Seek the Peace of the City
Whether you plan to serve in a church, para-church, mission, campus ministry or marketplace setting, the Master of Arts in Christian Ministries (MACM) — Urban Ministry Concentration prepares you for effective ministry in diverse and everchanging cultural landscapes. 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 while seeking the peace and well-being of the city (Jeremiah 29:7).
48 Credit Hours (16 Courses)
The MACM – Urban Ministry Concentration includes nine foundational courses (core requirements), six concentration course, and one field-based mentoried ministry course.
Introduction to Theological Studies (CT500) introduces seminary students to graduate-level research and writing skills with specific attention to academic writing, theological research, integrating sources, understanding and avoiding plagiarism, and the proper citation of sources.
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.
Have you ever heard someone ask, “does the Bible really say that?” This question often stems from a curiosity about biblical interpretation. In NT/OT517, you will acquire critical exegetical skills for faithful biblical analysis for ministry contexts, as well as for deeper spiritual enrichment. Gain a foundation of the theory and methods of Biblical interpretation and utilize modern exegetical resources. Apply interpretive principles to various genres of Scripture. Distinguish between various schools of thought related to key hermeneutical issues in Biblical interpretation. This course will provide you with the essential tools you need for each ministry setting, and to tactfully engage in “why?” conversations with informed knowledge and insight.
What exactly sets Christianity apart from other religious expressions in the world? Examine the development of the nature, history, and methodology of Christian theology. Explore the distinctives of Christianity through the over-arching theme of the doctrine of God in the first of a two-part survey on Christian theology. Observe the awesome being of God, the attributes of God, and the Trinitarian nature of God. Reflect upon various methodological issues, theological implications of creation, and theological anthropology. In completion of TH501, you will be able to outline fundamental Christian doctrines, articulate various theological positions with biblical support, and communicate a personal theological position on significant theological topics.
With a theological foundation laid in TH501, TH502 undertakes a more comprehensive analysis of Christology, the person and work of the Christ, as well as Pneumatology, the work of the Holy Spirit. The doctrines of predestination, conversion, justification, sanctification, perseverance, the nature and mission of the church, sacraments, and eschatology will be examined more extensively, and all doctrinal observations will be made from the perspective of divine missions and Trinitarian activity. Theological reflection will occur in a comparative fashion, observing evangelical traditions alongside other major Christian traditions, specifically Catholic and Eastern-orthodox doctrine, for the purpose of enhancing the range of theological study.
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.
Seeks to develop the student’s theological-ethical reflections, social analysis, and types of action for ministering to crucial social issues. Our three-step approach will be: 1) clarification, 2) conceptualization, and 3) confrontation. Issues include: urbanization, economic justice, and environmental ethics.
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Course Description coming soon.
Missions & the Local Church (WM661) covers the position, roles, and responsibilities of the local church with respect to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. Special attention given to the concept of the local church as the primary, God-ordained organism for the recruitment, training and sending of missionaries.
Church & Community (MC/SE602) introduces students to important strategies for social ministry, such as: congregation-based community organizing, community development, and others, designed to facilitate a holistic social ministry and prophetic role in the community and exploring as avenues towards gospel faithfulness and shalom in the city. The biblical/theological bases for social responsibility are explored.
Living Systems in the Urban Context (MC621) lays out the basic concepts and tools of systems thinking; helps students understand that the Body of Christ, churches, families, neighborhoods, and cities are complex and interrelated living social systems; and then introduces a systemic approach to Christian ministry called Living System Ministry. Students learn through viewing videos, reading, self-reflection, interactive teaching, workshops, dynamic discussion, and challenging but practical assignments.
Christianity & the Problem of Racism (SE632) …
The Bible & Race (AP/MC687) leads students to a comprehensive theological understanding of the diversity of the human race and the accompanying ministry implications through a Biblical worldview.
Pastoral Care in the Urban Church (MC/PC608) [description coming soon]
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Leadership in Urban Ministry (CL654) emphasizes equipping, leading, and supporting urban Christians in and for their various callings in home, community, church, and workplace through the educational ministry of the local congregation. Helps students to identify their own leadership opportunities, to consider their own leadership assets, and to develop others.
Leadership, Management, and Strategy for Urban Ministry (CL/MC801) offers triple workshop: Creative Life Planning, Management Theory and Plan for Future Ministry. Provides powerful small group experience and application of dynamic theory to future practice.
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Working with Marginalized Poor (MC670) [description coming soon]
Compassionate & Holistic Youth & Family in Urban Ministry (EM/YM683) [description coming soon]
Field-Based Mentored Ministry (MM649) is a capstone practical theology course required for MDiv and MA students through CUME. Students learn broad-based urban ministry leadership skills. The semester is divided into a series of thematic workshops followed by a field-based ministry project that will be addressed by a small group and an assigned mentor. Students practice leadership skills, strategic planning, collaboration, and community development principles along with pastoral discernment. Spiritual formation goals are integrated into all aspects of the course.
Students enrolled in an urban ministry degree through our Boston Campus/CUME, are eligible for the Urban Ministry Scholarship (a 47% discount from our base tuition, automatically applied for CUME students). Qualifying programs include: The Graduate Certificate in Urban Ministry, the MA in Christian Ministries —Urban Ministry Concentration, and the Master of Divinity — Urban Ministry Concentration.
Note: Service fees will be charged as follows for each semester/summer session in which a student registers for courses, regardless of student status or credit hours or registration type.
Fall/Spring/Full Summer | $175 per term |
Summer I, II, III (Intensives) | $35 per session |
Technology Fee | $40 per term |
Check the following link for further campus and program-specific dates & deadlines.
Detailed Application Dates & Deadlines »