Ministry leaders aren’t born.
They’re trained.

See how we do it. 

Our Philosophy of Education
A man with a beard and curly hair is giving a presentation in a conference room, standing next to a whiteboard and in front of a podium with a cityscape logo, behind a window with blinds.
Icon of a graduation cap and diploma signifying education or graduation

Holistic Formation for the Whole of Ministry

We equip leaders for gospel ministry through a comprehensive approach to theological education, equipping students in four key areas: knowledge, character, skills, and vision. Our aim is not merely to transfer information to the mind, but to participate in the holistic formation of Christian leaders, because the demands of gospel ministry require the whole person to be equipped. To accomplish this, MCS has developed a comprehensive seminary curriculum designed to educate, equip, and mobilize leaders and pastors in the Memphis area. For more information, view our Philosophy of Education below.

Our Philosophy of Education

Academic Programs

To train ministry leaders holistically, MCS offers three programs that are the most affordable in the country, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of various student groups. Click below to see the required courses for each program.

Degree Program Overview
Official seal with a shield design and text indicating MDIV program with a sunburst border.

Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity in Theological Studies (M.Div.) is our flagship degree, designed to prepare students for pastoral ministry in local churches.

Learn more
Seal for CBS-M at the Memphis City Seminary, Tennessee, USA, featuring a shield with wavy lines, the text 'CBS-M', and the year 'MMXIX'.

Certificate of Biblical Studies

The CBS-M equips students to be informed church members, sharpened ministry leaders, and theologically sound elders or deacons.

Learn more
Seal of Memphis City Seminary featuring a shield with waves and the acronym MABS, and Roman numerals MMXIX.

Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) is designed to prepare students to become ministry leaders who serve in non-profit organizations and churches.

Learn more
Official seal with a shield design and text indicating MDIV program with a sunburst border.

Master of Divinity

The Master of Divinity in Theological Studies (M.Div.) is our flagship degree, designed to prepare students for pastoral ministry in local churches.

Learn more
Seal for CBS-M at the Memphis City Seminary, Tennessee, USA, featuring a shield with wavy lines, the text 'CBS-M', and the year 'MMXIX'.

Certificate of Biblical Studies

The CBS-M equips students to be informed church members, sharpened ministry leaders, and theologically sound elders or deacons.

Learn more
Seal of Memphis City Seminary featuring a shield with waves and the acronym MABS, and Roman numerals MMXIX.

Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MABS) is designed to prepare students to become ministry leaders who serve in non-profit organizations and churches.

Learn more
Gear and arrow symbol with control sliders on a dark background

Specialized Ministry Tracks

As part of our effort to fully equip leaders for gospel ministry, MCS is proud to offer several ministry-specific tracks in our MABS Program. These tracks do not include any additional in-class coursework but rather offer different opportunities to choose your concentrated area of ministry for the internship and mentorship portion of the degree. Each track offers unique competencies and skills, as well as a reading list specifically designed to equip you for your area of ministry interest.

  1. Women in Ministry

  2. Campus Ministry

  3. Youth Ministry

  4. Counseling Ministry

  5. Community Ministry

  6. Global Ministry

A gear with a dollar sign inside, connected to three downward-pointing arrows, representing affordability

The Most Affordable
Accredited Education in
the Country

The Most Affordable
Accredited Education in
the Country Mobile

There are no hidden agendas here. We simply offer the most affordable accredited seminary education in the country. All students receive the equivalent of a 90% scholarship, with no exceptions.

There are no hidden agendas here. We simply offer the most affordable accredited seminary education in the country. All students receive the equivalent of a 90% scholarship, with no exceptions.

A comparison chart showing the average annual cost of an MDiv degree in the USA, which is $20,730, versus Memphis City Seminary, which costs $2,250. The chart highlights a 90% cost difference based on data from the Association of Theological Schools for 2024/25.
People sitting at a long conference table taking notes and working on laptops in a spacious, well-lit conference room.

Spiritual Growth Without the Degree Path

Non-Degree Seeking

MCS offers this opportunity to adults who are not currently interested in pursuing a degree but wish to enroll in courses for personal enrichment. Non-degree-seeking students may enroll in any course offered by MCS, provided space is available and the prerequisites have been met. Non-degree students are still expected to complete all assignments. If, at any point, a non-degree seeking student wishes to change to a degree seeking track, all earned credits will apply toward their chosen track. 

Cost per class:  $200

Auditing

Auditors may attend classes without the expectation of completing assignments or earning academic credit. This is an opportunity to try out seminary without committing to a degree program. If you aren’t ready to commit to a degree and just want to learn more about a topic, this is the perfect opportunity for you! 

Cost per class: $100

A classroom or seminar room with people seated at desks, listening to a male presenter at a podium in front of a large whiteboard, with laptops and books on desks, and large windows with blinds letting in natural light.
Icon of a calendar with a graduation cap in front of it.

Accessible Theological Education Designed for Busy Leaders

All classes can be accessed in Memphis with no travel to other cities. Classes vary between three convenient in-person formats to make them accessible for those currently serving as bi-vocational pastors or full-time workers.

1 Evening Per Week
Courses are regularly offered on a weeknight for consecutive weeks throughout the semester.

2 Weekends Per Semester
Our courses are often offered as weekend intensives, meeting twice a semester. Generally, our weekend courses meet on Friday nights from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm and on Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

3 Day Intensives
Typically, one or two courses are offered per semester in a 3-day intensive format.

Upcoming Courses

Our Fall semester begins September 1st.

Audit A Course
A classical religious painting depicting Jesus Christ being baptized by John the Baptist, with various people in the background and steps leading to a temple or religious structure.
A painting of the Last Supper, showing Jesus and his apostles seated around a long table with bread and chalices.
Painting of Jesus Christ performing the miracle of healing, surrounded by people with some reaching out to Him, set in classical architecture with a street scene in the background.
A painting of Jesus Christ being baptized by John the Baptist, with followers witnessing
Classical painting of a woman offering comfort to a seated man with a red cloak, outdoors with greenery around.
A classical painting of the Three Wise Men presenting gifts to baby Jesus in a manger scene, with other figures and animals observing.
Man sitting on a chair in a library, reading a book and writing in a notebook with a pink pen, with a laptop on a chair in front of him and shelves of books behind.
An open book with a light bulb above it, symbolizing ideas or inspiration.

Academic Resource & Writing Center

Open Weekdays 10am - 3pm

The MCS Library has hundreds of quality research materials to facilitate our city’s theological education opportunities, and offers personalized writing and research services for our learning community. 

Professional research and writing assistance is available for MCS students by appointment during library hours.

Research Resources:

  • Support for Online Research Platforms

  • Writing Workshops

  • Coursework Success Luncheons

Writing Resources:

  • Personalized Writing Support

  • Classroom Writing Support

Transferability of Credits Disclosure

Credits earned at Memphis City Seminary may not transfer to another educational institution. Credits earned at another educational institution may not be accepted by Memphis City Seminary. You should obtain confirmation that Memphis City Seminary will accept any credits you have earned at another educational institution before you execute an enrollment contract or agreement. You should also contact any educational institutions that you may want to transfer credits earned at Memphis City Seminary to determine if such institutions will accept credits earned at Memphis City Seminary prior to executing an enrollment contract or agreement. The ability to transfer credits from Memphis City Seminary to another educational institution may be very limited. Your credits may not transfer and you may have to repeat courses previously taken at Memphis City Seminary if you enroll in another educational institution. You should never assume that credits will transfer to or from any educational institution. It is highly recommended and you are advised to make certain that you know the transfer of credit policy of Memphis City Seminary and of any other educational institutions you may in the future want to transfer the credits earned at Memphis City Seminary before you execute an enrollment contract or agreement.

Current Students

Login To Populi
Request Transcript