AVAILABLE IN:
Master of Arts
in Christian Studies
52 Credit Hours
Program Overview
The purpose of the Master of Arts in Christian Studies program is to provide foundational resources for a sustainable Christian ministry by interpreting and communicating the biblical text; building and utilizing an orthodox theological framework; and, by developing lifelong learners (disciples) who depend on the Holy Spirit’s gifts and use the means of grace skillfully in their context for their own growth in Christlikeness and for the growth of those they serve.
This 52-credit hour degree requires completion of the program under supervision of the faculty with the encouragement of fellow students and mentors. Students who are admitted to this program having already completed the Graduate Certificate can apply their earned credits to this program, reducing the required number of credits for completing the Master of Arts in Christian Studies.
Program Outcomes
Upon completing the Master’s Degree in Christian Studies, each student will:
Outcome 1
Summarize the covenantal structure of Scripture and explain its primary purposes to reveal God’s redemptive plan for the world and to equip God’s people as ambassadors of Christ’s kingdom.
Outcome 2
Display skillful exegesis and communication skills by selecting appropriate biblical texts and interpreting them clearly for more than one audience.
Outcome 3
Create a spiritual and ministry formation plan that cultivates spiritual growth in order to steward the Spirit’s gifts for equipping the church.
Outcome 4
Analyze and evaluate summaries of biblical teaching and formulate new orthodox summaries for the worship and witness of the local church.
Outcome 5
Design ministry activities that are faithful to God’s Word and fitting for their local context in order to cultivate the Church’s mission to bear witness to Christ in ministries of word and deed.
Program duration options
4 Years
STANDARD
2 Years
ACCELERATED
Program Details
Requirements for Applicants
- Completed application form and payment of application fee
- Pastor’s or Mentor’s recommendation form that documents applicant’s ministry gifts and activities
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts from undergraduate program(s)
- Current government-issued photo identification
Course Requirements for Master of Arts
Discipleship Practicums and Capstone
In partnership with their local mentors and ministry supervisors, our Discipleship practicums provide students with the opportunity to plan, participate in, reflect on, and evaluate three essential aspects of congregational ministry:
- Worship – the ministries of Liturgy, Word and Sacraments
- Nurture – the ministries of Christian fellowship, education, and spiritual care
- Outreach – the practices of evangelism, hospitality, and community service
The Capstone Portfolio and Project revisits key assessments throughout the Bible and Theology curriculum, as well as each discipleship practicum and its ministry project. Each student’s portfolio collection, analysis and presentation addresses three research questions that arise from each of three, primary resources for ministry:
- the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
- the Practices of Christian life in the local church
- the Cultural and Institutional contexts in which the student is called to serve
Each student’s Capstone Presentation is a celebration of their learning that appropriates key themes and practices from our curriculum into their plans for ministry.
BIBLE COURSES
- He Gave Us Scripture, Part 1 (3 Credits)
- He Gave Us Scripture, Part 2 (3 Credits)
- Kingdom, Covenants and Canon of the Old Testament (2 Credits)
- Kingdom and Covenant in the New Testament (2 Credits)
- The Book of Acts (2 Credits)
- The Pentateuch, Part 1 (3 Credits)
- The Pentateuch, Part 2 (3 Credits)
- He Gave Us Prophets (3 Credits)
- The Gospels (3 Credits)
- Heart of Paul’s Theology (2 Credits)
Bible Credits = 26
THEOLOGY COURSES
- The Apostles’ Creed (3 Credits)
- Building Your Theology (2 Credits)
- We Believe in God (2 Credits)
- We Believe in the Holy Spirit (2 Credits)
- We Believe in Jesus (3 Credits)
- What is Man? (3 credits)
- Your Kingdom Come: Eschatology (2 Credits)
- Making Biblical Decisions (3 Credits)
- Discipleship Practicums (3 Credits)
- Capstone (3 Credits)
Theology Credits = 26