We are not currently accepting MAGL applications.
MA in Global Leadership (MAGL)
Full-Time: 1 Year | Part-Time 2-3 Years
All Campuses or 100% Online
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
MA in Global Leadership (MAGL)
The Master of Arts in Global Leadership (MAGL) will equip you with a missiological foundation for leadership in a global context. Designed to prepare women and men for a wide variety of mission and non-profit settings, upon completion you will be able to faithfully comprehend, interpret and apply the Bible within your own life and will be prepared to serve in various leadership roles.
Potential Careers
- Parachurch Ministry
- Missions
- NGO
- Bi-Vocational Ministry
- International Church Staff
- Parachurch Ministry
- Missions
- NGO
- Bi-Vocational Ministry
- International Church Staff
Program Goals
- You will be spiritually grounded. You will understand who you are as a child of God and will be faithful in developing your relationships with Christ and with his people.
- You will be biblically grounded. You will acknowledge the authority of God’s inerrant Bible and its centrality in governing Christian life and practice. You will understand the main themes and emphases of the Old and New Testaments and have a grasp of the overall message of the Bible and its implications for all aspects of life.
- You will have a basic competence as biblical interpreters. You will grasp the basics of interpretive methodology and will have practice in using tools and techniques to handle the Bible well.
- You will be historically and theologically adept. You 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.
- You will be culturally and globally aware. You will recognize the importance of understanding the culture in which you minister and will possess experience in interpreting your particular ministry context in light of Scripture. You will be aware of what the Lord is doing to establish his kingdom throughout the world and will see your own ministries in direct connection to the worldwide mission of his church.
- You will be equipped with ministry skills. You will gain experience and expertise to be leaders in global and majority-world ministry contexts.
Program Distinctives
- Development of a firm biblical foundation to equip students for effective ministry
- World-renowned faculty members training new leaders in the Church
- Access to other top-tier institutions, including Harvard Divinity School and Boston University School of Theology, through the Boston Theological Interreligous Consortium
- Emphasis on global engagement provides opportunities for hands-on missions experience
- Quality contextualized theological education and hands-on training
- Rigorous courses offered in various formats (evenings, weekends, week intensives and online/hybrid) to accommodate your schedule
- Convenient, economical and innovative adult education system
- Renowned, highly qualified and experienced faculty
- Enhanced library services with capability to access theological databases from your home
- Access to library resources and classes at other top-tier institutions through the Carolina Theological Consortium
Cohort-Based Education Model
- Cohorts bring together the same students, taking the same courses, at the same time, for their academic program.
- Cohorts currently enrolling in Spanish, English, & Portuguese.
- Language-based cohorts are not be taught in translation, other than an occasional guest presenter.
- Gordon-Conwell faculty who speak the language of the cohort provide mentorship and academic leadership.
- Stackable academic bundles enable students to achieve certificates that lead to both the MAGL and MATS degrees.
- Tuition is fixed for the academic bundle as long as a student remains in the cohort they started with.
- Ministry leaders share issues, challenges, and opportunities as they grow together spiritually and professionally in a shared cohort experience.
Courses
36 Credit Hours (12 Courses)
Foundational Courses (Core Requirements)
Exploring the Old Testament
Introduces history, literature and thought of Old Testament as reflected in its major divisions and individual books. Designed and recommended for those who have not had a systematic survey of the Old Testament, enabling them to proceed with seminary-level studies.
Exploring the New Testament
Introduction to the New Testament, providing a framework to understand its message as a whole, as well as the particular message of each book. The course focuses on historical, literary, and theological aspects of the New Testament.
Interpreting the Bible
An introduction to essential bibliographical tools necessary for Bible study and an orientation to the key issues in the field of hermeneutics. Prerequisites: NT501 and OT500.
Theology Survey I
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
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. Prerequisite: TH501. Also must complete OT500 and NT501 before or during this course.
Spiritual Formation for Ministry
Spiritual Formation for Ministry (MC/SF501): The foundational course in the Division of Practical Theology and an introduction to theological seminary. A beginning working knowledge of spiritual formation leading to a lifetime of continuing education. Spiritual exercise and small group practice for personal application and for leadership in the church.
Global Leadership & Ministry Courses
Biblical Theology of Leadership
In an age of moral failure, cancel culture, and misconduct allegations, how do Christian leaders lead with integrity and character? Theological training is more essential today than ever for Christian leadership. Analyze the characteristics of leadership from biblical figures and metaphors within the larger context of God's calling on his people throughout Redemptive history. Articulate a biblical theology of leadership, exegete biblical leadership concepts, observe leadership from a progressive revelation framework, identify primary biblical leadership themes and metaphors, and observe key biblical passages for informed leadership practices in the church, the mission field, and the workplace. Course prerequisites include: OT500, NT501, NT/OT517.
Understanding Culture
Examine culture through biblical, anthropological, and missiological lenses to develop cross-cultural competence and foster God-honoring, reconciling relationships within diverse communities.
Global Leadership — Choose Either:
Global Leadership
Leadership is not a new phenomenon. In fact, leadership as a movement spans the entire globe and can be traced across history. In this course, you will analyze the theological, sociological, and global implications of leadership. Research the people, organizations, and issues that contributed to leadership movements. Observe the various traditions of Christian Spirituality from countries in the Global South (Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America) that influenced the development of leadership. Discover how leadership is flexible and adaptable to its cultural setting and reflect on practices for enriched, effective leadership today.
Cross-Cultural Leadership
What is a leader? What is good leadership? These seemingly simple questions are more complicated than they initially appear. Effective cross-cultural leadership is always contextualized, and different contexts carry unique expectations. To navigate this complexity, you will become better acquainted with the nuances of your own culture’s leadership preferences, you will unpack your personal leadership instincts, and you will analyze new leadership practices for the future. Course content will cater to recognizing geographic, cultural differences and discuss methods for honoring such differences within leadership roles.
Missions — Choose Either:
World Mission of the Church
The task of the Great Commission has been given to the local and global church. In this course, consider the responsibility of the church to engage in mission mindfulness and mission action. Formulate a biblical understanding of mission by summarizing key themes in Scripture and by observing the historical progress of missions throughout the ages. Gain familiarity with the global Christian community, consider the approaches of contemporary mission studies, and identify key trends in contemporary global missions. Discover the various mission paradigms and isolate the key events and personalities of mission history to be better equipped for mission-oriented action in the church today.
Theology of Mission
Most Christians feel obligated to fulfill Jesus' Great Commission in Matthew 28:18–20, but what does that mean in actual practice today? In this biblical-theological introduction to God’s trinitarian mission, discover the development of ecumenical, evangelical, and Roman Catholic mission theology from the past 120 years. Examine the relationship between social action and evangelism, the development of mission, and the relation of Christianity to other religions. In concluding this course, you will be able to articulate the major theological issues in contemporary mission including unreached peoples, mission and imperialism, Islam and Christian mission, theology of religions, urban mission, and the re-evangelization of the West.
General Elective Course
Recommended Options:
Women in World Christianity (CH/WM 672)
Religions on the Silk Road (CH/TH 621)
NGOs in Development & Mission (WM682)
Trends in Global Christianity (WM684)
Global Pentecostalism (WM619)
General Elective Course
Recommended Options:
Women in World Christianity (CH/WM 672)
Religions on the Silk Road (CH/TH 621)
NGOs in Development & Mission (WM682)
Trends in Global Christianity (WM684)
Global Pentecostalism (WM619)
Please consult the current year Academic Catalog for the most up-to-date information about this (and any) program requirements. Returning students should refer to the checksheet they were admitted to.
Requirements
Academic Requirements
Required Degree: Bachelor’s
Minimum GPA: 2.5
English Language Requirements
Gordon-Conwell requires a TOEFL score of 92 or better (IBT) for International Students. We also accept IELTS scores of 7.0 or higher, or a Duolingo score of 115. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree through an English-language university may request a TOEFL waiver.
Application Requirements
A Completed Online Application Includes:
- Application Form
- Application Fee
- Two Uploaded Essays
- A 1-2 page statement of purpose addressing questions about your vocational goals, church involvement, encouragement from others, reasons for applying to Gordon-Conwell, and an assessment of your own strengths and weaknesses
- A 1-2 page autobiographical statement
- Three Recommendations
- Pastor or Church Official
- Friend or Associate;
- Former Professor or Professional Colleague (references should be individuals whom you have known for at least one year, and who are not related to you.)
- Official Transcripts
- The seminary requires a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting agency.
- Official transcripts must be sent directly to Gordon-Conwell, or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope. Copies and opened transcripts are not considered official.
- Transcripts may be sent by any means your college(s) uses for transmitting official transcripts; official electronic transcripts are accepted.
- Gordon-Conwell is a partner school of Parchment. If your college uses this service for transmitting electronic transcripts, search for and have the transcripts sent to “Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.”
- We do need transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, even if the classes were transferred to another school and are reflected on their transcripts.
You Can Afford Seminary!
Scholarships and financial assistance are available.