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Persevere in what you know you’re capable of. Our programs for adults provide a creative approach to learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues as you follow your unwavering purpose.
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Go further as an influencer in your work and community. Our graduate programs prepare you to open new doors as you reach your God-given potential.
Grand Rapids
Theological Seminary
At Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, we're dedicated to learning, serving and leading through rigorous scholarship and a humble approach to Scripture.
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About
Grand Rapids Theological SeminaryWholehearted Devotion
to God’s Word
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity prepares you for a future of faithful ministry. Whether you feel called to a pastoral role, overseas missions, Bible translation or something else, the M.Div. at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary will form you holistically. We seek to see you grow academically and as a follower of Jesus so that you can lead well.
The M.Div. is our most comprehensive degree; the course work is rigorous and covers areas that are essential in a variety of ministry settings, including biblical languages, interpretation of Scripture, theology, church history, spiritual formation and much more. We are passionate about serving Christ and His church by preparing ministry leaders for effective service, and our M.Div. demonstrates this commitment. To make this program accessible, a 50% is available for select M.Div students through the Pirsig Fellowship.
0%
Of M.Div. alumni surveyed reported being vocationally employed in a ministry context or pursuing further study 6-12 months after graduation.
0%
Scholarship offered through the Pirsig Fellowship.
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Different denominations are represented in our M.Div. student body.
Follow God's Call
A seminary education is meant to form both your mind and your soul. The M.Div. program at GRTS is a journey that keeps both of these arenas of formation at the forefront.
The course work is thorough and is designed to train you to lead and serve with humility and wisdom. You’ll complete 94 credit hours in the areas of Bible, theology and ministry. We place a strong emphasis on reading the Bible on its own terms, so our students take a total of 10 courses in Greek and Hebrew grammar and exegesis. We value the great tradition of which we are a part, so M.Div. students take at least seven theology courses. We want our students to have practical experience and be connected to ministry, so they complete five ministry leadership courses as well as a four-course ministry residency sequence.
At the same time, the environment of GRTS is one of intellectual humility where character formation is central. We are deeply dependent on God and His Spirit to work in our hearts throughout the process. We study God’s word to hear His voice and to submit to His call. We worship together in chapel, and, as a community, we seek to grow more like our Lord every day.
Careers
An M.Div. will provide a wide range of opportunities for employment—whether you want to work in a church, para-church ministry, nonprofit or another Christian organization.
Opportunities
- Pastoral ministry
- International missions
- Bible translation
- Pastoral counseling
- Nonprofit leadership
- Christian Publishing
- Ph.D. or D.Min. studies
- Chaplaincy
Ministry Residency
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary is committed to serving Christ’s church by developing ministry leaders. Our Ministry Residency program is strategic and essential in this endeavor as it provides avenues for students to connect with ministry mentors and to serve in local churches and other ministry sites. Students put their classroom learning to practice, gain important ministry experience and learn valuable lessons in this unique experience.
- Select a ministry setting that fits with your career goals
- Invest four semesters in the context you choose
- Learn from a ministry mentor
- Earn eight credits toward your ministry degree
Opportunities
- CHURCH MINISTRY
- HIGHER EDUCATION
- INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS
- CAMP MINISTRY
- TEACHING ASSISTANT
- RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Ancient Languages
That Form our Hearts
Studying biblical languages offers at least three unique, formative benefits:
- Clarity: The Bible is a foreign text from a foreign land and culture, and its literary features such as repetition and sentence structure often only come clearly into focus in the original languages.
- Humility: Reading the Bible in the original language helps us see clearly that we are not in control of this text.
- Cultural Perspective: Studying the ancient languages is a cross-cultural experience. When we read Greek and Hebrew we learn things about the ancient cultures and perspectives in a new way.
Program Learning Outcomes
Program learning outcomes are the foundation of a GRTS degree. Explore how our M.Div. program prepares you to learn, serve and lead for a lifetime of ministry.
Anthony Raffa (’19)GRTS prepared me to be a critical thinker. Rather than just telling us the answers, they have taught us how to search for them ourselves. In a world that has issues and problems that are changing and evolving, this has been a real gift that can be used for the rest of my life.
Faculty
The M.Div. faculty at GRTS have decades of teaching and ministry experience and are prepared to both teach you and mentor you as you prepare to serve faithfully in God’s church.
Related Programs
The Master of Divinity at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary is one of several ministry-focused programs at GRTS. Take a look at the other related programs at GRTS.
Admissions Office
Contact
- P:
- 800.697.1133
Office Location
3000 Leonard Street NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525Hours
MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed