In the summer of 2021, Gordon-Conwell formally transitioned to new degree programs. Learn More. The program below remains active for students who entered before that time who have not yet graduated. No new students are being accepted into this specific program.
The Study of Global Leadership
At Gordon-Conwell, we offer:
- M.A. in Global Leadership (MAGL)
- Graduate Certificate of Global Leadership (GCGL)
Can’t uproot and move to seminary? Whether you’re interested in exploring Global Leadership with an intensive class or want to begin a low-residency masters or graduate certificate, Summer Seminary on the Hill is the program for you.
The Study of Global Leadership provides a theological, historical, and missiological foundation for students seeking preparation and training for leadership in a global context. The study is designed to prepare women and men for a wide variety of mission and non-profit settings. We aim to prepare students to faithfully comprehend, interpret, and apply the Bible within their own lives and to serve in various leadership roles in those settings.
At Gordon-Conwell we offer a masters degree and graduate certificate in Global Leadership.
Typical Student
- Part-time students who desire to focus on the global dimension of Christianity and the particular aspects of providing theological leadership for global Christian movements
- Leaders of parachurch ministries
- Leaders of NGOs that would benefit from theological training
- Short-term missionaries
- Individuals preparing for a second career in a not-for-profit capacity internationally
Potential Careers in Global Leadership
- Parachurch ministry
- Missions
- NGO
- Bivocational ministry
- International church setting
Global Christianity Faculty
Dr. Scott W. Sunquist
President & Professor of Missiology
Dr. Todd Johnson
Paul E. and Eva B. Toms Distinguished Professor of Mission and Global Christianity, Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity
Dr. Gina Zurlo
Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity
Dr. Xiyi (Kevin) Yao
Associate Professor of World Christianity and Asian Studies
Why Study With Us?
- Spiritually grounded. Students will understand who they are as people of God and will be faithful in developing their relationships with Christ and other Christians.
- Biblically grounded. Students will acknowledge the authority of God’s inerrant Bible and its centrality in governing Christian life and practice. Students will also grasp the basics of interpretive methodology and will have practice in using tools and techniques to handle the Bible well.
- Culturally and globally aware. Students will recognize the importance of understanding the culture in which one lives and works, and will develop experience in interpreting their particular ministry context in light of Scripture. They will be aware of what the Lord is doing to establish his kingdom throughout the world and will see their own ministries in direct connection to the worldwide mission of his church.
- Historically and theologically adept. Students will appreciate the historical and doctrinal heritage both of the Christian church as a whole and of the specific group or groups of which they are a part.
- Equipped with ministry skills. Students will gain experience and expertise to be leaders in global contexts.
Alumni Story
More than 66% of the world’s Christians live in the Global South and East, and that figure grows exponentially each day. Yet, fewer than 20% of pastors and church leaders in these regions have any formal theological education. Gordon-Conwell’s Master of Arts in Global Leadership (MAGL) offers a strategic, timely, and relevant response to the burgeoning gap in mission leadership. God used my studies at Gordon-Conwell to renew my heart and leadership vision for his global mission.
Nana Yaw Offei Awuku, MA in World Missions and Evangelism ’18, The Lausanne Movement Global Associate Director for Generations
Co-Curricular Resources
The Center for the Study of Global Christianity
Global Leadership students have premier access to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell. As one of the world’s leading academic research centers on Global Christianity, the Center monitors worldwide demographic trends in Christianity, including outreach and mission. It provides a comprehensive collection of information on the past, present, and future of Christianity in every country of the world. The Center’s data and publications help churches, mission agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to be more strategic, thoughtful, and sensitive to local contexts.
The Center’s highest profile work on global Christianity has just been published by Edinburgh University Press, the World Christian Encyclopedia, 3rd edition. It contains the history of Christianity in every country of the world (234), plus demographic analysis of every Christian denomination. It includes descriptions of the contemporary situation of Christians all around the world, from growing churches in sub-Saharan Africa to shrinking churches in the Middle East.
Relevant Books by our Faculty*
(*Please note, these books do not comprise a specific course reading list.)
- Todd M. Johnson and Gina A. Zurlo, eds., World Christian Encyclopedia, 3rd ed. (Edinburgh University Press, 2019)
- Todd M. Johnson and Cindy M. Wu, Our Global Families: Christians Embracing Common Identity in a Changing World (Baker, 2015)
- Scott W. Sunquist, Why Church? A Basic Introduction (IVP Academic, 2019)
- Scott W. Sunquist, Understanding Christian Mission: Participation in Suffering and Glory (Baker Academic, 2013)