Pastoral Studies

Pastoral Studies

In a world where many churches are theologically unsound and others are closing their doors, Maranatha is committed to preparing men biblically for seminary and service as pastors of independent, fundamental Baptist congregations.

Maranatha’s degree in Pastoral Studies is designed to provide a broad knowledge of biblical studies and Greek. Under the careful guidance of Maranatha’s experienced Bible faculty, you’ll gain valuable insight into the pastoral ministry, including pastoral leadership, prayer, church administration, preaching, and counseling. You can combine this major with a variety of minors to train for work in missions, youth work, camp work, or other careers associated with the pastorate. Field work and internships are also available.

If God is calling you to reach the lost and shepherd the church through pastoral ministry, Maranatha is ready to equip you.

Suggested Schedule

This is the suggested class list for the Pastoral Studies major. You may also want to look over the details for our Biblical Studies major.

Year 1

Fall
Credits
Spring
Credits
Christian Life 11New Testament Survey2
Old Testament Survey2Ministry Component2
Introduction to Biblical Counseling3Greek Grammar 24
Ministry Component2English Composition 23
Greek Grammar 14The Modern World3
English Composition 13Science Elective3
Fundamentals of Public Speaking2

Year 2

Fall
Credits
Spring
Credits
Christian Life 21Baptist Heritage3
History of Christianity2Bible Elective2
Gospel Requirement2Ministry Component2
Ministry Component2Exegetical Grammar3
Greek Reading3Biblical Interpretation3
Minor3Minor3
Literature Elective3

Year 3

Fall
Credits
Spring
Credits
Christian Life 31Ministry Component2
Theology 13Theology 23
Homiletics 22Homiletics 32
Ministry Component2Minor3
Minor3Math Elective3
Introduction to Philosophy2American Studies Elective3
Music Appreciation2

Summer

Summer
Credits
Internship2

Year 4

Fall
Credits
Spring
Credits
Theology 42Ministry Component2
Isaiah2Pastoral Epistles2
Bible Elective2Theology 32
Ministry Component2Biblical Studies Seminar2
Minor3The Christian Home2
Ethics2Minor3
Open Elective1Apologetics2

Career Options

  • Pastor
  • Associate pastor
  • Assistant pastor
  • Youth pastor
  • Camp director
  • Missionary
  • Church Planter

Alumni

Dr. Steve Love (’76) has pastored for more than 35 years. He has spent the last 14 at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Rutledge, GA. Love and his wife, Marty, were named Maranatha’s 2007 Alumni of the Year. He returned to campus to speak on the subject of gentleness to the Men in Ministry Forum. Love proposed a leadership model fashioned after the shepherd—gentle, benevolent, caring. “In fundamentalism, my sense was that leadership was equated with dominance rather than direction,” Love said. “Gentleness is how I convey what I can’t compromise.”