Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the creation of two initiatives adding to our vibrant, forward-thinking programming that are grounded in Scripture.

Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Track in the Arts, Ministry and Mission

The first is a Doctor of Ministry track in the Arts, Ministry, and Mission, emphasizing the way the arts in all their forms—literary, musical, visual, etc.—are embedded within the story of God and integral to Christian ministry and mission. Under the leadership of  Dr. Wes Vander Lugt (acting director of Gordon-Conwell’s Leighton-Ford Initiative) and Dr. William Barnett, this DMin track provides a strong biblical and theological framework for engaging with the arts for the sake of vital and robust ministry, mission, and worship.

The program will be launched in May of 2025 at St. Christopher’s Retreat Center (near Charleston) and in Charlotte. Site visits that highlight “art encounters” and worship are a critical component of each residency and will form the basis of individual reflection and group discussions.

To learn more and apply, visit the program page.

Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) with a Concentration in Church Planting

The other new initiative is the addition of a concentration in church planting to the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program. Led by Dr. Erin Crider, adjunct professor of practical theology and director of church planting, this New England-based concentration prepares leaders sent by their home congregations to answer the missional call to plant a church in New England, the birthplace of American evangelicalism. Currently, New England boasts the dubious distinction of having of six out of the ten “most post-Christian cities” exist in the United States¹ while likewise being the least evangelized area in the country today.² As part of our Strategic Plan to “reinvigorate church renewal and church planting,” this new concentration will be offered beginning Fall 2024 under the cohort model that includes three years of online coursework with four weeklong, in-person intensive courses at the Hamilton campus. It will be funded by the Partnership Program, so students graduate debt-free.

Visit the MACM page for more information or email [email protected].

Both of these exciting new programs embody the forward-looking, gospel-centered and Christ-honoring mission of Gordon-Conwell, which, since its beginning, centers its purpose around making disciples of all nations.

[1]This is the conclusion reached by Barna in a 2019 study.

[2] According to a study by Pew, the Northeast (by which they include NY, NJ, and PA) has the smallest population of evangelical Christians.