The Mentor Model

Who can apply to the MM program?

Students who wish to apply for the MM program will undergo the same admission requirements as distance location and TMS: LA students. In addition, a student must apply alongside of his pastor mentor. The pastor mentor should be a TMS graduate with at least 3 years of ministry experience.  The pastor mentor must also be currently engaged in full time ministry. Based on the curriculum provided to him by TMS, the mentor will guide the student through eight pastoral ministry semester courses over the program. Those students who wish to apply for the MM program must apply alongside of their mentor.

What distinguishes the MM program from the Distance Locations?

The MM program is completed in conjunction with one’s local church and mentor.  This allows the student to remain at his local church and in their local ministry.  The distance locations, similar to the LA campus, act as centers for student learning.  The distance locations have a strong connection to the TMS faculty, with intensive onsite courses being offered by the TMS faculty on a regular basis.  In addition, each distance location provides a fellowship among students which is difficult to replicate without being onsite at a distance location or the LA campus.  The MM program has been designed to meet the needs of those students who are not able to relocate.  However, when able, new students are encouraged to move to a distance location or to the LA campus to take full advantage of the fellowship and academic opportunities offered.

Can currently enrolled students switch to the MM program?

Yes, students who are currently enrolled may switch to the MM program provided they meet all of the admission requirements (i.e. applying alongside of their pastor mentor).  The units that they have already taken at TMS all transfer directly into the MM program.

What about students who do not have a TMS grad mentor as an option?

The MM program is designed for those students who are currently involved in ministry in a local church pastored by a TMS graduate.  This allows the student to minister alongside his mentor in order to demonstrate his capacity and gifting for ministry.  However, those students who wish to apply for the MM program who do not have the option of a TMS pastor mentor are still encouraged to contact the admissions department.

Can a student apply alongside of a pastor mentor who is not a TMS graduate?

Students who are involved in ministry alongside a pastor who is willing to be their mentor, but who is not a TMS graduate, are encouraged to contact the admissions team.  Each mentor will make application alongside of their mentee in order to ensure their adherence to the TMS doctrinal statement.  While the MM program is designed with TMS graduates in mind, pastors who meet the necessary qualification may be mentors, even if they have not graduated from TMS previously.

The MM program is a four-year program.  Students in the MM program will complete eight mentored pastoral ministry courses over their degree, one PM course each semester.  See below for an outline of the curriculum and schedule.  The MM curriculum has pre-determined electives which cannot be changed,

*Note that PM768 is both a required elective and a mentored class.

In addition, Hebrew and Greek exegesis electives are required.  Both Hebrew and Greek Readings will be offered as regularly scheduled courses alongside additional, rotating language electives such as OT763 – Exegesis of Job.

This is a recommended completion plan for the MM program.  Students are required to take the mentored classes in order, and students are to take no more than one mentored class each semester.  Students are also able to take advantage of the eight-week summer and six-week winter terms to help spread out their coursework over the entire year.  The following courses will be available each winter and/or summer term: