Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology will launch a Master of Arts Preaching and Pastoral Ministry (MAPPM) degree program this fall, a flexible new graduate concentration aimed at equipping students to preach and lead within church or parachurch settings.

“‘Preaching’ always heads the list in any survey of why people choose a particular church, or why churches grow,” said Donald Sunukjian, chair of the Christian ministry and leadership department. “And it’s also the number one qualification that pulpit committees look for in a new pastor.”

The new master’s degree program will offer students holistic ministry training without having to complete the full coursework required for a Master of Divinity, opening up more options for M.A. students who desire to focus on preaching. In 66 units, the concentration will seek to transform students into Christian leaders capable of preaching engaging and biblically accurate sermons, and modeling spiritual, emotional and relational health within their communities. 

“Talbot's Master of Arts in Preaching and Pastoral Ministry will help you grow in your preaching skills,” said Sunukjian. “You'll learn to develop messages which are true to the biblical text, orally clear, interesting to listen to, and relevantly connected to contemporary life.”

The MAPPM degree course requirements offer flexible scheduling for students, with 57 of the required 66 units available as hybrid, online, weekend or evening classes. Ministry and preaching classes will account for 28 of the total credits with courses such as “Expository Preaching,” “Apologetics” and “Contemporary Biblical Preaching.” Remaining courses will train students in biblical and theological knowledge, spiritual formation, exegesis and language to ensure that students receive comprehensive preparation for future ministry.

“The new program helps develop the whole person in preparation for pastoral ministry,” said Gary Manning, associate professor of New Testament. “The preaching classes help students preach in a way that is clearer, more relevant, and especially, biblically accurate. But the degree is not only about preaching. Students who finish this degree will find their personal lives and ministries enriched by the classes they have taken in theology, biblical interpretation, spiritual formation, ministry skills and hands-on ministry internships.”

Apply or find out more about the Master of Arts in Preaching and Pastoral Ministry program.


Written by Rachel Allan, iBiola reporter. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, media relations specialist, at 562.777.4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.