The Master of Arts Degree in Christian Leadership is designed to equip individuals with the theological knowledge, practical skills, and spiritual insights necessary to lead effectively within diverse ministry contexts. This program emphasizes the integration of biblical principles with contemporary leadership practices, fostering a holistic approach to serving the church and community. Through a combination of core courses and electives, students will explore foundational topics such as spiritual leadership, ethical decision-making, and cultural contexts of ministry, while also developing critical skills in areas like mentoring, conflict resolution, and community engagement. By cultivating a deep understanding of their faith and leadership style, graduates will be prepared to inspire, empower, and guide others in fulfilling God’s mission in today’s complex and rapidly changing world.
40 Credit Hours
Core Courses
MBFL 670 Biblical Foundations of Leadership
This course provides a compelling exploration of the biblical principles that underpin effective leadership within the church. This course will delve into the spiritual dimensions of leadership, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals with God’s divine purpose. By studying Blackaby’s insights, students will develop a robust theological framework for leadership that prioritizes servant leadership and spiritual discernment, preparing them to guide others in fulfilling God’s agenda. Textbook: “Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God’s Agenda” by Henry and Richard Blackaby
MTL 680 Theology of Leadership
This course serves as a foundational text for examining the theological implications of leadership as modeled by Christ. This course will explore the character, practices, and teachings of Jesus, highlighting how His leadership style informs contemporary Christian leadership practices. By engaging with McCoy’s analysis, students will gain insights into the spiritual and ethical dimensions of leadership, equipping them to lead with integrity and purpose in their ministries. Textbook: “The Leadership of Jesus: A Theological and Leadership Perspective” by Charles H. McCoy
MECL 690 Ethics in Christian Leadership
This presents a critical examination of the ethical responsibilities and moral dilemmas faced by leaders in various contexts. This course will focus on the application of ethical principles in Christian leadership, encouraging students to reflect on the implications of their decisions and actions in ministry. By engaging with Ciulla’s work, students will develop a framework for ethical decision-making that emphasizes accountability, integrity, and the pursuit of justice in their leadership roles. Textbook: “The Ethics of Leadership” by Joanne B. Ciulla
MTL 695 Transformational Leadership
This course offers a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices that characterize transformational leadership. This course will explore how leaders can inspire and motivate their teams to achieve extraordinary outcomes, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within the church. By studying Bass and Riggio’s insights, students will learn to implement transformational leadership strategies that enhance community engagement and spiritual growth. Textbook: “Transformational Leadership” by Bernard M. Bass and Ronald E. Riggio
MCCM 685 Cultural Contexts of Ministry
This course provides valuable insights into understanding cultural differences and their implications for effective leadership. This course will explore how cultural contexts shape ministry practices and leadership styles, equipping students to navigate the complexities of diverse congregations and communities. By engaging with Meyer’s framework, students will develop cultural intelligence that enhances their ability to communicate and lead effectively in a globalized church environment. Textbook: “The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business” by Erin Meyer.
MCDE 675 Community Development and Engagement
This course offers practical strategies for fostering community engagement and social change. This course will examine the role of Christian leaders in community development initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, empowerment, and sustainability. By studying Chaskin’s approaches, students will gain the tools necessary to effectively engage their communities, promoting holistic development that reflects the values of the Gospel. Textbook: “Community Development: A Handbook for the Community Development Practitioner” by Robert J. Chaskin.
MCRM 665 Conflict Resolution in Ministry
This course provides essential strategies for navigating and resolving conflicts within church settings. This course will focus on the nature of conflict, its underlying causes, and effective resolution techniques that promote healing and reconciliation. By engaging with Chan’s insights, students will learn to address conflicts with wisdom and grace, equipping them to foster unity and harmony within their ministries. Textbook: “Resolving Conflict in Your Ministry” by Kenneth K. W. Chan.
MLO 655 Leadership and Organizational Development
This is a provoking exploration of the common challenges that hinder effective teamwork and organizational health. This course will examine the dynamics of team leadership and organizational development, emphasizing the importance of trust, accountability, and commitment. By engaging with Lencioni’s principles, students will develop strategies to build cohesive teams that work collaboratively towards shared goals in their ministries. Textbook: “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable” by Patrick Lencioni.
MMCC 645 Mentoring and Coaching in the Church
This course serves as a foundational resource for understanding the significance of mentoring and coaching in Christian leadership. This course will explore the principles and practices of effective mentoring, emphasizing the role of leaders in developing others. By studying Maxwell’s insights, students will gain the skills necessary to cultivate meaningful mentor-mentee relationships that foster personal and spiritual growth within their communities. Textbook: “Mentoring 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know” by John C. Maxwell
MHP 620 Homiletics (Preaching)
This course provides essential guidance for developing and delivering effective sermons rooted in scripture. This course will focus on the principles of expository preaching, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation and clear communication. By engaging with Robinson’s methodologies, students will enhance their preaching skills, equipping them to communicate God’s word powerfully and persuasively in their ministries. Textbook: “Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages” by Haddon W. Robinson.
MME 650 Mission and Evangelism
This course advocate for a holistic approach to ministry in the contemporary world. This course will explore the theological foundations of mission, emphasizing the importance of contextualization and social justice. By engaging with Bosch’s insights, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of mission that equips them to effectively share the gospel and serve their communities in meaningful ways. Textbook: “Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission” by David J. Bosch.
MSF 640 Spiritual Formation
This course provides a profound exploration of the spiritual disciplines that cultivate a deeper relationship with God. This course will examine practices such as prayer, fasting, and study, emphasizing their role in personal and communal spiritual growth. By engaging with Willard’s teachings, students will develop a holistic approach to spiritual formation, preparing them to lead others in their journey of faith and discipleship. Textbook: “The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives” by Dallas Willard.
Research Thesis (3 to Choose from) (4 Credit Hours)
“Transformational Leadership in the Church: Principles and Practices for Effective Ministry”
Pages: 25
Word Count: 10,000
“Servant Leadership: A Biblical Model for Church Leadership in the 21st Century”
Pages: 25
Word Count: 10,000
“Navigating Change: Leadership Strategies for Revitalizing Declining Congregations”
Pages: 25
Word Count: 10,000