Th.M. in Preaching

How will a GCTS Th.M. in Preaching help me?

The degree will benefit those who are interested in practical theology or actively engaged in a parish pulpit preaching ministry.  It will also be useful for those who desire further study in homiletics.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to:

• Explain how homiletical theory informs the practice of preaching.
• Determine the big idea of a biblical passage.
• Craft a sermon that has unity, order and progress.
• Explain one’s philosophy of preaching.
• Critique sermons and offer helpful feedback.
• Analyze listeners.
• Increase creativity and persuasiveness in preaching.
• Evaluate current trends in preaching.
• Write and preach expository sermons that are faithful to the text and relevant to the lives of listeners.

Am I the right fit for the program?

Our program appeals to those who seek:

• The flexibility of a modular format
• A dynamic learning environment led by a faculty of respected homileticians who are engaged in active preaching/pastoral ministries.
• Interaction with professors who are relational and ministry-minded.
• Classes taught by renowned guest professors who are leading thinkers and practitioners in homiletics.
• A variety of courses that cover relevant, timely topics.
• A combination of theory and praxis.
• Helpful critique and personalized feedback. We take very seriously the idea that a supportive environment fosters student motivation and contributes to students reaching learning goals.

How many courses will I take?

Eight courses (24 credits).  Six courses must be taken within the preaching department.  Two “elective” courses may be taken from another division, such as Theology or from another school in the Boston Theological Institute (BTI). If a student takes a preaching course from BTI, it “counts” as part of the six.

What do you mean by “modular”?

Options and flexibility abound in our modular Th.M. We designed our modular Th.M. in Preaching with the busy pastor or ministry leader in mind.  Each year, a total of five courses will be offered as one-week intensives.  Two of those courses will be taught back to back during the summer.

Digital Live courses are semester long courses that meet online.  They typically require a three-day residency in Charlotte.

We’ve also designed independent study courses to complement our bi-annual Preaching Conference, the annual meetings of the Evangelical Homiletics Society, and bi-annual Ockenga Lectures.

Students may also elect to take one online Semlink course in theology.

Does the modular program have to be completed in one year?

No.  The modular program does not have to be completed in one year, but it is possible for participants to do so.

Tell me about the residential Th.M.

Students who want to live on campus must take three courses per semester in order to maintain full-time status and housing eligibility.  The degree must be completed in one year.

Apply to the GCTS Th.M. in Preaching

Please contact a GCTS Admissions Representative with any questions: [email protected].  Or, to begin the application process, click here: www.gordonconwell.edu/apply_ham

If you have specific questions about Th.M. in Preaching course offerings or scheduling, please contact Dr. Patricia Batten, Associate Director of the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching, [email protected]

Admissions Requirements:

• Completed online application
• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Church endorsement form
• Application fee
• Master of Divinity from an accredited institution
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Greek and Hebrew (one full year of each)
• TOEFL score of 91 or above (international students only)