The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry is a graduate degree designed to provide focused theological training and practical ministry preparation for service in church and parachurch contexts. The program allows students to concentrate on ministry practice while developing a strong biblical and theological foundation.
The MACM is well-suited for students who want advanced ministry training without pursuing the broader scope of the Master of Divinity.
Delivered in an online-first format, the program supports students who are actively serving in ministry while balancing vocational and family responsibilities.
The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry is designed for students seeking graduate-level preparation for practical ministry roles.
This includes:
Pastors and ministry leaders seeking focused graduate training
Bivocational ministers serving in church or parachurch contexts
Church staff and ministry practitioners pursuing advanced education
Students preparing for leadership roles without pursuing an MDiv
Most students complete the program part-time while remaining active in ministry and employment.
The MACM curriculum is organized to balance biblical and theological study with practical ministry formation. Students complete coursework across the following areas:
Courses introduce students to the Old and New Testaments, providing a solid foundation in biblical content and interpretation.
Students study systematic theology and church history, developing a theological framework rooted in historic Christian doctrine and Baptist heritage.
This area emphasizes hands-on ministry preparation, including pastoral ministry, disciple-making, evangelism, preaching, and supervised leadership experience. Coursework is designed to integrate academic study with real ministry practice.
Non-ministerial students may substitute approved electives for selected ministry courses.
Courses focus on church administration, leadership, counseling, and Christian education. Students may select electives within this area to support their ministry context and interests.
Electives allow students to further tailor the degree to their ministry focus or areas of professional development.
A defining feature of the MACM program is its emphasis on applied ministry learning. Students engage ministry-focused coursework alongside real-world service, allowing them to immediately apply theological insights within their ministry settings.
Supervised leadership experiences and practical assignments support formation, reflection, and growth in ministry effectiveness.
The MACM program is structured with flexibility for students balancing multiple commitments:
Courses are delivered online
Most part-time students take one to two classes per semester
Live interaction is supported by recorded content for accessibility
This structure allows students to pursue graduate ministry education without stepping away from their calling or vocation.
Admission to the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry requires a completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Applicants are evaluated based on academic readiness and ministry involvement.
Specific admission requirements and prerequisite coursework are outlined in the academic catalog.
If you’re considering the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry and want to understand how the program fits your ministry goals and schedule, our admissions team is ready to help.