Master of divinity
Download the MDIV: General Studies Track Degree Completion Plan
The Intercultural Studies concentration equips leaders with an understanding of God’s mission for the Church and the interpersonal and intercultural communication skills essential for productive ministry in cross-cultural settings at home and abroad. The program integrates a range of disciplines and methodologies that inform and affect the task of world evangelization, the planting and nurturing of the Church, and the discipling of God’s people. It also trains, empowers, and prepares missionaries and other cross-cultural workers for roles in the intercultural application of theological education, education abroad, chaplaincy, community involvement, and the development of leaders.
Download the MDIV: Intercultural Studies Track Degree Completion Plan
The Pastoral Care and Counseling concentration responds to the urgent needs of pastors, ministers, and caring members of the body of Christ to receive training in the best practices for helping the hurting. This concentration offers the student an opportunity to study the integration of theology with counseling theory and provides training in the tools and techniques necessary to meet the counseling challenges faced by pastoral staff. While this concentration does not lead to the qualifications for state counseling licensure, with this education students will be prepared to provide comprehensive care and counseling ministry of various types and diverse settings.
Download the MDIV: Pastoral Care and Counseling Track Degree Completion Plan
The Biblical/Theological Studies concentration offers both Greek and Hebrew along with a variety of book studies and theological courses. Old Testament courses feature professors with expertise in narrative criticism, the Pentateuch, historical books, wisdom literature, and poetic books. New Testament classes provide the opportunity for students to study with professors whose interests include Johannine literature, ancient media culture, and apocalyptic literature. The concentration is a good fit for thesis writers wishing to pursue future academic work in Biblical Interpretation and for those who desire to more effectively utilize Scripture in ministry.
Download the MDIV: Biblical/Theological Studies Track Degree Completion Plan
The Leadership Studies concentration offers courses in communication, leadership, structure, team building, values, and cultural understanding from a Christian perspective. Through this concentration, Christian leaders will establish a strong foundation in theory and practical components essential to success in the leadership of churches and other Christian organizations.
Download the MDIV: Leadership Studies Track Degree Completion Plan
Master of divinity (72 credit hours)
Academics
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Graduates of the MDiv program will be able to produce graduate-level biblical and theological reflection from an Apostolic Pentecostal tradition that is in conversation with the context of broader Christianity.
2. Graduates of the MDiv program will engage with diverse contexts in which ministry occurs using multiple theoretical perspectives.
3. Graduates of the MDiv program will develop in the practice of ongoing Spiritual Formation.
4. Graduates of the MDiv program will practice a breadth of pastoral competencies in accordance with the nature of the student’s calling.
5. Graduates of the MDiv program will conduct research in pastoral ministry.
The Johnsons
Our Senior Pastor Matthew Johnson has been involved in ministry for more than 25 years. Prior to full time ministry the Johnsons both worked in the healthcare field. Pastor Johnson is an Ordained Minister of the UPCI, received his MBA summa cum laude from William Woods University, received his specialty MBA summa cum laude in healthcare administration, and is board bertified in ambulatory surgery management.
Pastor Johnson serves on the Board of Trustees for Compassion Services International (CSI) as well as the UPCI Stewardship Advisory Council.
The Johnsons formerly served the executive team for UPCI Youth Ministries and also served as members of the Missouri Youth Ministries leadership team.
They are the proud parents of Abriah & Jace who are the joy of their lives, along with their two Goldendoodles, Opie Taylor & Ginger Lou. The Johnsons enjoy family time together kayaking, exploring the great outdoors, and also searching for new coffee shops wherever they travel.
The Venturinis
Nathan and Larkin Venturini have been married and serving in ministry together since 2018. They are looking forward to welcoming their first child in August of 2023. Outside of his involvement with The Sanctuary, Nathan is an Operations Analyst for Toyota Material Handling, and Larkin is a Speech Language Pathologist for Bartholomew County Schools. Larkin is a member of The Sanctuary Kids Ministry Team, participates in The Sanctuary Choir, and is involved with Bible Quizzing. They are glad to have made Columbus their home, and are excited about what is happening in the community and church.
Vaneesa McCreary
Vaneesa McCreary and her husband, James McCreary, married in 1998. Together they have one son, Jameson. Throughout the years Vaneesa has helped in a Private Christian middle/ high school office doing anything from state reporting to substitute teaching in various classes, as needed. In 2021, Vaneesa relocated and started working part-time in The Sanctuary daycare. Later on she was asked to fulfill the role as the new daycare director. From June 2022 to December 2022, she worked in each classroom to better understand the schedule and responsibilities as well as completed director specific job training. In December 2022, she officially became The Sanctuary Church Daycare Director.
The Gordons
Matt and Tamera Gordon have been married and have served in music ministry since 1997; as well as teaching music for many years. They have one daughter, Ava. The Gordon's have been a part of The Sanctuary since 2015.
The Ortizs
Jorge and Amy Otiz serve as our Spanish church pastors. Prior to their pastorship, they along with their 3 children, have helped in several missions works in various countries around the world.
The Vailes
Jonathan and Tori got married in 2014, have one daughter named Nora, and one dog named Gus. The Vailes have served as Children's Pastors at The Sanctuary since 2015 while also serving in many administrative capacities and other ministries. Prior to his transition to a full-time ministry position, Jonathan was a music teacher within the BCSC school corporation. Now, with his Master's degree in Business Administration, Jonathan is the Finance Coordinator and Children's Pastor. Tori is a 3rd grade teacher in the BCSC school corporation and serves part-time at The Sanctuary to support administrative needs.
The Sizemores
The Sizemores have served in youth ministry for over ten years, the past seven being the youth pastor's here at The Sanctuary. They lead our thriving youth and young adults group and are passionately serving in many other areas of the church. Mikayla earned her Bachelor's in Education from Indiana University and has been a special education teacher for nearly a decade. Austin earned his Bachelor's in Economics from Marian University where he won two national championships as a football player. They have been married for 7 years and recently had their first daughter Jade in 2021.
The McLaurines
Gwendolyn McLaurine MS, LMHCA, NCC completed her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is a licensed mental health counselor in Indiana and a licensed professional counselor in Michigan. She is the owner of Living Water Mental Health LLC where she provides office and teletherapy services and specializes in helping individuals overcome the effects of childhood trauma. She has ten-plus years of individual, family, and crisis counseling experience. Gwendolyn is eclectic in her approach to therapy and seeks to use the most effective and appropriate method to address her clients' needs.
Gwendolyn is a wife, mother of two, and lover of shopping malls. She and her husband Reggie attend The Sanctuary in Columbus, Indiana, serving on the leadership team as assistant pastors
The Mullins
Assistant Pastors at The Sanctuary; Rebekka and Matthew Mullins have been married, and served together in ministry since 2004 and have 4 beautiful children. Matthew is Vice President at a global fortune 500 company and a partner and CEO of Equipping Leaders. With 20 years of pastoral experience, he also teaches global audiences, and offers coaching in strategy, human resources management, and leader development.