MAIS

Program Overview

Become a global Christian and live out the Great Commission by cultivating disciples throughout the world. In the Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies, you’ll receive specialized training as you prepare for and engage in Kingdom work. With a solid biblical and theological foundation, and instruction in cultural sensitivity and regional awareness, you’ll be ready for various pathways in missions and/or cross-cultural work of any kind.

Program Distinctives

M.A. in Intercultural Studies (formerly known as the M.A. in World Missions and Evangelism) graduates are living and ministering in diverse locations across the globe, including Kenya, Thailand, the Middle East, Japan, Ukraine, Paraguay, Haiti and many more.

• Missions is at the core of Gordon-Conwell’s existence, tracing back over 100 years to our roots in the Boston Missionary Training Institute and the Temple Program in Philadelphia
• Overseas Missions Practicum mobilizes, trains and sends out teams of students into cross-cultural areas around the world
• Pioneers Partnership provides a flexible course plan and half tuition scholarships to Pioneers missionaries
• J Christy Wilson, Jr. Center for World Missions fosters a global visions among the Gordon-Conwell community, equips leaders in the global Church, and serves as a bridge between seminary and the world
• The Center for the Study of Global Christianity researches and analyzes the status of Christianity and world religions in every people, language, country and city
• Historic Lausanne Consultation hosted on Gordon-Conwell’s campus

Typical Student

Students in the M.A. in Intercultural Studies come with varied levels of cross-cultural experience, from short-term missions trips to years in the field. Many are interested in overseas missions, while others desire to work amongst cross-cultural populations in the U.S. This program is a great option if you’re still exploring your calling within the cross-cultural context.

Degree Goals

• To understand the basic content and themes of the Old and New Testaments in their historical and cultural settings, as well as the historical and theological dimensions of the Christian faith
• To become familiar with the basic contours of the history of Christian missions
• To experience a field-specific, cross-cultural mission internship so as to develop the skills and a deep commitment to the worldwide communication of the gospel in strategic partnership with the global church
• To foster love for God and his Word and therefore to cultivate the practices of spiritual maturity and Christ-like character, and to understand the Christian’s ethical responsibility in church and society
• To appreciate and be sensitive to the cultural, religious and social contexts of the peoples of the world and develop appropriate strategies for communicating the gospel into those contexts, with a special emphasis on those who currently have no access to the gospel or where the church is not yet viable
• To engage in biblical and theological reflections which are particularly essential for effective cross-cultural ministries.

Spotlight Alum

I actually had first entered Gordon-Conwell with the plan to just get a certificate, but I loved it so much that I ended up staying for the whole missions and evangelism degree program! During my time there, I was able to go on several short-term mission trips, received great guidance from the professors and was able to discern through all that that the Lord wanted me to serve him in Latin America and among children.”

Nicole George de Pineda, MAME ‘03
Missionary, Open Arms Foundation | Medellin, Colombia