Pastoral Ministry

Does your congregation have an intelligent faith that can withstand constant challenges?

The church universal is desperate for pastors, chaplains, and other Christian leaders trained in apologetics and critical thinking who are able to disciple those under their care. In today’s culture apologetics is no longer an option for those wanting to deepen their own faith, equip their families, or share their faith with others. Pastors and spiritual leaders need integrated training in theology, philosophy, and apologetics they can practically incorporate into their own ministries. SES provides that integrated training that will enable you to equip your flock to proclaim the Gospel, engage the culture, and defend the Truth.

Flexible Course Delivery

SES provides a fully immersive digital campus experience where every aspect of traditional education is achieved in a virtual environment by integrating industry-leading technologies for live-streaming, course management, and student interaction. Hence, every degree and certificate offered by SES can be completed via our digital campus (the D.Min. program does have limited on-campus requirements). Courses are either live-streamed or offered in a true asynchronous online format (with live-streaming components). Even live-streamed classes are posted back to our course management platform for on-demand viewing. This format enables us to accommodate even the most demanding of schedules. Our digital campus experience allows you to get a first-class education while remaining in your current ministry context.

What will a degree in apologetics do for you as a pastor? As a busy pastor in a church of 2,600 in the D.C. environment, I can answer that practical question with five observations. One, you will be trained to use classical apologetics to build a bridge to a culture which rejects the Bible outright. Two, you will learn how to use [classical] thinking to devise sound philosophical arguments to reach a world which embraces logically inferior and untenable worldviews. Three, you will learn how to maintain a balance between apologetics and evangelism … Four, you will be equipped to identify and lovingly deconstruct false philosophical systems … Five, your thinking will be challenged and deepened, and your walk with Christ will be taken to a whole new level. SES delivers on all of these points and so much more.

Dr. Marty Baker, SES Alumnus

Recommended Degrees & Certificates

Whether you are interested in a full degree program or simply want to add to your toolkit, SES can help you be equipped. Nearly all degrees can be completed totally online. Note that our certificates are for-credit classes that can be rolled into a degree program at a later date if desired.

Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.) / 36 hrs / 1 Year

Master of Arts in Church Ministry (M.A.) / 60 hrs / 2 Years

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (M.A.) / 63 hrs / 2 Years

Master of Divinity in Apologetics (M.Div.) / 90 hrs / 3 Years

Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies (M.Div.) / 90 hrs / 3 Years

Master of Theology (Th.M.) / 120 hrs / 3 Years

Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics (D.Min.) / 36 hrs / 3 Years

Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy of Religion (Ph.D.) / 60 hrs / 3-4 Years

Certificate in Christian Apologetics / 15 hrs

Certificate in Scientific Apologetics / 18 hrs

Certificate in Philosophy / 15 hrs

Certificate in Biblical Languages / 18 hrs

Value Beyond Tuition Cost

It is certainly true that in many contexts you get what you pay for. At SES, however, the value of your education will far outweigh the actual costs you pay. Many Christian institutions can cost nearly $2,000 per course for a typical master’s-level education. We provide even more value by offering a unique, and superior, integrated approach to classical Christian thinking at a fraction of the cost. Prices are per credit hour. Approx. $175 of fees may apply.

Learn More

Please complete the form below, and you will be contacted by an SES representative to discuss how we may partner with you in becoming more equipped to engage the culture with the truth of the Gospel.