The Master of Arts in Global Leadership Degree Program

Program Overview

The purpose of the Master of Arts (MA) in Global Leadership (MAGL) program is to equip Christians for ministry leadership in a global context. It combines the core ministry and leadership skills with a focused ministry specialization preparing one to work in diverse cultural settings of the world. There is a growing need for leadership in the “Global South” – the regions of Asia, Africa, and Central/South America in addition to the diverse cultural settings of Europe and North America. The program is designed to serve students from one global setting preparing to serve in another, or for students in one setting preparing to serve with individuals from diverse global and cultural groups. It provides both the foundation and the expertise for service as a bi-vocational or professional worker in a variety of contexts. It also serves as an excellent degree program for those preparing for doctoral studies in intercultural leadership or intercultural education.

Students will take a common sequence of courses to build the core outcomes in Christian spirituality studies, biblical and theological studies, and ministry studies. Students take specialized courses preparing them to understand and work effectively in diverse cultural settings, including the life-long skill of being a self-directed learner in diverse and changing cultural settings.

A distinctive element of the program is a four-semester sequence of mentorship that is designed in partnership with the specific needs of a particular global setting or ministry organization. In concert with the requirements of the identified ministry setting or organization, the student selects eight credits of ministry specialization studies required for that field. Those areas have included specializations such as, but not limited to leadership development, intercultural education, business as mission, intercultural counseling, relief and development, Spanish, coaching, and TESOL.

MA Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The MA in Global Ministry program goals include:

  • Cultivate skills in the efficient study, interpretation and application of Scripture to life and ministry
  • Promote growth in Christian maturity demonstrated through effective interpersonal relationships
  • Develop understanding and skill in self-awareness, social competence, and ministry formation in diverse cultural settings
  • Provide theoretical and practical skills for global leadership of ministry

Program learning outcomes:

  • Students understand and integrate Scripture in decision making and problem solving.
  • Students are committed to an ongoing process of spiritual formation that is clearly grounded in the Gospel.
  • Students demonstrate cultural awareness in theological thinking and ministerial practice.
  • Students display competent leadership in a global ministry setting.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Seminary, applicants for the MAGL program must possess a four-year baccalaureate degree or its educational equivalent from a college or university accredited by a United States association holding membership in one of the seven regional accrediting associations, membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada, membership in the Association for Biblical Higher Education, or from an institution which maintains similar academic requirements and standards. Additionally, MA applicants must present a GPA of 3.0 or higher, including a breadth of liberal arts. Applicants who do not meet these general academic requirements may petition the Admissions Committee for consideration. A recommendation from the applicant’s pastor and three personal recommendations regarding the applicant’s Christian character and leadership also are required.

Degree Requirements

Students may complete their studies in as few as five semesters, or two years, including field leadership mentorship. The program is designed around a biblical and theological core of 24 credit hours, a personal and spiritual formation sequence of 4 credit hours, a global leadership sequence of 12 credit hours, and a ministry specialization sequence of 8 credit hours. These 8 credits of ministry specialization are designed in consultation with the program director to develop an area of expertise suited for global ministry. A significant part of the program is a mentored internship lasting four semesters that includes the development of an effective ministry in a global, multicultural context.

The MAGL degree is conferred upon the attainment of certain personal and academic requirements. In addition to the general seminary requirements, degree candidates must (1) give evidence of a genuine Christian character, orthodox belief, and conduct consistent with a God-given call to a position of leadership; (2) complete all courses in the prescribed MA curriculum with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

All work leading to the MAGL degree program must be completed within five years from the time of matriculation. Permission to extend the five-year statute of limitations must be granted through the submission of an academic petition. Reinstatement to the program after withdrawal requires Admissions Committee action and may subject the student to additional requirements for the degree. All credits applied toward the degree requirements earned within ten years of the awarding of the degree. Alternatively, new or re-entering students whose prior coursework exceeds the ten-year limit may request to demonstrate current competency by examination up to the advanced standing credit limitations for each degree program as specified elsewhere in this catalog.

Master of Arts in Global Leadership Curriculum Plan

Foundational Studies: 4 credits
CS501 Learning to Love God and Others 2
MF501 Introduction to Theological Study and Ministry Formation 2
Biblical Interpretation Studies: 12 credits
BL501
Interpreting Genesis to Song of Solomon 4
BL502
Interpreting the Prophets and Gospels 4
BL503
Interpreting Acts to Revelation 4
Theological Studies: 12 credits
TH501 Knowing the Triune God: Theology I 4
TH502 Glorifying the God of Our Salvation: Theology II 4
TH503 Living as the Community of the Spirit: Theology III 4
Global Leadership Studies: 12 credits
GL501 Spiritual Formation and Discipleship in the Global Context 2
GL502 Theology in the Global Context 2
GL503 Leadership in the Global Context 2
GL504 Cultural Apologetics for Global Leadership 2
GL531 Field Leadership Mentorship I 1
GL532 Field Leadership Mentorship II 1
GL533 Field Leadership Mentorship III 1
GL534 Field Leadership Mentorship IV 1
Note: Check with your program advisor for GL531-534 details.
Ministry Specialization Studies: 8 credits
Restricted ministry electives focusing on one area of ministry specialization with program director approval.