MA in Ministry and Leadership

The Master of Arts in Ministry and Leadership degree program enables you to bring transformation to churches and parachurch organizations in a North American context through a rich biblical understanding and a refined leadership skill set. This training spans communication theory, biblical studies, theology, discipleship and spiritual formation—with the result that you'll lead and serve effectively in a wide variety of global ministry roles.

New MAML cohorts are launching in 2025 for Portland and Bay Area ministry leaders!

 

Credits

52

Reduce This!

Months

20

Graduate in less than two years

Online?

Yes

 

Locations

Portland
San Jose
Bay Area Cohort
Portland Cohort

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What Sets Our Leadership Training Apart?

  • An emphasis on building a theological framework that empowers decades of impactful ministry leadership
  • Survey all books of the Bible through the lens of biblical theology
  • A rigorous Candidacy process, ministering to real people under the supervision of an experienced ministry practitioner
  • For Bay Area and Portland ministry leaders, an opportunity to join cohorts that meet once a month in condensed classes.

Curriculum

 

Course List

Foundational Studies: 10 credits
BT501 Hermeneutics 2
BT502 Understanding Biblical Theology 2
CS501 Introduction to Christian Spirituality 2
CS502 Practicing Christian Spirituality 2
MF501 Introduction to Theological Study and Ministry Formation 2
Biblical Studies: 12 credits
BL501 Interpreting Genesis to Song of Solomon 4
BL502 Interpreting the Prophets and Gospel 4
BL503 Interpreting Acts to Revelation 4
Theological Studies: 14 credits
TH501 Knowing the Living God: Theology I 4
TH502 Glorifying the Word of Life: Theology II 4
TH503 Living as the Community of the Spirit: Theology III 4
TH504 Integrating Ministry and Theology 2
Ministerial Studies: 8 credits
ML501 Theology and Practice of Gospel-Centered Ministry 2
ML502 -or- Transformational Leadership 2
WL504 Women in Leadership 2
ML506 Ministerial Ethics 2
MF531 Ministry Leadership Formation Lab I 1
MF532 Ministry Leadership Formation Lab II 1
MF533-34 Ministry Leadership Formation Lab III - IV (P/F graded, lab fee; as needed) 0
Program electives: 6 credits
With advisor approval, select 6 credits from courses with CA, CN, CO, GL, JM, ML, PT, WL or YM prefixes.
Open Electives: 2 credits

Specialize Your Leadership Studies

Increase the relevance of your training by tailoring it to your ministry context. Work with your academic advisor to develop a concentration in a given area of specialization. Specialized areas of study include (but are not limited to):

  • Biblical/Theological Studies
  • Chaplaincy
  • Coaching 
  • Pastoral Studies
  • Women's Transformational Leadership

A Candidacy Process for Real-world Learning

During your Ministry Leadership Formation courses, you'll form a mentoring team within your own ministry setting, while also joining Ministry Leadership groups that work through case studies formed from students' greatest challenges in serving. This process sees you submit a portfolio of ministry experiences after completing half of your studies, combined with an assessment by your mentoring team as well as select faculty. After advancing to candidacy and completing all your courses you graduate with our promise of ministry readiness.

Accessible Scheduling

Whether you hope to enroll at a part-time or full-time pace, on-campus or online, we provide many pathways to accomplish your ministry training goals while you continue to focus on the people, priorities, and places which God has already put in front of you.

Schedule OptionsCome to Threshold

Ministry Training That Keeps Debt Down

Ministry work can bring limited financial reward. That's why we encourage wise financial stewardship as you pay for school. It might surprise you to learn that a minority of our students utilize loans, with most choosing instead to pay out of pocket, with scholarships, or via a monthly payment plan. Look into your options for financial aid.

Admission Requirements

  • A Bachelor's degree from an accredited undergraduate institution
  • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • A completed application for admission and all admissions materials

If you do not have a bachelor's degree or do not meet one of the requirements above, contact an Admissions Counselor to explore alternative MA in Ministry and Leadership admission requirements.