A program as unique as your calling.
Embrace spiritual and professional formation to prepare for the journey ahead. The MA in Christian Leadership (MACL) is flexible by design, providing a core of spiritual formation, biblical and theological courses that are supplemented by electives in a chosen area of specialization. Complete the exploration of your calling with supervised practical experience.
Students interested in chaplaincy can work toward APC board certification through an MACL with Chaplaincy concentration.
Why EMS? Flexibility, personal formation, and a breadth of resources.
- Our formation classes will encourage you to focus on your own formation during the seminary journey, helping you to be healthier in your vocation.
- You will develop relationships with faculty who can provide mentoring and advice in your ministry.
Curriculum (48 SH)
30 credits of required core courses:
- FS 503 Formation in Spiritual Practices (3)
- FS 504 Formation in Narrative Identity (3)
- BIBL 511 Hebrew Bible: Text in Context (3)
- BIBL 512 New Testament: Text in Context (3)
- CTH 501 Christian Tradition I or CTH 512 Christian Tradition II (3)
- CTT 634 Living Theology (3)
- CM 644 Decolonizing Intercultural Studies (3)
- Choose one Advanced Theological studies (CTT, CTE or CTH) course (3)
- BIBL 621 Interpreting the Biblical Text (3)
- Choose one Biblical Studies (BIBL) course (3)
18 credits of ministry specialization and electives:*
- Choose two SMCL courses (6)
- At least 3 semester hours of supervised ministry experience:
- FS 601 Formation in Ministry I (3)
- SMFE 601-602 CPE (6)
- FS 698/699 Formation in Vocation and Leadership I and II (3)
- Additional courses to fulfill remaining credits
Possible Ministry Specializations:
- Christian spiritual formation
- Chaplaincy (see concentration curriculum) and pastoral care
- Congregational ministries (e.g. children and youth, education, and worship)
- Intercultural ministry
*UMC students seeking deacon ordination need to to check with his/her conference to confirm all requirements are met. A specified degree plan can be found in the seminary catalog.
