Asbury University Launches a New Master’s Program in the School of Christian Studies

February 5, 2025

The School of Christian Studies at Asbury University will begin accepting students for the Fall 2025 semester in a new, primarily online Master of Arts in Ministry Innovation program.

“Amidst the overwhelming challenges for churches in an ever-changing world, Asbury seeks to meet those challenges with this new program,” explained Dean of the School of Christian Studies Dr. Brian Shelton ’89. “Coupling the time-honored liberal arts and effective ministry strategies with scripture, Ministry Innovation aims to prepare pastors and innovators to offer fresh leadership with new approaches — both for ministry to the church and as an outreach from the church.”

The Master of Arts in Ministry Innovation is an innovative and global program for professionals in ministry and recent graduates looking to take their ministry to the next level and tie their passions into their ministry goals. The curriculum is designed with experienced pastors, recent college graduates, worship leaders, artists, and current Asbury students in mind. Current Asbury students in the school of Christian Studies can take up to three master’s courses throughout their undergraduate education and can receive the graduate level degree in as little as one additional year. The program will equip students to pursue creative and culturally relevant ministry opportunities.

“As a Christian Liberal Arts University, and in addition to the suite of relevant and varied academic offerings, Asbury has always emphasized the missional importance and enduring timelessness of rigorous Biblical and theological education,” said Asbury University President Dr. Kevin Brown. “Launching this new master’s program in the School of Christian Studies offers new opportunities to uniquely equip and prepare students for a life of ministry and service, collaborate with Asbury’s other departments, and to enhance our mission of academic excellence and spiritual vitality.”

Asbury’s School of Christian studies launched in June 2024 and offers majors in Bible Theology, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies, Online Leadership and Ministry, Online Ministry Management, Pastoral Ministries, Philosophy, Youth Ministry, and Worship Arts. The liberal arts-focused Master of Arts in Ministry Innovation is the first master’s program the University will offer in Ministry and includes a hybrid experience plus a mentorship experience in which professional mentors will guide each student on their path to ministry innovation.