“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Through the Ministry Apprenticeship Alliance (MAA), take seminary for credit at Church on Mill! In glad partnership with Phoenix Seminary, students can earn as much as 18 hours of master’s level credit toward a Masters in Divinity. The fall semester offers 9 hours and the spring 9 hours (two six hour classes and two three hour classes). Each course combines internship hours with coursework.

Why take MAA classes?

Seminary is great for many people, providing invaluable theological training, but it cannot replace the ebb and flow of real church life nor can it accurately assess character. Could you imagine going to see a surgeon for a consult only to learn she grasps all the medical concepts in her books but has never performed or observed an actual surgery? Of course not! Churches, likewise, should not function without experiential and integrative knowledge. We believe people are best trained for ministry through both seminary and local church training.

How can we combine church and seminary training? Through the Ministry Apprenticeship Alliance (MAA). This program, through Phoenix Seminary, is one of a kind.

Who should take these classes?

Two types of students can take these classes:

1. Residents at Church on Mill using their residency to fulfill the internship component of the courses.
2. Interns, residents, staff members, or members with large volunteer roles at other churches can use their hours there to fulfill the internship component of the courses.

How do I enroll?

To enroll in the courses with an existing role in a local church, you only need to go through Phoenix Seminary. Apply here. If you are interested in residency at Church on Mill and taking the courses while serving as a resident, learn more about residency here.

Churches: How You Can Participate

Interns or residents at your church can take courses at Church on Mill. The internship hours of the course would be supervised by you, and the coursework would take place through Church on Mill.

Additionally, other churches can be a part of the MAA program, offering courses internally. If you are interested in this, check out the seminary site to learn how the process works.