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Asia Biblical Theological SeminaryTheological Training for a
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Master of Religious Education

The Master of Religious Education at Asia Biblical Theological Seminary is designed to improve your effectiveness as a ministry leader on your own terms. Through various concentrations including pastoral and educational ministries, this program enhances your ministry competencies and broadens your biblical and theological foundation for effective leadership.

The M.R.E. at ABTS is designed to be a flexible program to help you achieve your ministry goals. Each concentration will uniquely prepare you for God’s calling for your life, and the rigorous education you will receive will expand your knowledge of biblically-rooted theology.

Degree Type

  • Master of Religious Education

Location

  • Asia

Credit Hours

  • 31

Encouraging Biblical Character

At ABTS, our M.R.E. program is an 11-course U.S. degree program accredited through Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich., U.S.A. All courses are offered in a modular format, allowing you to continue working while pursuing your degree. Our M.R.E. program requires 31 credit hours, including a core set of required courses and classes related to a specified area of ministry concentration.

The M.R.E. offers four concentrations in this program: pastoral ministries, educational ministries, intercultural ministries and marketplace ministries. To encourage the development of your biblical character, knowledge and leadership, this program requires you to:

  • Complete a minimum of three years of ministry experience or educational experience prior to graduation.You can also engage in a marketplace context with evidence of a resolute commitment to Christ.
  • Take 18 credit hours in approved residence seminars. The remaining 13 hours may be taken by extension. A maximum of 12 applicable hours taken from an accredited institution within the last five years may be transferred toward your M.R.E. degree.
  • Submit a portfolio demonstrating growth in spiritual competencies and academic rigor.

Careers

Students at ABTS receive a comprehensive ministry education that prepares them for what’s next in their career. This degree program designed for professional and volunteer Christian workers and lay leaders.

Admission Requirements

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Program Concentrations

The M.R.E. program at ABTS includes a set of required courses, but of the 31 required credits, students have the freedom to choose from a wide variety of electives.

Pastoral Ministries Concentration

The Master of Religious Education with a pastoral ministries concentration requires 31 credit hours. This includes a minimum of six credit hours in biblical studies, six credit hours in theology and 12 credit hours in the pastoral ministries area of concentration.

To complete specialized training in pastoral ministries as part of the Master of Religious Education degree program, choose four courses from the following list of class options.

  • MNS-500 Spiritual Formation
  • MNS-621 Issues in Asian Ministry
  • MNS-510 Organizational Leadership
  • MNS-626 Interpersonal Communication
  • MNS-511 Theology of Church Ministry
  • MNS-681 Pastoral Care
  • MNS-534 Evangelism/Discipleship Ministries
  • MNS-636 Homiletics
  • MNS-551 Theology and Culture
  • MNS-785 Readings in Pastoral Ministries
  • MNS-564 Urban Mission and Ministry

Educational Ministries Concentration

The Master of Religious Education with an educational ministries concentration requires 31 credit hours. This includes a minimum of six credit hours in biblical studies, six credit hours in theology and 12 credit hours in the educational ministries area of concentration.

To complete specialized training in educational ministries as part of the Master of Religious Education degree program, choose four courses from the following list of class options.

  • MNS-500 Spiritual Formation
  • MNS-622 Foundations of Education
  • MNS-510 Organizational Leadership
  • MNS-626 Interpersonal Communication
  • MNS-511 Theology of Church Ministry
  • MNS-643 Adult Education
  • MNS-534 Evangelism/Discipleship Ministries
  • MNS-644 Curriculum and Teaching
  • MNS-551 Theology and Culture
  • MNS-786 Readings in Educational Ministries
  • MNS-621 Theological Issues in Asian Ministry

Intercultural Ministries Concentration

The Master of Religious Education with an intercultural ministries concentration requires 31 credit hours. This includes a minimum of six credit hours in biblical studies, six credit hours in theology and 12 credit hours in the intercultural ministries area of concentration.

To complete specialized training in intercultural ministries as part of the Master of Religious Education degree program, choose four courses from the following list of class options.

  • MNS-500 Spiritual Formation
  • MNS-564 Urban Mission and Ministry
  • MNS-510 Organizational Leadership
  • MNS-621 Issues in Asian Ministry
  • MNS-511 Theology of Church Ministry
  • MNS-626 Interpersonal Communication
  • MNS-534 Evangelism/Discipleship Ministries
  • MNS-665 Understanding Islam
  • MNS-551 Theology and Culture
  • MNS-670 World Religions
  • MNS-563 History and Philosophy of Christian Missions
  • MNS-787 Readings in Intercultural Ministries

Marketplace Ministries Concentration

As Asian cities experience dynamic growth and global influence, the need has never been greater for Christian professionals to be salt and light in the workplace. The Master of Religious Education degree program with a concentration in marketplace ministries helps lay professionals integrate their faith with the workplace by providing biblical and theological foundations for a theology of work.

To complete specialized training in marketplace ministries as part of the Master of Religious Education degree program, choose four courses from the following list of class options.

  • MNS-500 Spiritual Formation
  • MNS-551 Theology and Culture
  • MNS-510 Organizational Leadership
  • MNS-564 Urban Mission and Ministry
  • MNS-515 Vocation, Work and Ministry
  • MNS-626 Interpersonal Communication
  • MNS-516 Christian Ethics in the Workplace
  • MNS-788 Readings in Marketplace Ministries
  • MNS-534 Evangelism/Discipleship Ministries

Program Learning Outcomes

Students in the Master of Religious Education degree program demonstrate competence in five areas: specialized knowledge; applied knowledge and collaborative learning; intellectual skills; global and civic engagement; and biblical worldview integration and action.

Related Programs

ABTS offers programs and concentrations for future ministry leaders. Take a look at the other degree program we offer.

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