change.
FALL |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| ECN 3000 – Consumer Economics | 3 |
| BIB 3290 – New Testament Bible Exposition | 3 |
| MLD 3300 – Ministry: Outreach and Care | 3 |
| Session B | |
| BIB 3310 – Old Testament Bible Exposition | 3 |
| HIS 1380 – Contemporary America and the World | 3 |
SPRING |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| BIB 4060 – Expository Preaching | 3 |
| SOC 1100 – Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Session B | |
| BBL 4810 – Senior Seminar | 3 |
| HUM 2100 – Creative Arts and Culture | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 27
Curriculum schedule and course offerings are subject to change.
Master of Arts in Local Church Ministry
The Grace Seminary program in Akron focuses on providing a high-quality theological foundation, while being mentored in hands-on local church ministry. It combines academic excellence with a strong emphasis on practical ministry training.
The 48 credit-hour Master of Arts in Local Church Ministry degree focuses on theology, cultural aptitude, pastoral ministry skills, and leading effectively in the local church. Each class is taught by a combination of highly credentialed teachers and effective local church leaders with expertise in a variety of areas.
Our passion is to do everything we can to equip men and women for real-world ministry by providing them with the best learning environment in our global Grace seminary.
The following types of students are encouraged to consider this program:
-
- Those already having had several years of vocational ministry experience who desire further theological study in order to be better prepared for the pastoral role.
- Students desiring to continue their study after finishing the BS in Biblical Studies from the Grace College program in Akron.
- Those that want to further their ministry training while staying involved in their current local ministry.
M.A. IN LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRY
SCHEDULE OF STUDY (48 CREDIT HOURS)
FALL |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| Models of Discipleship | 3 |
| Session B | |
| TH-5090 – Hermeneutics | 3 |
SPRING |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| PM-5040 – Interpersonal Communication & Conflict Management | 3 |
| Session B | |
| TH-5140 – Biblical Backgrounds | 3 |
SUMMER |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| OT-5000 | OT-5065 – Old Testament Survey | 3 |
| Session B | |
| NT-5320 – New Testament Survey | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 18
Curriculum schedule and course offerings are subject to change.
FALL |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| TH-5010 – Systematic Theology 1 | 3 |
| Session B | |
| TH-5170 – Systematic Theology 2 | 3 |
SPRING |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| TH-5280 – TH5290 – History of Doctrine & the Church | 3 |
| Session B | |
| MI-5250 – Understanding and Engaging Culture | 3 |
SUMMER |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| PM-7320 – Local Church Apprenticeship 1 | 3 |
| Session B | |
| PM5080 – Pastoral Ministry Skills | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 18
Curriculum schedule and course offerings are subject to change.
FALL |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| PM-6210 | PM-6340 – Expository Preaching & Teaching | 3 |
| Session B | |
| PM-7000 | PM-7010 – Leadership in the Local Church | 3 |
SPRING |
CREDIT HOURS |
| SESSION A | |
| PM6160 – Biblical Psychology | 3 |
| Session B | |
| TH6150 – Ethics | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 12
Curriculum schedule and course offerings are subject to change.
Were you previously enrolled in another college or university but never finished your bachelor’s degree and are now feeling called to ministry? Our degree completion program can help you graduate and find your path forward in ministry. Reach out now to find out more.
Questions about your college search or application process?
Request more information, or contact our Akron Site Coordinator, Shannon Simmons, at 330-322-7273 or by emailing her with the form below: