Master of Divinity with
International Church Planting
The MDiv-ICP track combines a campus-based curriculum with a term of field service where academics are applied in an international church planting context.
The Master of Divinity International Church Planting track (MDiv-ICP track) is a specialized 85-hour degree track of the Master of Divinity offered by Southeastern primarily in partnership with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention (IMB). The campus curriculum can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may opt for a two-year or three-year assignment with the IMB, or another approved Great Commission Agency, to complete the field curriculum.
Selection into the International Church Planting program is contingent upon acceptance by Southeastern and the IMB, or another approved Great Commission Agency, and consideration is given to the number of applicants that may be deployed to the designated field site in a given year. Once accepted by Southeastern, students and their spouses enter the application process for service with the IMB, or another approved Great Commission agency. Those opting for a two-year term will apply for the IMB’s International Service Corps, and those anticipating future career service are encouraged to apply for the three-year Career Apprenticeship. More information on these requirements is available from the Lewis A. Drummond Center for Great Commission Studies on Southeastern’s campus.
Options for the Program:
-
Fully Online
-
On-Campus
Some people describe seminary as a hoop to jump through, but I found my time at Southeastern to be a life-giving, spiritually edifying experience. Southeastern encouraged in me an undeniable love for God’s word. No amount of effort is too great to understand it or communicate it to someone else. What I saw, exemplified both in the classroom and even just in the culture of Southeastern, is the non-negotiable nature of the Great Commission. Southeastern emphasized that all of us are called to go in some capacity, and that we are most like Christ when we go to hard places.
Ministry in Context
WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS DEGREE?
-
Become a missionary with IMB or other global missions entity
-
Plant churches in all contexts – both domestic and abroad
-
Equip a local body of believers to be missions-minded
-
Lead missions teams as member of a non-profit in international settings
What kind of courses will I take?
Master of Divinity Core
Intro to Seminary
- SEM 5000 – Introduction to Seminary Education
Biblical Studies
- NTS 5110 – New Testament Introduction and Interpretation I: Jesus and the Gospels
- NTS 5120 – New Testament Introduction and Interpretation II: Acts, Epistles, and Revelation
- OTS 5110 – Old Testament Introduction and Interpretation I: Pentateuch and Former Prophets
- OTS 5120 – Old Testament Introduction and Interpretation II: Latter Prophets and Writings
Theological Studies
- ETH 5100 – Introduction to Christian Ethics
- PHI 5100 – Christian Philosophy: Worldview, Western Thought, and Apologetics
- THE 6110 – Christian Theology I
- THE 6120 – Christian Theology II
Christian History
- HIS 5110 – Church History I: Patristic, Medieval, and Pre-Reformation
- HIS 5120 – Church History II: Reformation and Modern
- HIS 5130 – Baptist History: Identity, Heritage, and Polity
Bible Exposition
Select either the CED or the PRS sequence (MIS6530 can serve as the second course in either sequence):
- CED 6300 – Bible Exposition for Ministry to Women I
- CED 6310 – Bible Exposition for Ministry to Women II
- MIS 6530 – Bible Storying
- PRS 6100 – Bible Exposition I: Hermeneutics and Preparation
- PRS 6500 – Bible Exposition II: Communication and Delivery
Ministry Studies
- BCO 5500 – Biblical Counseling
- EVA 5150 – Disciplemaking: Personal Evangelism and Discipleship
- MIS 5100 – Christian Missions: Principles and Practice
ICP students may take MIS 5100 – Christian Missions: Principles and Practice on campus. However, it is recommended that students earn this credit through the IMB Orientation/FPO (Contact the Field Credit Office to inquire about this opportunity).
Leadership Selective
Select one of the following courses:
- PMN 6500 – Pastoral Ministry and Leadership
- PMN 6730 – Christian Leadership
Practicum
- MIS 6901 – Missions Practicum
Linguistic Practicum
- MIS 7612 – ICP Linguistic Practicum
Hermeneutics
- BTI 5100 – Hermeneutics
Electives
Select any three hours of graduate-level credit (5000, 6000, or 7000 level courses).
ICP Language Options
Choose one of the following language pairs:
Greek
- GRK 5110 – Biblical Greek for Ministry I
- GRK 5120 – Biblical Greek for Ministry II
Hebrew
- HEB 5110 – Biblical Hebrew for Ministry I
- HEB 5120 – Biblical Hebrew for Ministry II
International Church Planting
Communication
- MIS 7510 – Cross-Cultural Communication
Missiology Selectives
Select two of the following courses:
- MIS 6520 – Anthropology for Cross-cultural Understanding
- MIS 6570 – Global and Cultural Studies
- MIS 7870 – Studies in Contextualization Theory
Field-Based Courses
- MIS 6590 – International Church Planting (Online)
- MIS 6970 – Current Topics in International Missions (Online)
