The MAPS and DPS programs are designed to give students the essentials for planting and pastoring churches. While more training is normally preferable, it is not always suitable to each man’s gifts, calling, and circumstances. Additionally, pastors may desire to assess and mentor men aspiring to the ministry without committing them to a fuller degree program.

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Individuals who are in the process of having their ministry calling assessed or would like to prepare for pastoral ministry by being introduced to the basic essentials of pastoral preparation are welcome to enroll in CBTS and take courses for credit as Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies or Diploma of Pastoral Studies students.

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Admission as a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies or Diploma of Pastoral Studies student to CBTS requires first that the pastor or elders of the prospective student’s church recommend him as one being assessed for pastoral ministry or as a legitimate aspirant to the vocational ministry. They may do so through a written letter detailing their assessment of his aspirations. A member of the Admissions Team must then approve the prospective student by means of an interview examining his fitness for enrollment at CBTS. For practical purposes this interview may be conducted over the phone.

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All of these students must also complete an application form and be accepted by the administration of CBTS. Upon acceptance and receipt of the registration fee, information for distance learners (text books, access code for streaming or downloading lectures, etc.) will be sent to the applicant. Continuation as a student is subject to the discretion of the faculty and administration of CBTS.

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Similar to the Master of Divinity program, usually only individuals who are at least 21 years of age, hold a Bachelor’s Degree and are members in good standing of an evangelical church shall be eligible for acceptance to the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies program. Those meeting these qualifications without a Bachelor’s Degree shall be eligible for acceptance to the Diploma of Pastoral Studies program. The administration of CBTS reserves the right to waive any or all of these entrance requirements or to decline the application of any man to CBTS at its own discretion.

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A total of 35 credit hours is necessary to complete this curriculum, which students are expected to complete within 4 years.