Whether you plan to serve in a church, para-church, mission, campus ministry or marketplace setting, the Master of Arts in Christian Ministries (MACM) will prepare you for effective ministry wherever God calls you. Combining excellent academic training and practical ministry skills, the MA in Christian Ministries provides a solid foundation in multiple disciplines and enhances students’ proficiency in serving the Lord and others.
48 Credit Hours (16 Courses)
The MA in Christian Ministries (MACM) includes nine foundational courses (core requirements), six concentration electives, and one open elective.
Exploring the Old Testament (OT500) highlights the big picture of the Old Testament through the lens of God’s relationship with his people. We will explore the content, context, message, and purpose of each Old Testament book. We will see how each book fits into the overarching story of the Old Testament and how the unfolding narrative points forward to Jesus as the climax in the story of redemption.
Exploring the New Testament (NT501) traces the revelation of the Good News of Jesus Christ from the time of Jesus’ inauguration of God’s Kingdom, through the international missionary work of the Apostle Paul, to the Church’s communal life and witness in the first-century world. We will explore the content, context, message, and purpose of each New Testament book and see how they show the fulfillment of Scripture’s overarching narrative.
Interpreting the Bible aims to lay a foundation of knowledge and skills for a lifetime of careful and fruitful study of the Bible for ministries of many kinds. A wide range of gifts, callings, and ministries are represented among students in this course. The hope and expectation is that by furnishing a broad foundation for responsible and productive study of Scripture, the course will enable students to adapt the knowledge and skills acquired to the particular needs and demands of the ministries they pursue.
Theology Survey I (TH501) provides a study of theological method, revelation, inspiration, and canon of scripture; existence and attributes of God; Trinity; creation and providence; human nature; original and actual sin.
Theology Survey II (TH502) provides a study of the person and work of Christ, predestination, conversion, justification, sanctification, and the work of the Holy Spirit; perseverance; the nature and mission of the church; sacraments; eschatology.
Survey of Church History (CH500) surveys the history of the Christian church from its founding at Pentecost in Jerusalem to the present day worldwide movement.
Understanding Culture (CT520) assists Christians in the task of translating Christianity into the various cultures where it abides, attending to the traits, values and patterns of specific cultures so that as Christ enters that culture he both rectifies what is broken and lifts up what is sacred.
Ethics (Any ET) explores how Christians can make and enact good, wise, and faithful ethical choices and develop moral character and community in the midst of a complex world.
Spiritual Formation for Ministry (MC/SF501) develops a working knowledge of spiritual formation leading to a lifetime of continuing education. Special emphasis is given to spiritual exercise and small group practice for personal application and for leadership in ministry. Alternative: Dynamics of Spiritual Life (CH/SF591)
The six concentration electives you choose should be drawn from either the division of Practical Theology or Counseling. This includes the following course subjects and associated course codes:
CL — Christian Leadership
CO — Counseling
EM — Educational Ministry
EV — Evangelism
MC — Ministry of the Church
PC — Pastoral Counseling
PR — Preaching
YM — Youth Ministry
In addition to the standard MACM, Gordon-Conwell offers multiple predefined concentrations. These concentrations provide you a focused plan of study.
Church Planting
Communication Skills
Leadership
Spiritual Formation
Urban Ministry
Scholarships and financial assistance are available.