Purpose Statement

The Masters in Pastoral Studies program acknowledges the important role that the laity plays in the life and health of thriving congregations. The purpose of the Master in Pastoral Studies program is to prepare the laity for ministry at a congregational, diocesan, or parish level. The degree is designed in particular for lay persons who seek theological and biblical training to support the work of the Church, but who do not seek ordination. Graduates of this program will have a basic knowledge of scripture, contemporary biblical scholarship, the Christian tradition, theology, and for the Roman Catholic Studies track, sacramental and liturgical traditions. They will have skills in developing and executing programs of education, in administration of parish life, and in pastoral care and nurture of Christian communities. The goals of the program are:

Program Goals

1. Students will gain the skills and knowledge in the fields of interpreting Scripture, interpreting the Church’s past, and studies that are needed for effective ministry in non-ordained positions within a congregation, para-church ministry, parish, or diocese.
2. Students will gain the skills and knowledge in the fields of leading the church through care, leading the church through formation, and leading the church into mission that are needed for effective ministry in non-ordained positions within congregations, para-church ministries, parishes, or other social settings.

The program is divided into different tracks to prepare lay persons in different areas of interest. Click on the links below for more information.

MPS Tracks

1. Spiritual Formation and Care
2. Roman Catholic Studies
3. Creation Care and Ecotheology

For Further Information

Please contact Admissions, at admissions@lextheo.edu.