CHRISTIAN MINISTRY
Master of Arts
Mid-America Christian University’s Master of Arts in Christian Ministry is designed for individuals called to serve in a wide range of Christian ministry roles, from pastoral leadership to faith-based organizational service. The program builds a solid foundation in biblical exegesis, Wesleyan-Arminian theology, and church history, while also emphasizing spiritual formation, pastoral care, and effective communication of the gospel through preaching, teaching, and evangelism. Students gain valuable insight into contemporary leadership, discipleship, and apologetics, equipping them to lead with confidence and clarity in both church and community-based ministry environments.
Students in the program can customize their degree by choosing from six specialized emphasis areas: Ministry Leadership, Pastoral Studies, Theological Studies, Biblical Studies, Christian Leadership, or Pastoral Care and Crisis. Each emphasis allows students to deepen their expertise in a specific area of ministry, tailoring their academic experience to align with their calling and vocational goals. Whether preparing for pastoral ministry, teaching, counseling, or organizational leadership, MACU’s flexible program structure ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the unique challenges of modern ministry.
Learn more about our partnership with the Global Methodist Church (GMC)!
Career Outcomes With an Christian Ministry Degree
Earning your Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) from Mid-America Christian University equips you with the biblical foundation, theological depth, and practical leadership skills necessary to serve effectively in diverse ministry and faith-based settings. Grounded in the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition, this program prepares you for pastoral leadership, spiritual care, and organizational service across churches, parachurch organizations, and community ministries.
Graduates with a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry are prepared for a variety of pastoral and organizational leadership roles, including:
| Senior / Lead Pastor $68,500 | Associate / Executive Pastor $62,000 | Healthcare / Military Chaplain $66,500 |
| Non-Profit / Parachurch Director $72,000 | Youth / NextGen Pastor $48,500 | Director of Pastoral Care & Outreach $54,000 |
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry Curriculum
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry students complete 18 credit hours of core Christian Ministry courses that build foundational skills in ministry and 18-42 credit hours in emphasis courses, depending on the emphasis chosen.
MA Christian Ministry Core Courses
The 18 credits of core courses in the Christian Ministry program consist of the following courses:
- +BIOT 5113 Old Testament Studies
- +BINT 5203 New Testament Studies
- BINT 5023 Inductive Methodology
- THEO 5113 Systematic Theology
- PMIN 5463 Evangelism in a Post-Modern Era
- THEO 5233 Spiritual Formation from a Wesleyan Perspective
+ Prerequisite
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry Emphasis Courses
Ministry Leadership
- THEO 5213 Wesleyan-Arminian Theology
- PMIN 5343 Wesleyan Polity and Practices
- OR PMIN 5453 OR Church of God Distinctives
- PMIN 5903 The Art and Practice of Preaching
- PMIN 5803 Congregational Care
- THEO 5313 History of Christian Thought I
- THEO 5323 History of Christian Thought II
- THEO 5333 Apologetics
- PMIN 5303 Christian Worship from a Wesleyan Perspective
- OR PMIN 5353 OR Wesleyan Worship and Sacramental Theology
- PMIN 5473 Leadership Formation and Strategy
- THEO 5403 Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
- BINT 5133 The Gospels
- BIOT 5903 The Pentateuch
- PMIN ____ Christian Ministry Elective
- PMIN ____ Christian Ministry Elective
Christian Leadership
- MGMT 5353 Advanced Professional Communications
- MGMT 5113 Organizational Behavior
- ML 5143 Leadership Theory and Practice
- ML 5243 Leading Change and Innovation
- ML 5273 Non-profit Leadership
- ML 6023 Integrative Leadership Project
Pastoral Care and Crisis
- COUN 5713 Human Development
- COUN 5213 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
- COUN 5233 Alcohol and Drug Addiction
- COUN 6533 Intervntn of Indiv & Families in Crisis & Trauma
- PMIN 6946 Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Unit 1
- OR PMIN 5803 Congregational Care AND PMIN 5033 Church’s Ministry to Families
Pastoral Studies
- PMIN 5903 The Art and Practice of Preaching
- PMIN 5803 Congregational Care
- PMIN 5303 Christian Worship from a Wesleyan Perspective
- OR PMIN 5353 OR Wesleyan Worship and Sacramental Theology
- PMIN 5473 Leadership Formation and Strategy
- PMIN 5343 Wesleyan Polity and Practices
- OR PMIN 5453 OR Church of God Distinctives
- PMIN 6933 Integrative Ministry Practicum
Theological Studies
- THEO 5213 Wesleyan -Arminian Theology
- THEO 5223 Theological Method
- THEO 5403 Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
- THEO 5313 History of Christian Thought I
- THEO 5323 History of Christian Thought II
- THEO 5333 Apologetics
Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are approved as dual credit or electives for students accepted into the 4+1 Accelerated Program.
For more information on MACU’s Christian Ministry degree program, check out the academic catalog and degree plan.
Tuition and Financial Aid
MACU prioritizes affordability in its Christian Ministry program, including by offering discounts for active duty and veteran military students and MACU alumni.
Master of Arts in Christian Ministry
$525 per credit hour
Learn more about MACU’s costs and fees and financial aid for graduate students.
Admission Requirements
The School of Ministry admission requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- A minimum 2.75 GPA, either cumulatively or in the last 60 credit hours
Learn more about MACU’s admissions policies.
FAQs About the Evening and Online Christian Ministry Degree Program
How long is the Christian Ministry program?
Christian Ministry students can complete MACU’s Master of Arts in Christian Ministry program in less than 2 years. The program consists of 36 credit hours in core Christian Ministry courses and emphasis courses, with one exception: the Ministry Leadership emphasis totals 60 credit hours.
For adult students balancing schoolwork with professional and personal responsibilities, MACU offers its flexible graduate courses in six-week formats within a 12-week term. These courses are available fully online or in a hybrid format that combines online learning with in-person class meetings, typically one evening per week on campus.
What are the start dates for the program?
MACU offers multiple start dates throughout the year for its accelerated online and evening classes. Learn more by visiting MACU’s academic calendar.
Is the MA in Christian Ministry degree program accredited?
Yes, MACU’s MA in Christian Ministry program holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This regional accrediting agency recognizes institutions that meet high academic standards.
What are the career outcomes with an MA in Christian Ministry?
Earning a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree can lead to a career in congregational leadership, chaplaincy, non-profit administration, or community outreach. Graduates can pursue roles such as Lead Pastor, Healthcare or Military Chaplain, Non-Profit Director, Executive Pastor, or Outreach Coordinator.
Why pursue an MA in Christian Ministry at MACU?
The School of Ministry at MACU prioritizes accessibility and affordability. Students can earn their Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from MACU in under 2 years, with flexible course formats designed for busy adults and active ministers. Graduates with a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry are prepared to lead vibrant faith communities, deliver compassionate spiritual care, and drive impactful community outreach.
Meet our Ministry Faculty
DR. JUSTIN KEY
Chair/Professor
dr. Michael sanders
Professor
dr. wendell sutton
Professor
DR. DAWN MEADOWS
Dean of Academic Instruction
dr. cliff sanders
Professor Emeritus