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International Church Planting M.Div. Specialization
2+2 / 2+3 Program

Degree Overview

Vocational Calling

To serve as a church planter in an international ministry setting. The degree is designed for implementation in cooperation with the International Mission Board, commission agencies, or organizations working with internationals. This degree is designed for implementation in cooperation with the International Mission Board for students in the 2+2/2+3 Program. This degree also prepares students to work with other mission agencies and in settings with a focus on planting churches among internationals.

For further information, please contact:

  • Dr. Greg Mathias (Program Supervisor and Program Coordinator/Advisor)

Program Requirements

Master of Divinity Core (69 hours)

Biblical Studies (24 hours)

course

hours

Interpreting the Old Testament 1

3

Interpreting the Old Testament 2

3

Interpreting the New Testament 1

3

Interpreting the New Testament 2

3

Hebrew 1

3

Hebrew 2

3

Greek 1

3

Greek 2

3

Theological/Historical Studies (21 hours)

course

hours

Systematic Theology 1

3

Systematic Theology 2

3

History of Christianity: Early-Medieval

3

History of Christianity: Reformation-Modern

3

Baptist Heritage

3

Christian Ethics
OR
Biblical Ethics

3

Christian Apologetics
OR
Philosophy of Religion

3

Applied Ministry Studies (24 hours) *
*One course from the Applied Ministry Studies section must be taken in a mentoring format

course

hours

Christian Missions (M)

3

Proclaiming the Bible (M)
OR
Teaching the Bible** (M)

3

Preaching Practicum (M)
OR
Teaching Practicum** (M)

3

Counseling in Ministry 

3

Pastoral Ministry (M)
OR
Women in Ministry Leadership  (M)

3

Evangelism (M)

3

Discipleship and Spiritual Formation (M

3

Church Leadership and Administration (M)

3

International Church Planting Specialization (12 hours)

course

hours

Theology and Philosophy of Missions

3

Contemporary Mission Methods and Movements

OR

Introduction to Urban Missions

3

International Church Planting 

3

ICP Practicum***

3

Free Electives (6 hours)

course

hours

These electives may be taken in Missions or in other disciplines.

6

Total Required: 87 hours****

(M) Indicates course is available in a mentoring format, as well as other formats.

*One course from the Applied Ministry Studies section must be taken in a mentoring format.

**Students not called into a preaching ministry may choose to take Teaching the Bible instead of Proclaiming the Bible, and Teaching Practicum instead of Preaching Practicum. Students who take Teaching the Bible must take the Teaching Practicum course.

***ICP Practicum is taken while on field assignment with the International Mission Board (IMB) or another approved agency.

****Up to 6 additional credit hours can be taken on field with approval from the Global Missions Center Director.

Entrance Requirements

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. Greg Mathias, Director of the Global Missions Center.