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!
Credits52 |
Months20 Graduate in less than two years |
Online?Yes
|
LocationsPortland |
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.