Church Planting M.Div. Specialization

Degree Overview

Vocational Calling

To serve as a church planter in an international or a North American ministry setting. The International Concentration is designed for implementation in cooperation with the International Mission Board, while the North American Concentration is designed for implementation in cooperation with the North American Mission Board.

For further information, please contact:

• Dr. Preston Nix (Curriculum Coordinator)

• Dr. Philip Pinckard (Specialization Advisor)

Program Requirements

Basic Ministerial Competency Component (61-62 hours)

Biblical Exposition Competency (17 hours)

*Students who have the biblical language skills needed may substitute Hebrew or Greek exegesis courses, including Intermediate Greek or Hebrew.

Christian Theological Heritage Competency (15-16 hours)

Disciple Making Competency (9 hours)

Interpersonal Skills Competency (2 hours)

Servant Leadership Competency (6 hours)

Spiritual and Character Formation Competency (4 hours)

Worship Leadership Competency (8 hours)

Church Planting Component (26-28 hours)

North American Concentration (26 hours)

Church Planting (12 hours)

Church Planting Practicum (11 hours)

Free Electives (3 hours)

International Concentration (28 hours)

Eight hours will be taken on campus in a combination from the following areas. The remaining 20 hours will be taken on the field overseas.

Missions (4 hours)

Free Electives (4 hours)

On the Field Overseas Courses** (20 hours)
See description of the course schedules for either the 2-year or 3-year plan below.

Total Required: 87-90 hours

(M) Indicates course is also available in a mentoring format.

*All graduate students must take this course during orientation in their first semester; however, students will not receive a credit hour or be charged for the course.

**In order to complete the 20 hours of overseas courses, a student must be approved by the International Mission Board of the SBC to serve as an ISC missionary or missionary apprentice.

On the Field Overseas Suggested Course Schedule
(Two-Year ISC Assignment) (20 hours)

Year 1:
Semester 1 (6 hours)

Semester 2 (6 hours)

Year 2:
Semester 1 (4 hours)

Semester 2 (4 hours)

Options for Year 2:
Guided Reading Elective (or appropriate field-based course)

On the Field Overseas Suggested Course Schedule
(Three-Year Apprentice Assignment) (20 hours)

Year 1:
Semester 1 (1 hour)

Semester 2 (1 hour)

Year 2:
Semester 1 (5 hours)

Semester 2 (5 hours)

Year 3:
Semester 1 (4 hours)

Semester 2 (4 hours)

Options for Years 2 and 3:
Guided Reading Elective (or appropriate field-based course)

Entrance Requirements

1. Those interested in this degree should be planning to work through the North American Mission Board (NAMB) or International Mission Board (IMB)of the Southern Baptist Convention. The entrance requirements are the same as those established for enrollment in the basic Master of Divinity degree at NOBTS. Any person enrolled in the degree plan who is unable to pursue working with the NAMB or the IMB should plan on completing another degree plan since a number of courses are field based while engaged in church planting.

2. Those seeking to serve in a church plant in North America should contact the NAMB for assessment related to potential suitability for church planting. Those seeking to serve with the IMB should contact that agency to determine suitability as a potential international missionary and church planter. Enrollment in the degree plan and appointment by the IMB are separate issues.

Additional Information

Those interested in the degree plan may contact the Registrar’s Office of NOBTS or the office of Dr. Philip Pinckard. Phone: 504.282.4455, Extension 3224. E-mail address: ppinckard@nobts.edu.