In addition to the major field component, the Pastoral Ministry major at Nyack College may focus on one of nine separate specializations or “concentrations.”  These concentrations are interdisciplinary in that they include courses taught in other departments of the college, giving the student a broad foundation for ministry.  Pastoral Ministry in the 21st century is a multi-faceted career.  Education must be tailored for those called in specific areas.  The goal of these concentrations is to provide a learning curriculum specific to the student’s gifts, passion, calling, and to provide practical experience in various ministry areas.  In the event that none of the concentrations are suitable, an alternative program may be developed in consultation with the Department Head or the Deputy Department Head.  The concentrations are as follows:

Concentrations

Evangelism and Church Planting Concentration (Institute for Church Planting—ICP):  Designed for students who desire to specialize in a ministry of evangelism, disciple making, and church planting.  May be taken both as a terminal program and as preparation for graduate studies. 

Leadership and Preaching Concentration:  Designed for students who feel a call to lead through the preaching ministry.  A special focus is given to the development of the young leader.  May be taken both as a terminal program and as preparation for graduate studies. 

Messianic Jewish Studies Concentration:  Designed for students who are desiring to be Rabbi’s of Messianic Jewish congregations.  All streams of the Messianic movement will be welcomed and represented in the courses of this concentration.  May be taken as a terminal program and as preparation for graduate studies.

Pastoral Counseling Concentration:  Designed for students who are interested in counseling within the local church or para-church organization. May be taken both as a terminal program and as preparation for graduate studies. 

Pre-Seminary Concentration:  Designed for students who want a strong language and theology foundation in preparation for seminary.  This concentration is ideal for the Pastoral Ministry major who wants to enter ministry immediately following graduation while attending seminary part- time.  May be taken both as a terminal program and as preparation for graduate studies. 

TESOL Concentration:  Designed for students who wish to minister cross-culturally by teaching English as a second language.  May be taken both as a terminal program and as preparation for graduate studies.

Urban Ministries Concentration:  Designed for students with a clear call to Urban Ministry.  Theological and sociological implications for urban ministry are emphasized throughout the course of study.  May be taken both as a terminal program and as preparation for graduate studies.

Women in Ministry Concentration:  Designed for women with a call to pastoral (shepherding) ministry.  These courses are designed to educate, release and empower women into their calling and destiny.  May be taken both as a terminal program and as preparation for graduate studies. 

Worship and the Arts Concentration:  Designed for students with a call to worship ministries within the local church and beyond.  A theology and practical philosophy of worship will be developed which includes preaching, music, drama, dance and the recapturing of all the arts for the Glory of God. May be taken both as a terminal program and as preparation for graduate studies.