MA in

Ministry Studies

Equip Yourself for Ministry with an MA in Ministry Studies

Gain a broad range of biblical-theological knowledge and practical skills essential for effective ministry leadership with CIU’s Master of Arts in Ministry Studies. You will be well-equipped for leadership in a local church, para-church organization or mission agency. The objectives of the program are designed to ensure that you receive the highest quality education possible, with a focus on biblical principles, cultural analysis and practical ministry application.

Through this program you will develop a deeper understanding of the Bible and its practical application in ministry contexts. You will learn how to effectively engage with diverse cultures and worldviews and gain the skills necessary to become an effective leader and minister.

Specifically, as a student in the Master of Arts program, you will learn to:

  • Synthesize the basic content, context and themes of the Old and New Testaments from a historical-redemptive perspective, with a special emphasis on God’s mission and the Great Commission.
  • Analyze cultures and worldviews from a biblical perspective to equip you to engage in effective, biblically contextualized ministry, making disciples in the church, mission field and marketplace.
  • Apply biblical principles, techniques and paradigms to the practice of leadership, pastoring, preaching, teaching and counseling.
  • Gain practical ministry and organizational knowledge, skills and attitudes through focused internship experiences supervised by an on-site mentor and a faculty advisor.
Location

Campus • Online

Next Start

Campus – January 3, 2025
Online – January 13, 2025

Credit Hours

42

College

Seminary & School of Counseling

Accreditation

ATS, ABHE, SACSCOC

Quick Links

Campus Program Courses
Online Program Courses
Admission Requirements
Cost & Aid

Career Opportunities

  • Pastoring a local congregation
  • Serving as an assistant or associate pastor
  • Leading a para-church or campus ministry team
  • Leading an outreach or discipleship team
  • Leading a marketplace ministry team
  • Discipleship ministry director
  • Next generation (or family) pastor
  • An executive in a nonprofit organization
  • Administrative leadership
  • Pastoral staff
  • Small group leader
  • Teaching pastor
  • Church planter

Evangelical Context

Our evangelical context means that we approach education from a biblical perspective, integrating faith and learning in every aspect of our programs.

Practical & Hands-on

You will have the chance to apply what you learn in the classroom through internships, service projects and other experiential learning opportunities.

Academic & Spiritual

With our emphasis on biblical integration, hands-on learning and dedicated faculty, we are confident that you will find the support and resources you need to achieve your academic and spiritual goals.

Meet the Faculty

Course Preview

In addition to the undergraduate core and other related courses, here is a glimpse at a few of the courses you will be taking in this program.

For a full list of courses related to this program, visit the Academic Catalog at one of the options below:

BIB 5410 Hermeneutics

In this course, you will explore and defend hermeneutical principles and processes based on evangelical presuppositions of Scripture and authorial intended meaning. You will apply an exegetical method to interpret Old and New Testament passages from a variety of biblical genres and apply them to contemporary settings.

ICS 6024 Understanding Cultures & Worldviews

This course will enable you to understand the worldview assumptions that are foundational to a person’s belief systems and behavior patterns. You will analyze the culture and worldview of an ethno-linguistic or socio-economic grouping of people from a biblical worldview perspective. You will also consider elements of biblical contextualization.

MIN 5300 Foundations of Spiritual Formation

In this course, you will examine the foundational principles of spiritual formation for an effective life and ministry with emphasis on personal sanctification and growth with others in a mutually-edifying community.

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You may also be interested in these other similar degree programs:

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