The quality of the ministry of a Ruling Elder (RE) or a Deacon (D) depends on his personal devotion to the Lord, his knowledge of the Word of God, his understanding of the biblical form of church government, and his specific function within that system of government. Therefore, the proper training for an RE/D or for a candidate for those positions is of great importance to the church. The M.M.R.E. and M.M.D. programs include training in personal piety, knowledge of the Bible, understanding of Presbyterian church governement, and the role of the RE/D in the church. The M.M.R.E. program is designed to help the Ruling Elder function not only at the local church level, but at presbytery and General Assembly level as well. The M.M.D. program is designed to help the Deacon see his role not only in terms of the local church, but in the wider church as well.

The curriculum is divided into two segments. Segment 1 gives the candidate a solid grounding in Bible knowledge and basic Reformed doctrine. Segment 2 grounds the RE/D in the practice of ministry and its relation to the broader work of the church.

M.M.R.E./M.M.D. courses are offered in the Fall and Spring semesters, and during the Winter term. The requirements of the M.M.R.E. and M.M.D. program may be completed in as little as two years of full-time study at GPTS. The degree may also be completed under the Mentor-supervised Distance Education program (see p. 18). However, the Seminary cautions against any active Ruling Elder overextending himself by rushing through the program. Therefore the candidate may take up to five years to complete his program of study. This time limit may be extended by faculty vote.

ADMISSION NOTE