Master of Arts in Ministry and Leadership 

Master of Arts in Ministry and Leadership

Coaching Track

Portland

  • Spiritual formation 6

    • SFS 501 Learning to Love God and Others 2 The theological and practical dynamics of evangelical spirituality will be examined to provide a solid foundation for rich fellowship with the Triune God and for living out of the Great Commandment. The nature of spiritual maturity will be examined (including a biblically-balanced model of priorities) and practical experiences for nurturing that maturity will be provided. 2 credits.
    • SFS 502 Practicing Prayer and Other Key Disciplines 2 Growing more Christ-like in our attitudes and actions can be nurtured through the spiritual disciplines taught by Scripture and practiced by believers throughout the ages. You will learn, from an evangelical perspective, the contribution each activity can make to your spiritual growth and how to enhance your actual practice of these holy habits. Extended attention will be given to developing a biblical understanding and practice of prayer. 2 credits.
    • SFS 504 Growing into Ethical Maturity 2 The ability to discern right from wrongand to act appropriately in light of that assessmentis essential if church leaders are to maintain and model ethical integrity. Your moral sensitivity will be enhanced as you become acquainted with some of the fundamental issues involved in developing a biblically-informed personal, professional and social ethic. 2 credits.
  • Biblical studies 16

    • DBS 506 Learning to Interpret Scripture 4 In this course you will study the foundational principles and interpretive procedures of the grammatico-historical method of biblical interpretation. You will also apply these principles and procedures in actual Bible study, using the English Bible. Required during the first year of M.A. or M.Div. studies. 4 credits.
    • BLS 501 Interpreting Genesis to Song of Solomon 4 This initial course in biblical literature lays a foundation for the further study of the Bible by introducing the biblical covenants and God's kingdom program. Our examination of the Pentateuch will focus on the great attributes of God. The historical books will show how God works among His people. We will conclude with a consideration of the practical lessons found in the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
    • BLS 502 Interpreting the Prophets and Gospels 4 In this course you will learn the historical background of each of the prophets and become acquainted with their distinctive contribution and modern relevance. After examining the prophecies concerning the Messiah, you will see how they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Our focus in the Gospels will be on Matthew and John. You will study Jesus' teachings, miracles, and parables with consideration given to present day application. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
    • BLS 503 Interpreting Acts to Revelation 4 Our focus in the early part of the course will be on the beginnings of the church. As we trace Paul's life, we will study his letters in the order in which they were written, giving attention to the historical and cultural settings. Special focus will be given to Paul's great teachings on salvation, justification, and sanctification. Our attention will then turn to the subject of eschatology as we examine the General Epistles and Revelation. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
  • Theological studies 10

    • THS 501 Knowing the Triune God: Theology I 4 You will begin to cultivate your ability to think theologically by exploring how theology is done in various approaches in order to develop a practical theological method. Then you will probe God's progressive revelation focusing on the nature and authority of Scripture before pondering God's triune nature and work culminating in the incarnation of the Son. Your passion for carrying out God's mission in His world will expand as you begin to understand how the Father's revelation has impacted the world He created. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
    • THS 502 Glorifying the God of Our Salvation: Theology II 4 Continuing the process of learning to think theologically you will now apply yourself to biblical revelation regarding the Son as the source of life. You will investigate humanity, its dignity as image of God and its depravity as sinful beings, the reality and impact of spiritual beings as backdrop for the atoning work of the Son and its application in the aspects of our salvation. Contemplating the majesty of the Son's work in light of the depth of sin will invigorate our worship and impel our work for His kingdom. Prerequisite: THS 501. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 4 credits.
    • THS 503 Living as the Community of the Spirit: Theology III 2 You will culminate the process of learning to think theologically by exploring the Spirit's life-giving work. Then you will investigate the church as God's covenant community and instrument of His present working, ending with the consummation of His kingdom program in end time events. Throughout the course the Spirit will transform us as we see our part in His grand work. Prerequisite: THS 501. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. 2 credits.
  • Ministry and leadership studies 26

        Core Studies Required: 12

      • DIS 501 Communicating Christ in Culture 2 Ministry is communication. The content must be known and experienced so the proclamation will have substance and credibility. After learning what we are to communicate, we must learn how to communicate. The course imparts fundamental concepts that will equip the student to communicate across personal and cultural barriers. 2 credits.
      • DMS 501 Thinking Theologically about Ministry Leadership 2 Ministry is built upon sound biblical, theological and cultural foundations. Each generation of the Church must understand and build on these foundations, as well as discover relevant contemporary innovations and applications. This course intends to help you integrate an understanding of the Word and the world with the development of a personal philosophy of ministry. 2 credits.
        • DMS 506 Developing Godly Leadership for the 21st Century 2 A core leadership course designed for those who intend to be future leaders of the church. This course will move from definitions to the core values of a leader; how to take ministry through a vision process, engage in strategic planning, decision-making, and implementation, build great teams, work through conflict and change, delegate tasks, and effectively mentor the next generation of leaders. Models from the corporate, political, and military worlds will be compared and contrasted with the biblical definitions and illustrations of leadership. 2 credits.
        or
        • PCW 513 Women in Leadership 2 In this course students explore four essential components of being a Christian woman in leadership: call, character, craft, and competencies. Concerning the call of a woman in leadership, attention is given to understanding and valuing what motivates a person to lead. Students learn how to define and develop Christlike character and integrity of heart in private and public arenas. The art of leadership is examined, including cycles, styles, and gender issues. The many facets of being a change agent, communicator, and mentor are investigated, and insights are gained from biblical and historical examples of women in leadership. 2 credits.
      • EMS 505 Growing Disciples Intentionally 2 Christ commands His children to love God, love people and make disciples (Matt 22:37-40, 28:16- 20). This course will examine the role of the local church and para-church organizations in facilitating, guiding, and nurturing the spiritual growth of believers from infancy through the end of life. The teaching/learning process will be evaluated primarily in terms of intentional growth outcomes in the lives of Christians at all levels of spiritual maturity. 2 credits.
      • PTS 504 Maximizing the Church's Redemptive Influence 2 This course gives attention to the essential nature and vocation of the Church as God's called people. Students are challenged to rethink the mission of the Church, moving beyond traditional assumptions, and relating the mission to a modern/post-modern context. Focus will be given to countering pluralism and the new paganism, determining a biblical strategy for accomplishing the mission, developing a social conscience, putting together a global approach to ministry, and creating the structures for achieving redemptive influence. 2 credits.
      • PTS 505 Providing Leadership in Ministry 2 This course builds on the principles of DMS 506 and applies them to the local church. The aim is to prepare pastors to be the leaders God intends for His church. Specific issues treated include pastoral self-leadership; building a leadership team; creating a healthy staff-board relationship; leading a congregation through change, crises and conflict, and the dynamics that come with growth; effective management of resourcesfrom volunteers to staff development to budgeting and expenditures; and leading the church into the future. 2 credits.

        Coaching required: 8

      • MFM 500 Discovering and Developing Your Ministry Potential 2 This personal assessment course uses a wide variety of tools that will enable you to gain greater insight into how your gifting, personality, passion, and background might best be matched with potential ministry opportunities. Substantial attention will also be given on how to gain maximum profit from formal and informal ministry training. An additional materials fee will be charged. This course should be taken during your first term of studies. 2 credits.
      • MCS 510 Introduction to Coaching 1 This course provides students with a basic foundation for understanding and practicing coaching. Topics covered include: core coaching skills, coaching conversation model, the biblical basis for coaching, and how the student can use coaching in his or her ministries or workplace. 1 credit.
      • MCS 511 Coaching for Change 1 This course provides students the knowledge and skills necessary for coaching individuals and groups through change. Attention is given to understanding different types of change, how to support people going through transitions, and how to use coaching to initiate positive change. Prerequisite: MCS 510. 1 credit.
      • MCS 531 Coaching Practicum 1 1 Prerequisite: MCS 510 and two other MCS courses. 1 credit.
      • MCS 532 Coaching Practicum 2 1 Prerequisite: MCS 531. 1 credit.
      • MCS 533 Coaching Practicum 2 1 Prerequisite: MCS 532. 1 credit.
      • MCS 534 Coaching Practicum 2 1 Prerequisite: MCS 533. 1 credit.

        Coaching restricted electives: Select 6 credits from the courses below, or related electives with advisor approval. (At least 2 credits must be from MCS-prefix courses.) 6

      • MCS 512 Life and Personal Coaching 1 This course provides students with practical tools that can be used when coaching clients through a wide range of personal, life and family isues. Special attention is given to helping students explore how to start a coaching practice, covering topics such as: marketing, legal and financial considerations, networking, and defining your coaching niche. Prerequisite: MCS 510. 1 credit.
      • MCS 513 Coaching Approach to Leading and Managing 1 This course provides students the knowledge and skill necessary for taking a coach approach to working with teams, managing direct reports/volunteers, and leading within a church or other organization. Prerequisite: MCS 510. 1 credit.
      • MCS 514 Coaching in Congregations for Spiritual Development 1 This course provides students the knowledge and skills necessary to apply coaching to faith conversations. Attention is given to how a dialogical approach can be effective for evangelism and discipleship, how coaching can be expressed in the ministries of a local church, and the relationship between coaching competencies and Christian practices. Prerequisite: MCS 510. 1 credit.
      • MCS 515 Coaching and a Brain-Based Approach to Learning 1 In the coaching relationship, the coach is a learning partner in the growth of the person being coached (PBC). This class will provide information on different learning styles, cognitive preferences, and learning processes that reflect how the brain works in order to generate powerful results in the PBC. Skill development focuses upon incorporating the knowledge of learning into coaching questions, statements, and listening. Prerequisite: MCS 510. 1 credit.
      • MCS 516 Using Assessments, Inventories and Tools in Coaching 1 This course provides students an overview of various assessments, inventories, and tools for creating awareness with coaching clients. Among the instruments addressed will be the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Leadership Practices Inventory 360 (LPI 360), Strengths Finder 2.0 and DiSC. Attention will be given to discerning which instruments are most useful in which client situations, what steps are necessary for utilizing various instruments, and how to promote effective client engagement with instruments. Prerequisite: MCS 510. 1 credit.
      • MCS 517 The Language of Coaching 1 This course will focus on the language of coaching. Students will explore the different uses of language, including distinctions, metaphors, stories, formulas and other language formats that are effective when coaching. Prerequisite: MCS 510. 1 credit.
      • MCS 518 Growing Your Coaching Practice 1 This course focuses on creating dynamic coaching relationships. Focus is given to orienting around strengths and high performance patterns. This course introduces students to the basics of establishing a coaching practice, ethical issues in coaching, and how to expand their coaching clientele. Prerequisite: MCS 510. 1 credit.
      • SFS 515 Becoming a Spiritual Director 2 Biblical counseling also entails assisting others to grow in their positive response to God's Spirit so that they might deepen their devotion to the Lord. Traditionally this dimension of interpersonal counseling has been known as spiritual direction. This course will help you develop both an understanding of spiritual direction and skills in providing it as you seek to become a faithful soul friend to others. 2 credits.
      • SFS 545/645 Readings in Contemporary Spirituality 2 In this course you will read contemporary works addressing issues such as spiritual maturity, discipleship, prayer, and the use of spiritual disciplines. Authors chosen will represent Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox perspectives. Cross-listed with CHS 545/645. 2 credits.
      • THS 536/636 Evaluating Approaches to Sanctification 2 Every discipleship method and every exhortation to maturity in Christ originates from a specific theological understanding of sanctification, what one ought to do in order to grow into Christlikeness. This course studies intensively the major models of sanctification and evaluates them against such key passages as Romans 6 and Galatians 5 with the goal of helping you integrate a theology of sanctification which is biblically based and readily applicable to your life and ministry. 2 credits.
      • THS 561/661 Equipping for Spiritual Warfare 2 Spiritual warfare begins with evangelism and discipleship and goes on to helping people traumatized by involvement with the demonic. Knowing the types and limits of satanic stratagems against Christians and the church is essential in our increasingly pagan society. From a strong biblical and theological foundation, we will develop practical methodologies to help people find freedom from spiritual bondage. 2 credits.
    • Open Electives 2

    Total Credits 60