Arts & Humanities

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries

The Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries is a postgraduate programme offered by Africa International University through its School of Theology. The programme provides scholarly and professional training to those directly involved in pastoral ministries of the church, enhancing competencies in pastoral leadership and church administration.

The programme seeks to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance competencies in pastoral leadership, church administration, counselling, and theological engagement. Students develop expertise in biblical interpretation, theological reflection, pastoral care, preaching, and church management within African and global contexts.

Core areas of study include Old and New Testament studies, systematic theology, pastoral counselling, church leadership and administration, homiletics, Christian ethics, mission and evangelism, Christian education, and research methods. The programme emphasises both theological foundations and practical ministry skills.

Africa International University, formerly Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology, is a pan-African Christian university serving the African church. The MA in Pastoral Ministries was CUE-approved in 2009 and is delivered through block courses on campus and at various sites using an in-service approach.

The programme is designed for pastors, church leaders, and Christian workers seeking advanced training for pastoral ministry. Students complete coursework and research with intakes in January, May, and September, available in multiple study modes including evening, weekend, modular, and remote teaching.

Graduates are prepared for careers as senior pastors, church administrators, theological educators, chaplains, Christian counsellors, and para-church organisation leaders in churches, theological institutions, NGOs, and other Christian organisations across Africa and abroad.

Skills Required

Pastoral Leadership
Church Administration
Biblical Interpretation
Theological Reflection
Pastoral Counselling
Homiletics and Preaching
Christian Ethics
Mission and Evangelism
Christian Education
Research Methods in Theology

Key Subjects

Old Testament Studies
New Testament Studies
Systematic Theology
Pastoral Counselling
Church Leadership and Administration
Homiletics and Preaching
Christian Ethics
Mission and Evangelism
Christian Education
Research Methods in Theology

Certifications

KAPC Christian Counselling Certification
ASET Theological Education Certification

Specializations

Pastoral Leadership

Focuses on pastoral leadership including church governance, leadership development, conflict management, and pastoral care in congregational settings.

Church Administration

Covers church administration including financial management, programme coordination, staff management, and organisational development for churches.

Pastoral Counselling

Examines pastoral counselling skills for helping individuals deal with diverse life issues, integrating theological and psychological perspectives.

Homiletics and Preaching

Focuses on preaching and homiletics including sermon preparation, expository preaching, biblical exposition, and communication skills for pastoral ministry.

Christian Education

Covers Christian education including teaching skills, curriculum development for church programmes, and discipleship training.

Mission and Evangelism

Examines mission and evangelism in pastoral contexts including church growth, community outreach, and evangelistic strategies.

Christian Ethics

Focuses on Christian ethics including moral reasoning, ethical decision-making, and addressing contemporary ethical issues from a Christian perspective.

Biblical Studies

Covers biblical studies including Old and New Testament interpretation, biblical exegesis, and application of biblical texts to pastoral ministry.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 242,775
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Evening, Weekend, Modular, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Old Testament Studies
New Testament Studies
Systematic Theology
Pastoral Counselling
Church Leadership and Administration
Homiletics and Preaching
Christian Ethics
Mission and Evangelism
Christian Education
Research Methods in Theology

Modules

10 in the programme

Old Testament Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines the content, theology, and interpretation of the Old Testament, with emphasis on applying Old Testament texts to pastoral ministry contexts.
New Testament Studies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers the content, theology, and interpretation of the New Testament, with emphasis on applying New Testament texts to pastoral ministry and preaching.
Systematic Theology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines systematic theology including major Christian doctrines, theological methods, and engagement with historical and contemporary theological issues.
Pastoral Counselling
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers pastoral counselling skills for helping individuals deal with diverse life issues, integrating theological and psychological perspectives on counselling.
Church Leadership and Administration
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines church leadership theory and practice, governance structures, financial management, programme coordination, and organisational development for churches.
Homiletics and Preaching
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers homiletics and preaching including sermon preparation, expository preaching, biblical exposition, and communication skills for pastoral ministry.
Christian Ethics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines Christian ethics including moral reasoning, ethical decision-making, and addressing contemporary ethical issues from a Christian pastoral perspective.
Mission and Evangelism
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers mission and evangelism in pastoral contexts including church growth, community outreach, evangelistic strategies, and engagement with diverse cultural contexts.
Research Methods in Theology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methodologies for conducting original research in theology and pastoral ministry, including qualitative and quantitative methods.
Research Project
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research project on a pastoral ministry topic, demonstrating mastery of theological analysis and practical ministry application, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Pastoral Leadership
Focuses on pastoral leadership including church governance, leadership development, conflict management, and pastoral care in congregational settings.
Church Administration
Covers church administration including financial management, programme coordination, staff management, and organisational development for churches.
Pastoral Counselling
Examines pastoral counselling skills for helping individuals deal with diverse life issues, integrating theological and psychological perspectives.
Homiletics and Preaching
Focuses on preaching and homiletics including sermon preparation, expository preaching, biblical exposition, and communication skills for pastoral ministry.
Christian Education
Covers Christian education including teaching skills, curriculum development for church programmes, and discipleship training.
Mission and Evangelism
Examines mission and evangelism in pastoral contexts including church growth, community outreach, and evangelistic strategies.
Christian Ethics
Focuses on Christian ethics including moral reasoning, ethical decision-making, and addressing contemporary ethical issues from a Christian perspective.
Biblical Studies
Covers biblical studies including Old and New Testament interpretation, biblical exegesis, and application of biblical texts to pastoral ministry.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending lectures on biblical studies, theology, or pastoral counselling at Africa International University's School of Theology in Karen, Nairobi. Students engage in seminar discussions on contemporary pastoral challenges, analysing case studies of church leadership, conflict resolution, and pastoral care. The programme includes preaching workshops where students practise sermon preparation and delivery, receiving peer and faculty feedback. Pastoral counselling practicum allows students to develop counselling skills under supervision. Guest lectures from experienced pastors, church leaders, and theologians provide practical ministry insights. Those in the research phase conduct independent research on pastoral ministry topics, working on their research project under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

Programme provides comprehensive pastoral training combining biblical studies, theology, counselling, and practical ministry skills.
Available in multiple study modes including evening, weekend, modular, and remote teaching, accommodating working pastors and church leaders.
AIU is a pan-African Christian university with a strong tradition of theological education serving the African church.
Programme uses an in-service approach, allowing students to apply learning directly to their ministry contexts.

Against it

Private university fees are higher than public university alternatives for theology and religious studies.
Career opportunities are primarily within religious institutions, which may have limited funding for salaries.
The programme is less comprehensive than the Master of Divinity, which provides broader theological training for ordained ministry.
The programme requires background in theology or related fields, limiting eligibility for graduates from unrelated disciplines.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public171k to 221k

171k at Maseno University221k at University of Nairobi

Private190k to 243k

190k at Tangaza University243k at Africa International University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Tangaza 95K/sem=190K/yr. AIU unverified. UoN 220.5K/yr. Maseno unverified

AIU offers limited scholarships for active students demonstrating need. Churches may provide sponsorship for students preparing for pastoral ministry. HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students.

Funding options

AIU Financial Aid
HELB Postgraduate Loan
Church Sponsorship

Scholarships

3 recorded

AIU Financial Aid
ScholarshipKsh 80,000
Active AIU students demonstrating academic merit and financial need, applied for through the financial aid office.
HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
Church Sponsorship
ScholarshipKsh 150,000
Students preparing for pastoral ministry, sponsored by churches or denominations. Availability varies by church.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: In exceptional cases, AIU Senate may admit applicants without a first degree who demonstrate through research and academic work that they are qualified for postgraduate study, subject to regulatory body requirements. The programme is available in full-time, part-time, modular, evening, weekend, and remote teaching modes with intakes in January, May, and September.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, theological analysis essays, sermon preparation assignments, case study reports, and seminar presentations conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination40% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering biblical studies, theology, and pastoral ministry, including essay questions and case analysis.
Ministry Practicum
Practical20% of the mark
Practical assessment involving supervised ministry engagement, demonstrating ability to apply pastoral skills in real ministry contexts.
Research Project
Research100% of the mark
Original research project on a pastoral ministry topic, demonstrating mastery of theological analysis and practical application, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in 2009, ensuring recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region. The programme is offered by Africa International University through its School of Theology, a pan-African Christian university with a strong tradition of theological education.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE in 2009. AIU is a chartered private Christian university recognised nationally and internationally.
Africa Society of Evangelical Theology
Professional membership
African theological society promoting evangelical theology. ASET membership provides access to theological research and networking.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Senior Pastor
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 300,000
Leads a church congregation providing spiritual leadership, preaching, pastoral care, administration, and oversight of church programmes and ministries.
Church Administrator
Moderate demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 250,000
Manages church operations including financial management, programme coordination, staff supervision, and organisational development for churches.
Theological Educator
Moderate demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 250,000
Teaches theology or pastoral studies at theological colleges, seminaries, or universities, training the next generation of church leaders.
Chaplain
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 220,000
Provides spiritual care and counselling in hospitals, schools, military, or correctional facilities, applying pastoral skills in institutional settings.
Christian Counsellor
Moderate demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 230,000
Provides faith-based counselling services in churches, counselling centres, or private practice, integrating theological and psychological perspectives.
Para-Church Organisation Leader
Low demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 280,000
Leads Christian organisations, NGOs, or para-church ministries, managing programmes, staff, and partnerships for Christian service and outreach.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as senior pastors, church administrators, theological educators, and chaplains in churches, theological institutions, and Christian organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Logos Bible Software
SoftwarePrimary
Digital library and Bible study platform providing access to theological resources, commentaries, and pastoral ministry literature.
BibleWorks
SoftwarePrimary
Bible study software for biblical text analysis, supporting sermon preparation, biblical exegesis, and theological research.
NVivo
Software
Qualitative data analysis software for analysing interview data, pastoral case studies, and congregation research in theological research.
Zotero
Software
Reference management software for organising research sources, citations, and bibliographies in theological and pastoral research.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Pastoral ministry training is only for church pastors.
Graduates work as chaplains, counsellors, educators, NGO leaders, and administrators, applying pastoral skills across diverse Christian and secular settings.
This programme is just Bible study at an advanced level.
The programme covers leadership, counselling, ethics, administration, and practical ministry skills, providing comprehensive professional training beyond biblical studies.
Pastoral ministry degrees have no career prospects outside the church.
Graduates work in NGOs, schools, hospitals, military chaplaincy, counselling centres, and para-church organisations, applying pastoral and leadership skills broadly.
You need to be ordained to benefit from this programme.
The programme is designed for both ordained and lay church leaders, Christian workers, and those preparing for various forms of Christian service.
Pastoral training is outdated in modern secular society.
Religion remains central to African society, and trained pastoral leaders are needed to address contemporary challenges including mental health, social justice, and community development.
This degree is the same as a Master of Divinity.
The MA in Pastoral Ministries is shorter and more focused on practical ministry skills, while the MDiv provides broader and more comprehensive theological training for ordained ministry.