Ministry Innovation, M.A.

Lead the Future of Ministry

Prepare for bold, Christ-centered ministry leadership with Asbury University’s M.A. in Ministry Innovation. Launching Fall 2025, this 36-credit program blends theology, creativity, and practical ministry skills, designed to equip you for a rapidly changing world.

• New Graduates: Start your ministry journey with innovative tools and Christ-centered theology.
• Experienced Pastors: Reimagine your ministry with fresh strategies for impactful outreach.
• Worship Leaders & Artists: Transform creative talents into powerful ministry tools.
• Asbury Undergraduates: Complete your B.A. and M.A. in just five years through our +Grad program.

The Church is confronted by innumerable challenges in an ever-changing world. Shifting demographics, declining attendance, and cultural challenge, yet we still believe in the Church. At Asbury we want to rise to these challenges to inspire and train new leaders for the life of the Church through our new ministry innovation program.

Dr. Brian Shelton '89 Dean, School of Christian Studies

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Program Overview

The curriculum combines foundational bible and theology with innovative approaches to ministry by employing the time-honored liberal arts in a fresh vision for the church community. Literature, imagination, art, music, various media, and business values become important resources for creating new ministries to the church and as outreach from the church.

Sphere 1: Ministry (15 credits)

Gain practical skills for impactful ministry:

• MNG 501 Ministry in a Multi-Cultural Church (3)
• MNG 515 Integrative Preaching (3)
• MNG 535 Strategic Church Planting (3)
• MNG 545 Innovative Discipleship and Formation (3)

Ministry Coaching

Gain spiritual care through an assigned ministry coach:

• MNG 661, 662, 663 Coaching Experiences (1 credit each)
  
  • All students will receive ministry coaching throughout the program.
  • Coaching focuses on the spiritual health and ministry calling of each student.
  • Coaching will help the student refine their individual calling, skills, and ministry readiness for a changing world.

Sphere 2: Theology and Liberal Arts (21 credits)

Deepen theological understanding and apply liberal arts creatively:

Core Theology (9 credits)

• TYG 501 Biblical Foundations for Ministry (3)
• TYG 510 Theology of Culture (3)
• TYG 541 Wesleyan Theology of Ministry (3)
• Liberal Arts Innovation (12 credits)
• Choose 3 electives: Ministry through Literature, Art, Music, Media, or Business (3 credits each)
• Complete a Creative Project (3) to design innovative ministry strategies.

Why Choose Asbury?

• Experience foundational ministry classes alongside various liberal arts courses that deepen your understanding of the Gospel and your heart for the world.
• Study alongside a mentor who will coach you in a vision of ministry, allowing you to lean in your unique vocational journey.
• Culminate your studies with a ministry innovation project that will showcase your knowledge, creativity, and passion that can be implemented into a professional ministry capacity.
• Flexible online courses with hybrid mentorship and an innovative course experience at the end of the course of study provide an education experience that fits your lifestyle needs.

Applications open for Fall 2025.

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Official Transcripts including transcript with bachelor’s degree conferral and any post graduate coursework.
• References – Two references (one character and one professional reference).

Meet our faculty

Brian Hull, Ph.D.

Professor
Associate Dean, School of Christian Studies
Department Chair of Christian Ministry
Gardner Scholar

brian.hull@asbury.edu

Brian Shelton ’89, Ph.D.

Professor of Theology
Dean, School of Christian Studies
Department Chair, Christian Thought
Wesley Scholar in Residence

brian.shelton@asbury.edu

Asbury Faculty