About
Our location is the urban multicultural melting pot of West Palm Beach, the most “never churched” city in America (Barna). Our evangelical commitment is expressed in spiritual formation, theological reflection, and gospel proclamation through word and works. Our academic community represents the beauty of the diverse and multi-ethnic body of Christ. Our partnerships with over seventy-five dynamic churches across many traditions and cultures invigorate the learning environment. Today, our exciting journey is one of awe and wonder at God’s faithfulness. Our alumni are thriving in Kingdom work, from pastors to chaplains, from community builders to ministers among displaced peoples, and from Ph.D. students to Bible teachers. Our story is growing, and we invite you to be part of it!
Our seminary began only ten years ago with an enthusiastic faculty and fourteen eager students. Our dream then was to be a multi-denominational seminary within the evangelical tradition with one mission: to equip followers of Jesus with the knowledge, skills, and character for twenty-first-century ministry for God’s Kingdom.
Master Of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) remains the “gold standard” degree for students preparing for vocational Christian ministry. The curriculum is anchored in the areas of Bible, biblical languages, history, theology, and practical ministry. It also includes apprenticeships, which provide students with hands-on experience in vital local ministries. Our streamlined M.Div. is 72 hours and can be completed in as few as two years.
Master of Arts, Intercultural Studies
The Master of Arts, Intercultural Studies (MAIS) is an emerging area of theological education in our globalized world. The MAIS is designed to prepare students for vocations in intercultural contexts. The curriculum provides advanced theological engagement with pressing missiological questions in light of Scripture and the rich heritage of Christian faith and practice. The MAIS is 36 hours and can be completed in two years. The first cohort will be in Fall 2021 (pending approval by SACSCOC).
Ph.D. in Practical Theology
Our Ph.D. in Practical Theology begins with a two-year program of coursework designed to train scholar-leaders to work within a diversity of theological specializations.
Master of Arts, Christian Studies
The Master of Arts, Christian Studies (MACS) provides a graduate-level understanding of theological disciplines for laypersons who desire graduate theological studies but are not pursuing full-time vocational ministry. This degree is designed to provide students with both advanced theological education and the opportunity to concentrate on subjects important to their theological interests. The MACS is 36 hours and can be completed in one and a half years.
Master of Arts, Philosophy of Religion
The Master of Arts, Philosophy of Religion (MAPR) provides a rigorous study of the philosophy of religion in the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge for human flourishing. Fueled by the conviction that all truth finds its source in Christ, the MAPR is designed for students pursuing academic vocations or parachurch ministries. It is also for those who desire graduate studies in the philosophy of religion but are not pursuing full-time vocational ministry. The MAPR is 36 hours and can be completed in two years.
Master Of Divinity Concentration In Black Church Studies
The Only University-Based Master of Divinity Program Serving South Florida’s Diverse Theological Community. Our vision for our partnership with Florida Memorial University is to resource Christian congregations through sustained intercultural, interconfessional, and intergenerational engagement.
Master Of Arts, Community Transformation And Chaplaincy
The Community Transformation Center degree programs provide students with the specialized skills for catalyzing positive change in communities. Through a combination of coursework, practical experience, and a focus on vocational integration, graduates will be equipped to effectively address societal challenges and pursue meaningful co-vocational opportunities such as chaplaincy, non-profit work, community organizing, para-church ministries, or entrepreneurial pursuits that align with their passion for community transformation.
Master Of Divinity Concentration In Community Transformation And Chaplaincy
The Community Transformation Center degree programs provide students with the specialized skills for catalyzing positive change in communities. Through a combination of coursework, practical experience, and a focus on vocational integration, graduates will be equipped to effectively address societal challenges and pursue meaningful co-vocational opportunities such as chaplaincy, non-profit work, community organizing, para-church ministries, or entrepreneurial pursuits that align with their passion for community transformation.
Dual Degree Programs
In partnership with other schools within Palm Beach Atlantic University, we offer three joint/dual degrees. These degree programs require a total of fewer credit hours than required if each degree were earned separately. These three configurations give students the opportunity to engage in integrative interdisciplinary coursework that prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and character for a variety of vocations in Christian ministry.
Students will develop both theological depth and management acumen for effective executive and administrative vocations in churches or parachurch organizations. The MDiv/MBA is 93 credit hours and can be completed in three years.
Students will integrate theological learning with mental health theory and practices for effective ministry and counseling vocations in churches or parachurch settings. The MDiv+MHC is 117 credit hours and can be completed in four years.
Students will develop the theological, economic, and philosophical knowledge to implement strategies and policies for effective developmental practices in parachurch and global settings. The MACS+MSGD is 72 credit hours and can be completed in as few as two years.
Matt Reis, M. Div 2017
Ph.D., University of Edinburgh, working on the identity and mission of Brazilian evangélicos in the diaspora in South Florida.
“The MDiv has helped to stretch my intellect and challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. I have encountered colleagues from many different denominational backgrounds and I have learned from them as well as my professors. The program has both sparked my interest and prepared me to continue my postgraduate studies.
“I’m so grateful for the way PBA prepared me for this adventure by teaching me to think theologically, connecting me with local ministry opportunities, and giving me a strong community.”
Danie Frandsen
Next Gen Pastor. OneLife Church (Aurora. COl)
“To engage in emotionally healthy, spiritually enriching, and fruitful ministry, you must receive training that teaches more about how to think than what to think, asks tough theological questions, offers opportunities for real-life experience, and challenges you to grow as a whole person beyond what you thought possible. This is the type of ministry training that I received, as I pursue my calling in Biblical Studies and higher education.”
Melissa Mandala (MDiv, 2019)
Postgraduate Student, St. Andrew’s University, Scotland Founder/Chair of the Student Group, Institute for Biblical Research Pastoral Intern, First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach (FL)
“Currently I serve as a lead church planter/pastor for a Russian-language congregation. PBA helped me to get prepared for my ministry in multiple ways, including the highest standard of theological education.”
Daniel Naberezhny (MDiv, 2019)
Lead Church Planter/Pastor (Boca Raton, FL)
“PBA has taught me to have compassion for those on the margins of society and to speak truth lovingly and contextually to these people. This education has expanded my understanding of my own Western theological worldview, and how to properly remove this framework as I share the love of Jesus.”
Kim Ellis (MDiv, 2019)
Serving Vulnerable Peoples
“Not only did I gain the skills to become a more independent researcher, but also I learned to think within a community. This community, including its faculty, encouraged and challenged me to go beyond my perceived capabilities. It was at PBA, where I realized my passion for teaching and biblical manuscripts. Now, I am nearing the end of my PhD on one of our most important manuscripts, Codex Vaticans, while teaching Greek to students at the University of Cambridge.
This would not have been imaginable without my time in the classroom and the continued relationships I built with the faculty and students at PBA.”
Jesse Grenz (MDiv, 2016)
Ph.D., University of Cambridge, working on Codex Vaticanus
“I have the opportunity to preach on Sundays and oversee all the ministries for our campus within our multi-site structure. I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing without my education and training at PBA. Their ‘integrated’ seminary structure truly prepares students to take what they learn within theology/biblical studies and apply it to hands-on ministry.”
Jordan Massev (MIDiv. 2017)
Southwest Campus Pastor, Westside Baptist Church (Gainsville, FL)
“Being able to engage in multi-cultural ministry is essential for our community, so the training that PBA provided in both the classroom and apprenticeships during my MDiv have helped us effectively minister to and unite multiple demographics in an area that has been historically marked by division and prejudice.”
Daniel Judge (MDiv, 2016)
Reservoir Campus College Pastor, Pinelake Church (Brandon, MS)
“PBA helped to develop and foster a high level of biblical study that could be readily integrated into everyday leadership and pastoring. My professors both challenged and encouraged me to develop not only in competency but also in character. I loved my cohort and the journey was a huge blessing!”
Stephen Kimpel (MDiv, 2016)
Associate Pastor, LifePoint Church (League City, TX)