Practical from Day One
Students don't just study ministry — they do ministry. Every M.Div. student serves in a church internship three to four days per week, so academic learning is applied in real pastoral contexts from the first semester.
The Gap Between Classroom and Church
Many seminary graduates complete their degree having spent thousands of hours in the classroom but with limited experience in actual pastoral ministry. They've studied the theory of preaching, counseling, and leadership — but they've rarely had the opportunity to practice these skills under experienced supervision.
The result is graduates who are academically prepared but practically unprepared. They arrive at their first ministry positions having to learn on the job what they could have learned during their training. Faith Bible Seminary was designed to close this gap.
Traditional Seminary Limitations
- Thousands of classroom hours, minimal pastoral practice
- Theory of preaching without regular preaching opportunities
- Counseling training without supervised counseling
- Leadership courses without church leadership experience
- Graduates unprepared for the realities of daily ministry
Academics and Ministry, Side by Side
The M.Div. program's paradigm is built on a simple but powerful conviction: pastoral ministry is not simply an academic endeavor. At FBS, practical training is not an add-on — the church internship is half of the education.
Students are in class one to two days per week — usually one full day, some semesters two — plus four to five one-week modular courses each year.
The other three to four days, each student serves in a church internship at Faith Church or a partnering church. The internship is half of the education.
The church balances three aims: strengthening the student’s weaknesses, using his gifts, and meeting real local needs — training him alongside the seminary.
Academics and ministry run side by side for all three years. What you learn in the classroom is applied in the church the same week.
How the Week Breaks Down
One to two days in class, three to four days in the church, all year round for three years. It's a full week — and it's the point.
In Class · 1–2 days/week
- Usually one full day; some semesters two
- Coursework across eight areas — New Testament, Old Testament, theology, counseling, and more
- Four to five one-week modular courses each year
- A fixed 86-credit sequence — no electives
In the Church · 3–4 days/week
- Internship at Faith Church or a partnering church
- Half of the educational experience
- Serving where weaknesses are strengthened and gifts are used
- Partially-paid, part-time positions at Faith Church
The Commitment
- 50–60 hours per week, year-round
- A full three-year commitment
- Member of a Lafayette-area church, or willing to relocate
- No outside employment, except by special exception
Graduates Who Are Ready to Lead
Three full years of hands-on pastoral experience before graduation
A track record of ministry that churches can actually evaluate
Confidence built through years of real preaching, counseling, and leading
Deep relationships with church members, mentors, and fellow students
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.James 1:22
Explore Our Other Distinctives
Radically Affordable
Lower cost is FBS's first core value: $2,000 a year for M.Div. students in full-time ministry or a church internship. Graduate with little or no debt and ready to serve.
Learn moreFamily Flourishes
The M.Div. is a demanding three years. A church internship in place of outside employment, low tuition, and faculty who make room for family life are how families make it work.
Learn moreEquip Yourself for a Lifetime of Faithful Ministry
Take the first step toward a biblical education that will shape your ministry for decades to come.