MA in Christian Ministry
About The Program
The MA in Christian Ministry degree provides students with specialised knowledge and skills to serve as members of leadership teams in local church or para-church contexts. It prepares students to equip and mobilise congregations for Christ-centred spiritual formation that overflows into Kingdom-focused living.
In addition to the mission statement and general objectives and requirements of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies offered by Martin Luther Christian University, the objectives of the MA in Christian Ministry degree are to enable students to:
- Articulate the purpose and principles of Christian ministry leadership.
- Develop leadership strategies for missional renewal within a current realm of influence, including a theological foundation and accountability structure.
- Communicate biblical truth with the goal of life transformation.
This program is available through Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE).
Competency Based Theological Education
The School of Theology and Religious Studies aims to offer a one-year competency-based Theological Education (CBTE) program. This program provides a flexible, self-paced path for those pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry Studies. CBTE reimagines the academy by centring on the triad - the church, the student, and the institution. CBTE is producing the next generation of capable, well-equipped ministry leaders, including pastors, missionaries, and other leaders. This innovative learning model allows graduates to demonstrate mastery of biblical knowledge, leadership skills, and ministry competencieswithout the constraints of a traditional semester schedule.
We will partner with the local church to equip the next generation with a Christ-centred curriculum, personalised mentoring, and real-world application. STRS's CBTE program provides a streamlined, affordable approach to earning a PG degree while actively serving in churches, non-profits, or mission fields. The graduates will be equipped to lead with confidence and impact lives in the community and the churches.
Core Competency Examples
| CATEGORY | SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES |
|---|---|
| Biblical | Applying biblical exegesis, articulating personal theology. |
| Intercultural | Embracing diversity, understanding postcolonial contexts. |
| Leadership | Conflict resolution, team building, strategic visioning. |
| Formation | Spiritual disciplines, resilient character, lifestyle balance. |
The hybrid model of Competency-Based Theological Education (CBTE) is a flexible academic framework in which students demonstrate mastery of specific ministry competencies through a blend of online, offline and on-site learning. Unlike traditional time-based programmes, hybrid CBTE emphasises "learning constant, time varies," allowing students to progress as they demonstrate proficiency in head (knowledge), heart (character), and hands (skills).
Core Components of a Hybrid CBTE Program
- Contextual Ministry Learning: Most of the program takes place "at the speed of life" within a student's local church or ministry context. Students apply theoretical concepts immediately to real-world scenarios.
- Mentor Team Structure: Students are supported by a diverse team typically consisting of an academic mentor (seminary faculty), a ministry mentor (on-the-ground practitioner), and sometimes a denominational mentor.
- Blended Delivery Methods:
◦ Online Components: Students engage in self-paced digital coursework, attend virtual seminars, participate in discussion forums, and submit various forms of evidence (videos, blogs, papers) for assessment.
◦ On-site Components: Periodic in-person elements, such as monthly meetups, quarterly intensives, or weekend "face-to-face" sessions on campus or at local church sites, provide deep social interaction and practical workshops. - Mastery-Based Assessment: Credits are awarded based on demonstrated mastery of standardised outcomes rather than accumulated seat-time or credit hours. Students often need to achieve a high standard (e.g., a minimum "B" grade equivalent) to progress to the next competency.
Duration
1 year (2 semesters)
Eligibility
BD & M.Div qualified individuals who are currently engaged in the church ministry.