Masters Application (US & Canada)
The faculty and administrative staff of the Urshan Graduate School of Theology know that applying to a graduate program can sometimes seem overwhelming. We have attempted to make our application process as short and straightforward as possible. Complete the following steps to successfully apply for admission:
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Fall Semester: May 1st
Spring Semester: November 1st
Prospective graduate students are encouraged to visit Urshan Graduate School of Theology as part of the application process. The visit involves a tour of the school and its facilities, attending a sampling of classes and talking with students. Interested persons are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at least two weeks prior to the planned visit.
VISIT CAMPUS
The application includes two essays:
- An essay that tells about your conversion experience and your call to Christian service. Include information that helps describe who you are as a person, your goals, and your dreams. Tell about church ministries and activities in which you have participated, particularly those in the last two years. This essay should be two to four typed double-spaced pages.
- An academic paper, or sample thereof, written during an applicant’s undergraduate program that is a minimum of 3-5 double-spaced pages. If the applicant cannot produce an academic paper from his/her undergraduate study, one may be composed on a topic of the applicant’s choosing. The paper should contain a minimum of four academic sources cited via footnotes.
Essays are evaluated on both content and writing ability. The Admissions Committee may require an otherwise qualified student to receive approved tutorials in writing when composition skills are weak.
Application Deadlines:
Fall - May 1
Spring - November 1
Urshan operates on rolling admission which means our admissions office reviews applications throughout the year. Should an applicant apply or still need to complete an application once the deadline has passed, the application could be considered if the following is met: There must be enough time for the application to be processed, reviewed, and the student enrolled should an applicant be accepted (an estimated 4-6 weeks before classes begin). This timeframe includes any breaks/holidays that Urshan observes. If the Admissions Committee does not feel that time permits/is adequate for all departments to complete this process, we reserve the right to roll your application over to the next semester.
COMPLETE APPLICATION FORM
Official transcripts from ALL colleges/universities attended
- In the case where a pastor is applying for admission, the form should be filled out by the district superintendent or equivalent if the applicant is from another apostolic organization.
Academic Recommendation Form
- A professor or college official who is familiar with the applicant’s academic background
Personal Recommendation Form
- A personal recommendation by someone other than a family member
THREE RECOMMENDATION FORMS
INTERVIEW
APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL AID
APPLICATION FORM
Please note there is a nonrefundable $75.00 application fee
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.
