February 18, 2025 (Ontario, Calif.) -- Gateway Seminary is launching a new master’s degree program built for California Baptist University’s School of Christian Ministries’ graduates.

“This partnership between Gateway and CBU represents our shared desire to attract and retain more ministry leaders for churches in California,” said Adam Groza, president of Gateway Seminary.

This new degree program enables CBU students with a bachelor’s in applied theology, Christian studies, Christian ministries, or intercultural studies to apply nine hours of undergraduate coursework to the Master of Biblical and Theological Studies (MBTS). The MBTS is a new 36-credit-hour degree created for CBU graduates. This offers CBU students a 4+1 program: a 4-year bachelor’s at CBU plus a 1-year master’s at Gateway.

Courses will be taught by faculty from both Gateway and CBU, including Dr. Chris Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries at CBU.

“We are grateful for Dr. Groza and Gateway Seminary’s commitment to developing ministry leaders for California and beyond. Working together will even more effectively equip students to serve churches from a strong biblical and theological foundation,” said Morgan. 

In addition to the nine credit hours students transfer from their bachelor programs, 27 credit hours will be completed at the seminary’s campus in Ontario, Calif. In the fall and spring terms, students can take twelve hours of coursework in biblical studies, theology, and church history, as well as a year-long ministry practicum focused on theological reflection and hands-on ministry practice. In the summer, all students may participate in a fully funded, international mission trip through Gateway’s Beyond program for three hours of credit.

Undergirding this partnership is a vision to prepare pastors and ministers for churches in California. In this way, both CBU and Gateway provide unique and affordable opportunities for students to prepare in the challenging ministry context of the American West.

“Serving a church in California makes an ideal training ground for ministry,” said Groza.

“With this partnership, Gateway will be shaping leaders who can thrive in any ministry context. Our hope is that more students will commit to a lifetime of ministry in the West.”

To learn more, visit gs.edu/4+1.

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